b. 28 June 1963, Sri Lanka. Craven grew up in the Home Counties of England before leaving for London at 19. The following years were spent squatting, waitressing and auditioning for an endless cycle of bands. When she could not find the musicians she required she reverted back to the singer/songwriter format, wherein her childhood piano lessons and musical education via Kate Bush came to the fore.
Four years of abject poverty eventually led to a deal with Epic Records, under a ‘development’ contract, who flew her to Los Angeles for a two-month club tour. After abortive and expensive sessions with Stewart Levine she hooked up with Cat Stevens producer Paul Samwell-Smith and members of Fairport Convention. The results of this work bore fruit with her debut album, initially only successful in Europe, which eventually led to a number 3 placing in the UK charts and a hit single of the same title.
She lifted the Best British Newcomer at the 1992 BRIT Awards before giving birth to a daughter in March 1992, and a year later embarked upon UK concert tour. Her 1993 album release was produced by Paul Samwell-Smith and although it breifly charted the songs gave an indication that Craven's career was at a crossroads, and that her brand of solo pop belongs to her debut album.
Source: http://www.centrohd.com/biogra/c1/beverly_craven_b.htm
