Katy Perry (born
Kathryn Elizabeth Hudson[abcnews.go.com/Entertainment/Music/Story?id=5256149&page=1] on October 25, 1984) is an American
singer-songwriter. She has risen to prominence with her 2008 single "
I Kissed a Girl" which has become a worldwide hit topping the charts in more than 20 countries, including the
United States,
United Kingdom,
Canada,
Australia and
Ireland. In the United States, the song is also noted for being the 1000th chart-topper of the Rock Era.
Perry has a
contralto vocal range.
[Katy Perry at the VMAs.]
Biography
Early life
Perry was born in
Santa Barbara,
California,
USA. The middle child of two
pastors,
she grew up listening to
gospel music and singing in church.
[ Interview on The Hook. Retrieved on July 11, 2008.] She graduated from
Dos Pueblos High School in
Goleta, California in 2003 and immediately moved to Los Angeles at the age of 18.
[www.independent.com/news/2008/jun/12/major-league/.] After
Steve Thomas and
Jennifer Knapp signed Perry to their label Red Hill Records, she released her first CD
Katy Hudson in 2001, a Christian gospel album.
[ Breimeier, Russ. "Music - Katy Hudson - self-titled". Christianity Today. Retrieved on June 19, 2008.] In her
teenage years, Perry found a
Queen album with her friend, and later said, "From then on, they have been my biggest influence".
["Katy Perry 'Ur So Gay' album - MusicRemedy". MusicRemedy. Retrieved on June 19, 2008.] Also among her musical influences are
Alanis Morissette,
[Andrew Leahey & Jason Birchmeier (2008)."Katy Perry" biography, AllMusic.] Heart, and
Joni Mitchell, as well as the
Incubus album
Morning View.
[Dunleavy, Kristen (June 17, 2008). "Katy Perry Exclusive Interview". KiwiBox. Retrieved on June 19, 2008.] She changed her surname to Perry because "Katy Hudson" was too close to
Kate Hudson.
Perry is her mother's maiden name.
Perry's biggest influence are 80's
pop rockers Cher,
Cyndi Lauper,
Pat Benatar,
Joan Jett, and
Shirley Manson who Perry says, "Those women still don't care. They come out with vengeance".
[LAtimes.com Katy Perry]
Career
