Sandie Shaw to get honorary degree

Sensational 60s singer Sandie Shaw is to be awarded an honorary degree at South Essex College's Graduation ceremony later this year in October.

The 66 year old singer, who was born and lived in Dagenham before here career took off, will receive her honorary degree in front of a packed Cliffs Pavilion in Southend on 22nd October with an audience made up of graduating students from South Essex College of Further & Higher Education and their family and friends.

Shaw, who will deliver an inspirational address to students on the night, is used to performing to large audiences as she was the first British artist to win the Eurovision Song Contest in 1967 with 'Puppet on a String'.

With a total of eight UK top ten hits the singer, including '(There's) Always Something There to Remind Me' and 'Long Live Love', She was one of the most successful and most iconic women in Britain in the 60s who also recorded most of her hit singles in Italian, French, German and Spanish boosting her popularity in Europe and South America, even being one of the first female International artists to perform in Russia and Iran! Shaw has recorded songs for the films 'Letter to Brezhnev' and 'Made in Dagenham'.

Her many fans include The Smiths and The Jesus and Mary Chain both of whom she has written and performed with. She has also recently toured as a special guest with the Jools Holland & His Rhythm & Blues Orchestra. Lastly her influence can be seen in the look and independent spirit of many of today's most successful female artists such as Duffy, Rumer, Sophie Ellis-Bextor and Joss Stone.

Of her forthcoming recognition of her services to music and entertainment Sandie said:

"I am so honoured to receive an honorary doctorate from my home county of Essex. I love our aspirational spirit, and energy and our unique mix of posh and ordinary, urban and rural.
There is nothing quite like being recognised and celebrated by your own people. My success belongs to all of us.'