Biography
There is something truly spectacular about award winning singer and songwriter Kate Ceberano. Whether it is her soulful voice, her charismatic nature or exotic looks, she has become a legendary Australian icon over the past twenty-five years. A woman widely respected not only by the music industry, but also for her ability to juggle an abundance of other roles. From television appearances (Dancing with the Stars, It Takes Two, Who Do You Think You Are), to charity work (Ambassador for the National Breast Cancer Foundation), to motherhood.
Kate first found fame with her funk band ‘I’m Talking’, a group that was managed by Ken West, who went on to found the Big Day Out with partner Vivien Lees. The group’s album produced three top ten singles, went Platinum and won Best New Talent (1984) at the Countdown Awards. Kate won Best Female Vocalist (1985) at the Countdown Awards as well as Best Female Singer (1985) at the Australian Record Industry Association (ARIA) Awards. However after just one album, the group broke up and Kate went solo, and it was in the late 80s that she started to gain reputed success for her soul, jazz and pop repertoire.
“I get so frustrated with how I see people give up too soon in this industry,” says Ceberano who has been nominated for ARIA awards seven times, a figure matched only by Kylie Minogue. “You can be dissuaded from wanting to continue in the music business, but you have got to weather out the hard knocks. My mother gave me the greatest compliment of my life when she said; the thing with Kate is that she recovers fast. And that is how you have to be. You just can’t give up; everyone is going to have an opinion about you. Everyone is going to love and hate you. You just have to soldier on.”
Kate’s first solo album was the live set Kate Ceberano and Her Septet (1987). Her following album You've Always Got The Blues (1988) earned her an ARIA Award for Best Female Artist (1988). One year later, she won another ARIA for Best Female Artist (1989), as well as one for Highest Selling Single (1989) for Bedroom Eyes from her triple platinum album, Brave. At the end of 1990, she received three prestigious MO Awards for Jazz Performer, Female Rock Performer and Contemporary Concert Performer of the Year.
In 1992, Kate performed the role of Mary in Jesus Christ Superstar. The show (which also featured John Farnham) toured nationally, and the album was the biggest hit of the year - going an incredible 4 times Platinum. In 1993 Kate won a Logie Award for Most Popular Music Video for ‘Everything’s Alright’ taken from the show.
Kate followed this with her own late-night cabaret-style show on ABC TV called Kate Ceberano And Friends (1993-1994). In 1996 Kate released her next solo album Blue Box, which went Gold and saw her nominated for another Best Female Artist ARIA. In 1997 Kate wrote and released what has become an Australian classic - Pash. It went Gold and established Kate as one of our leading female songwriters.
In 2007, Kate saluted the 80’s with her album Nine Lime Avenue, a tribute to a decade that she holds close to her heart. In fact, the album was named after her childhood street. Nine Lime Avenue was recorded in an unbelievable three weeks, whilst Kate was also tearing up the stage on season six of Channel 7’s Dancing With The Stars, of which she was crowned champion. The show was the third highest rated TV program of 2007, beaten only by the AFL and NRL Grand Finals.
“The songs are recorded in Melbourne and are nostalgic. I hope they inspire others to reminisce in time as well.” Says Kate Ceberano.
Inspire they did, as we saw the album shoot to #5 in the ARIA charts, and achieve Platinum sales. Kate followed this success by embarking on her national Nine Lime Avenue theatre tour along with Dancing With The Stars partner John-Paul Collins, which was a sell-out.
2008 saw the release of Kate Ceberano’s 17th album So Much Beauty, the summation of everything that has made this Australian singer exceptional in the past and makes her exceptional still. This is where she’s come to, thanks in part to where she’s been.
In 2009 Kate released ‘Bittersweet’ built on a shared musical connection with Mark Isham. After performing together in the US and forming a great musical bond, our Australian singer, songwriter, actor, Logie Award and multiple ARIA award winner joined Grammy Award winner Mark Isham on a quest based on their mutual love for “bitter-sweet, broken-hearted love songs” from the 30’s, 40’s and 50’s. 2009 also saw the release of ‘Merry Christmas’ which achieved Gold status joining the already long list of Kate Ceberano’s achievements. With five Platinum albums, five Gold albums and over 1 million albums sold in Australia alone.
Doing what she loves most, making beautiful music; Kate Ceberano has released 18 albums over her 25 years of success in the music industry. In November 2010 Kate re-released her beautiful ‘Merry Christmas’ album complete with stunning duets with Ronan Keating, David Campbell, Mark Vincent and Jimmy Little. The album became the official National Breast Cancer Foundation album with proceeds from each sale going towards the foundation.
Like many high-profile musicians, Kate Ceberano is known to use her celebrity to support and bring awareness to causes close to her heart; recently being appointed the Victorian Ambassador for the National Breast Cancer Foundation. Her role sees her help raise funds and awareness about an illness that affects many lives. “I like to be as involved as I possibly can in causes I feel strongly about,” says Ceberano of her appointment. “Yes I am a musician, but if I can do more to help others then I will.”
As a female artist who has been in the Australian music industry for over twenty-five years, Kate Ceberano has defied all the odds and continues to find success in all that she does.
