Duffy's Early Life:
Aimee Anne Duffy was born in Wales on June 23, 1984. She started singing at the age of six, and at age 11, was thrown out of her school choir due her voice not fitting with the rest of the group. She credits some of her vocal style to a fight with her sister as a child in which Duffy's nose was broken. In 1998, her stepfather received threats on his life from an ex-wife which caused the family to be put into a safe house until the ex-wife was apprehended and sentenced to a 3 1/2 year jail term.
The Beginning of a Singing Career:
At the age of 15, Duffy began singing in local clubs. She was invited to appear on a Welsh version of Pop Idol in 2003. A strong favorite to win the competition, Duffy had to settle for second place. Around this time she officially dropped Aimee and Anne from her name and became known personally and professionally as simply Duffy. She recorded a four-song EP in Welsh in 2004. This was the beginning of successful efforts to wedge her foot in the door of the music industry.
Duffy's Singing Style:
In 2007, Duffy began to be referred to in the music press as one of the "new Amys." This is in reference to similarity in vocal style to that of Amy Winehouse. Her singing is also often compared to that of '60s pop legend Dusty Springfield. There is an arresting soulfulness to her vocals that blends successfully with rootsy R&B instrumental accompaniments.
Rockferry:
A limited edition of the single "Rockferry" appeared in November 2007 in the UK. It was enough to get Duffy listed by critics as one of the top acts to watch for 2008. Her debut album, also titled Rockferry, was released in the UK on March 3, 2008. The album and the single "Mercy" both went straight to #1 on the UK charts. A 3rd single, "Warwick Avenue," headed into the top 10 in May 2008.
The album Rockferry was released in the US with great critical fanfare in May 2008. It debuted at #4 on the chart fueled by the rise of the single "Mercy."
