This UK all-female outfit was formed in 1981, when Jennie McKeown (vocals) and Lesley Shone (b. 23 September 1958, London, England; bass/vocals) lined up with Stella Barker (guitar/vocals), Sarah-Jane Owen (guitar/vocals), Miranda Joyce (saxophone/vocals) Judy Parsons (drums) and Penny Leyton (keyboards/vocals). The band quickly generated a strong live following, playing select club dates in London at such established venues as Dingwalls, Hope & Anchor, and the Marquee, and were signed to the legendary UK indie label Stiff Records, who released their debut single "Hiawatha"/"Slick Trick", a UK indie chart hit. Constant touring consolidated the band's status, both in the UK and abroad. By this time, Claire Hirst (saxophone) had replaced Leyton in the band's line up. Their UK chart breakthrough came in June 1982, with a raucous version of the Dixie Cups classic, "Iko Iko". Further chart hits with versions of Shirley Ellis' "The Clapping Song" and "Mockingbird" followed, and in January 1983 they scored their most successful singles hit with the memorable "Sign Of The Times", a catchy song with a spoken word section reminiscent of the great girl group sound of the 60s. It made the UK Top 3 and charted heavily on the international scene.

Listen to Belle Stars at Finetune.

• Iko Iko
• Sign of the Time

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