Categories: 45 rpmAudioHistoryOldies

Found Performance: “Goldfinger” by Shirley Bassey

I heard a Shirley Bassey record the other day and that got me thinking about her unforgettable voice and her contribution to the many James Bond theme songs. Dwarfing all others was “Goldfinger.” It’s the epitome of a Bond theme. In my book, the closest runner up as a Bond theme was “Thunderball” by Tom Jones. Dame Shirley Bassey is a Welsh singer (as is Tom Jones). She has been a giant in Europe and the first Welsh artist to have a #1 song in Great Britain (“As I Love You” from 1959).

In the U.S., Goldfinger was Bassey’s only Billboard Hot 100 smash. It peaked at#8 in January 1965. Even more impressive, the Goldfinger soundtrack album, including her renowned single, went to #1 on the U.S. album charts. Bassy recorded two other Bond theme songs — “Diamonds Are Forever” (1971), and “Moonraker” (1979). But “Goldfinger” is the one that stood above all others.

This “Found Performance” originally came from a TV performance in which Bassey performed three songs. The photography and the setting are both intriguing. Bassey exhibited a sensual, sexy and graceful style. I don’t know exactly where it was shot, maybe the set represents a gold mine? Regardless, it is an interesting look into the early days of the genre that would give us music videos.

If you were around in the sixties, “Goldfinger” received lots of radio and jukebox play. The beginning of this clip pays homage to the good old days of the classic jukebox in almost every restaurant and bar. The video is at ad free Vimeo. Click on the start button 2x – first time to get to Vimeo and once you’re there click again to start the video.

Steven Smith

Presently editor and historical writer with QZVX.COM. Experienced former radio broadcaster and radio station owner, 1970-1999. Journalism and speech communications degrees. I enjoy researching articles and online reporting that allows me to meld together words, audio and video. View other articles by Steven Smith

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Jay Hamilton says:

July 1, 2020 at

Steve ~ I was lucky enough to see Shirley Bassey in concert at the Greek Theater in LA in the late summer of 1968. I had done a favor for a friend (at the time somehow involved with Lou Rawls' management) who repaid me with backstage passes and 2nd row seats in the orchestra pit to a Lou Rawls concert that featured Ms Bassey as the opening act. I actually don't recall much about Lou Rawls (other than meeting him backstage), but Shirley's stage performance was supremely memorable. Not only did she have a truly terrific voice, but she was absolutely gorgeous. One of my better memories of my time living in LA LA Land.