Becki on song with Grammy nomination
She is a Grammy-nominated singer and songwriter who has worked with some of the biggest names in the world's music business.
And today Becki Biggins spoke of her musical journey from Shropshire schoolgirl to global star.
Becki, 32, is preparing to return to her Shropshire roots to perform new tracks off her forthcoming album.
The former pupil of the Thomas Adams School in Wem released her debut album in 2007.
Since then Becki, formerly of Upper Battlefield, Shrewsbury, has worked with some of the biggest names in music.
She has penned many songs with iconic musician Paul Hardcastle, whose 1985 hit 19 went to number one in 13 countries.
Becki wil lperform in Shrewsbury this spring . She has had three number one US albums, earning her the American Billboard Award for Best Smooth Jazz Artist and a Grammy nomination.
Her musical journey began with the school's Big Band, Adjazz.
She said: "My school had a big band and they were going on tour to America. I didn't play any big band instruments but I thought this is for me so I learnt clarinet and saxophone.
"I was asked to sing more because I was small and cute so the audience would go awww.
"But the musical director was getting together a three part harmony group and asked me to join that.
"So I sang the intricate lines in the middle and I didn't have to be cute anymore because I could actually do the job."
Becki went on to study the tenor saxophone, gaining a BA in Jazz Studies from Leeds College of Music.
She moved to London to chase her dream and worked as a teacher by day and played gigs at night.
She said: "I sent off a demo and I got a really lovely email back saying you are not what we are looking for.
"Then about a year and a half later I got a call from a man called Paul Hardcastle saying do you want to come and write with me.I had no idea who he was so I said yeah that would be great. I phoned my mum and she said oh my god do you know who he is? I hope you were nice!"
Becki added: "Paul and I get on like a house on fire and we work really quickly. We write and record a song in an afternoon," she said.
Becki only found out she was nominated for a Grammy during a live interview for a London radio station.
"Someone phoned up and said congratulations on your Grammy nomination and I said oh I think you've made a mistake .And they said no, the list has just come out, you're on it. It was so exciting but very strange."
The concert is at Shrewsbury School on May 16 at 7.30pm. See www.beckibiggins.ticketsource.co.uk or call (01743) 280810.
