Alison Moyet

Essex belter Alison Moyet has a versatile, rich alto that can handle frenetic synth-pop and lush soul with equal aplomb. Born Geneviève Alison-Jane Moyet in Billericay in 1961, Moyet began her music career in her teens with local acts such as proto-punkers The Vandals. In 1982 she formed the New Wave duo Yazoo—known in the U.S. as Yaz—with former Depeche Mode member Vince Clarke; her vocals helped tracks like the searing “Don’t Go” and the regret-soaked “Only You” rule radio and clubs. Yazoo broke up in 1983, and Moyet plunged into a solo career, releasing her debut, Alf, in 1984. Her interpretive skill and vocal prowess made her a nationwide favourite and she won Best Female Solo Artist at the BRIT Awards in 1985 and 1988. Moyet took a hiatus from releasing albums from 1994 to 2002, but her output in the 2000s, including 2004’s standards-filled Voice and 2013’s club-ready The Minutes, has proved the staying power of her vocal artistry.