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Billy Joel
Billy Joel


Background information
Birth name William Martin Joel
Born May 9, 1949
Born place The Bronx, New York, United States
Origin Hicksville, New York, United States
Genre(s) Rock
Pop
Jazz
Classical
Years active 1964—present
Label(s) Columbia Records
Sony Music
Family Productions U.S.
Associated acts Elton John
Bruce Springsteen
Echoes
The Hassles
Attila
Website Website



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Speech Debelle Crowned 2009 Mercury Prize Winner

September 9, 2009
Speech Debelle Crowned 2009 Mercury Prize WinnerSpeech Debelle has won the 2009 Mercury Prize at an awards ceremony in London.

The London rapper’s debut album ‘Speech Therapy’ was one of twelve albums shortlisted for the prize.

Debelle thanked her family and band members as she accepted the prize and the £20,000 winner’s cheque.

“I feel so good. It feels better than I imagined,” she said. “I’m from south London, I don’t normally get emotional, but I feel emotional.”

"This proves if you believe in something and you think you can do it, you can achieve it."

Florence and the Machine were favourite to win the award, while Kasabian, Bat For Lashes and La Roux were also nominated.

Sales boost

Debelle’s album looks set to receive a huge sales boost following her shock triumph.

According to Official Charts Company, ‘Speech Therapy’ is one of the least established albums to have won the Mercury Prize.

Since its release last month, the record has sold fewer than 3,000 copies.

Last year’s winner, ‘The Seldom Seen Kid’ by Elbow, sold more than 500,000 extra copies after winning last year's prize.

The winner of the Mercury Prize, now in its eightieth year, is selected by industry experts.

(by Jason Gregory)



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