The Belle Stars were a British pop/rock band. Formed in 1980, they are best known for their 1983 hit single "Sign of the Times" as well as their cover of "Iko Iko" originally released in 1982 and featured on the soundtrack to the film Rain Man in 1988.
After the 2-Tone band The Bodysnatchers broke up in 1980, guitarists Stella Barker and Sarah-Jane Owen, saxophonist Miranda Joyce, keyboardist Penny Leyton, and drummer Judy Parsons formed a new band, recruiting bass player Lesley Shone and lead vocalist Jennie Matthias (also known as Jennie Bellestar). Their first performance was on Christmas Day 1980, before they had chosen a name. Black Sabbath keyboardist and noted heavy rock-progressive rock session musician, Gerald Woodroffe was also recruited.
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Links to Peel[]
The Belle Stars - Hiawatha - 1981
Peel played their debut single, 'Hiawatha' on his show in 1981. However, there doesn't seem to be any evidence of him playing any further material, according to available tracklistings on this site. Some of the members of the group were previously in the Bodysnatchers, who also did the 'Hiawatha' track for their second Peel session.
Shows Played[]
- 1981
- 21 June 1981 (BFBS): Hiawatha (7") Stiff