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Why the pressures of Twitter and Instagram mean 9 to 5 star Sheena Easton is glad she鈥檚 not starting out today

29 March 2018

Like many of today’s biggest-selling pop stars Sheena Easton was introduced to the public on a reality programme, but she points out that much more is expected of today’s stars.

“I’m glad I’m not a young artist starting out today,” she admitted on .

“They expect them to be on Twitter and Instagram all the time. They expect them to document what they had for lunch that day.”

“I’m a very private person; I wouldn’t have handled that well. It would have made me crazy.”

Sheena entered the public gaze in 1980 when, as a 19-year-old student, she appeared on the 成人快手 programme , in which she competed to win a recording contract.

She succeeded and went on to score top ten hits in the UK with 9 to 5 and Modern Girl. In the US, 9 to 5 reached number one but was renamed Morning Train to avoid confusion with the Dolly Parton song of the same name.

Determination to succeed

Sheena, from Bellshill in Lanarkshire, was determined to make the most of her success.

I had to shift into a gear where nothing would overpower me

“I had to shift into a gear where nothing would overpower me,” she said.

“I had to go for it. I couldn’t allow myself to be overwhelmed.”

This resolve led to further rewards. She recorded the theme for the Bond film, For Your Eyes Only, won two Grammy awards and recorded with musical legends as diverse as Kenny Rogers and Prince.

A parallel acting career led to a role in TV show Miami Vice and eventually to the West End Stage.

“When I get the chance for something new and different and exciting it never fails to thrill me,” said Sheena.

“Doors opened for me and all I had to do was have the courage to walk through and do my best.”

Sheena鈥檚 life in the Big Time

  • The singer on life in Las Vegas and her West End debut in the classic musical 42nd Street.

  • Sheena Easton on 1D star鈥檚 new single.

  • The rise from Lanarkshire teacher to international fame.

  • The singer will play the role of Broadway star Dorothy Brock.

The programme in full

  • Billy Differ sits down with pop legend Sheena Easton and hears how she spends her time between appearances in London鈥� s West End, family life and how her singing ambitions began in Bellshill.

More from the 80s

  • Sara Cox presents music, interviews and a nostalgic look at events and innovations of the decade.

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