“I know I am privileged to be where I am at in my career. I don’t take anything for granted,” she says. “I am very thrilled to have this opportunity to follow my love of music, but I work hard to be where I am.”
In 2011, and beyond, Kate will continue to record new material in preparation for a new album release. She is also planning on a nationwide tour for late 2011 along with her numerous television appearances. Kate Ceberano’s exciting journey continues...
Albums
2010 Merry Christmas
2009 Merry Christmas (Gold)
2009 Bittersweet
2008 So Much Beauty (Gold)
2007 Nine Lime Avenue (Platinum)
2006 Kate Ceberano Live with the West Australian Symphony Orchestra
2004 19 Days In New York (Gold)
2003 The Girl Can Help It
1999 True Romantic; The Best Of Kate Ceberano (Double Platinum)
1997 Pash (Gold)
1996 Blue Box (Gold)
1994 Kate & Friends (Platinum)
1992 Jesus Christ Superstar Cast Album (4 x Platinum, 10 wks at Number 1)
1991 Think About It
1990 Like Now
1988 Brave (Triple Platinum)
1988 You've Always Got The Blues (Platinum)
1987 Kate Ceberano & Her Septet (Gold)
1986 Bear Witness (Platinum)
Award Highlights
2007 Series 6 Winner - Dancing With the Stars (Channel 7)
1999 Outstanding Achievement in the Arts in Asia - Business Asia Awards
1994 Peoples Choice Awards Favourite Female Singer (record 3rd time)
1993 Peoples Choice Awards Favourite Female Singer
1993 Logie Award Most Popular Music Video “Everything’s Alright”
1992 Peoples Choice Awards Favourite Female Singer
1990 MO Awards - Jazz Performer of the Year
1990 MO Awards - Female Rock Performer of the Year
1990 MO Awards - Contemporary Concert Performer of the Year
1989 Monte Carlo World Music Awards - Highest Selling Australian Artist
1989 ARIA Award - Highest Selling Australian Single
1989 ARIA Award - Best Female Artist
1988 ARIA Award - Best Female Artist (Kate has been nominated 7 times; a record equaled only by Kylie Minogue)
1987 Coca Cola Australia Music Award - Most Popular Female Performer
1987 Asian Popular Song Competition Winner
1986 Countdown Awards - Best Female Artist
1985 Countdown Awards - Best Female Artist
Television
Getaway - Host Channel 9
The Circle - Host Channel 10
Kate and Friends - Host ABC
Teen Educational Program - Host ABC
Dancing With The Stars - Series 6 Winner - Channel 7
It Takes Two - Channel 7
Who Do You Think You Are - SBS
X-Factor - Host Channel 10
Film
Molokai: The Story of Father Damien (2002)
Dust Off The Wings (1996)
Garbo (1990)
Arguing the Toss of a Cat (1989)
Quotes
"I have always had enormous respect for Kate, her passion for music and incredible work ethic has ensured a long and successful career.“
Denis Handlin, Sony Music
"I admire Kate for her passion and sheer joy of playing for an audience. She is an outstanding, generous entertainer and a much loved Australian.“
Brian Walsh, Foxtel
"Truly one of the great voices this country has produced. Kate sings with such passion, heart and joy it is impossible not to be completely carried to wherever she wants you go!!!! Not only an amazing singer but an extraordinary performer - Kate's singing simply melts your heart."
Hugh Jackman
"Kate is a world class artist”
Isaac Hayes
'Kate is a warm chocolate tart'
Mietta O'Donnell
'Kate has an expressive, supple voice, equally at home singing pop or jazz..... she's doing it all, eating her cake and having it too.'
Paul Kelly
“A sublime and emotive singer"
Juice Magazine
“Pure, soulful and powerful”
Rolling Stone Magazine
"From brash to ballsy to sophisticated and sexy."
The Sunday Telegraph
"Kate Ceberano. Certified star. Voice par excellence."
Sunday Times.
"Kate is incredible. I think America could use her spirit right now - and her music. She's a sexy, hot, amazingly talented woman."
Jenna Elfman, Golden Globe winning star of Dharma & Greg
"Kate has an uncanny ability of turning three or four words into a breathtaking experience. Her vocal range and performance style is a combination that defies description."
Sir Tim Rice, lyricist of Evita, Jesus Christ Superstar, The Lion King , winner of three Academy Awards & numerous Grammy’s.
"Kate's music is familiar and yet totally new and inspired. Her voice is so delicious to listen to whether it's an emotional ballad or an upbeat pop song. But the real thrill is to see her live on stage; she is simply mesmerising."
Juliette Lewis, Oscar-nominated actress
"Kate is the most seductive songstress working today. She is charismatic, charming and compelling. A treat to the eye and ear."
Fred Schepsi, Director Six Degrees of Separation
"Absolutely the most incredible singer I've ever heard - no kidding! She makes me feel so much; laughing, crying, she completely captivates an audience."
Catherine Bell, Jag
"Kate has such a magical aura, it's empowering to be in the same space as her. She's virtually the most alluring and emotionally potent performer I've ever seen."
Collette Dinnigan, Fashion Designer
"Unbelievable album. Great songwriting. Her vocal performances are magnificent."
Ed Cherney, Grammy-award winning engineer (Bonnie Rait, Bette Midler)