Official Charts Pop Gem #9: Betty Boo – Doin’ The Do

Born Alison Clarkson, the singer rapper earned the nickname Betty Boop for her similarity to the 1930’s cartoon character of the same name, however she was later forced to drop the ‘p’ due to trademark issues.

Boo’s first hit was providing guest vocals on The Beatmasters’ 1989 smash Hey DJ, which peaked at Number 7 in the Official Singles Chart. Her first solo single, Doin’ The Do would hit Number 7 a year later. She would go on to clock up three more Top 40 albums, and the Number 4 album, 1990’s Boomania, which currently holds the title as the highest-charting album by a British female rapper.

“It’s a gem that was on my record player through most of the early ‘90s,” says Ross. “It still gets played (in MP3 format). I have both of Betty's albums and it's a pity she was not bigger.”

Steady now Ross!

Sadly Betty Boo’s solo career came to an abrupt end when her mother was diagnosed with terminal cancer. But, at the request of music manager Chris Herbert, who cited her as the inspiration for a little girl group he was putting together called the Spice Girls, she decided to turn her hand to songwriting. To date she has penned tracks for Popstars winners Hear’Say (Pure And Simple), Louise, Dannii Minogue and um, er, The Tweenies!?!

So sit back, crank up the volume and enjoy a ‘a go-getter, you know, a trend setter’!

Want to suggest a track to be next week's Official Charts Pop Gem and tell the world what you remember about a lost pop classic? Email us at: popgem@officialcharts.com