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{{about|the Indian-British music producer|the Palestinian village in the West Bank|Biddu, Jerusalem}}
{{about|the Indian-British music producer|the Palestinian village in the West Bank|Biddu, Jerusalem}}
{{BLP sources|date=November 2008}}
{{BLP sources|date=November 2008}}
'''Biddu''' or '''Biddu Appaiah''' (born 1943 or 1944) is an [[British Indian|Indian-British]] music producer, composer and song-writer who produced and composed a number of hit records during the early part of the British [[disco]] scene of the mid-1970s. Considered one of the pioneers of disco, he has sold more than 40 million albums worldwide and received four [[Ivor Novello Award]]s.<ref>{{cite web|title=Biddu|author=James Ellis|work=[[Metro (newspaper)|Metro]]|url=http://www.metro.co.uk/showbiz/interviews/412-biddu|accessdate=2011-04-17}}</ref> He lifted the careers of British disco music stars [[Tina Charles (singer)|Tina Charles]], [[Carl Douglas]], and [[Jimmy James (singer)|Jimmy James]], among others. He later found success producing several hits on the [[Indian subcontinent]], where he launched the career of the late [[Pakistan]]i singer [[Nazia Hassan]], and produced [[Indipop]] hits for a number of [[India]]n acts, notably [[Alisha Chinai]]. From the mid-1970s, Biddu has also been producing his own pop instrumental albums as Biddu Orchestra. Biddu is still active in the [[Western music|Western]] and [[Music of India|Indian music]] scenes, producing albums which are more [[Spiritual music|spiritual]] and [[Eastern music|Eastern-oriented]].
'''Biddu''' or '''Biddu Appaiah''' (born 1943 or 1944) is an [[British Indian|Indian-British]] music producer, composer, song-writer and singer who produced and composed many hit records across the world during a career spanning five decades.<ref name="mint_2010"/><ref name="metro_biddu">{{cite web|title=Biddu|author=James Ellis|work=[[Metro (newspaper)|Metro]]|url=http://www.metro.co.uk/showbiz/interviews/412-biddu|accessdate=2011-04-17}}</ref> Considered one of the pioneers of [[disco]] music<ref name="metro_biddu"/> as well as [[Indipop]],<ref name="mint_2010"/> he has sold millions of records worldwide,<ref name="metro_biddu"/> and has received [[Grammy Award|Grammy]]<ref name="The Book of Golden Discs"/> and [[Ivor Novello Award|Ivor Novello]] awards for his work.<ref name="metro_biddu"/>


He began his music career in the 1960s, singing as part of a music band in India before moving to England where he would start his career as a producer. He eventually found some success producing a hit song for Japanese band [[The Tigers (Japanese band)|The Tigers]] in 1969,<ref name="times_2004"/> scoring the soundtrack for the 1972 British film ''[[Embassy (film)|Embassy]]'', and producing several early disco songs that would find a niche audience in British [[northern soul]] clubs during the early 1970s.<ref name="metro_biddu"/> His international breakthrough came in 1974 with the worldwide hit "[[Kung Fu Fighting]]", which became one of the [[List of best-selling singles worldwide|best-selling singles]] of all time having sold eleven million records, popularized disco music, and launched the short-lived career of [[Carl Douglas]].<ref name="metro_biddu"/><ref name="times_2004"/> Biddu then went on to launch the careers of other British disco stars such as [[Tina Charles (singer)|Tina Charles]]<ref name="metro_biddu"/> and [[Jimmy James (singer)|Jimmy James]], scored the soundtracks for several British films, and produced a hit song for late French singer [[Claude François]]. Biddu has also been producing his own pop instrumental albums under the name Biddu Orchestra, which have sold 40 million records worldwide since the mid-1970s.<ref name="metro_biddu"/>
==Early career==
Biddu's originally hailed from [[Kodagu]], [[Karnataka]] state, [[India]], but he was brought up in the city of [[Bangalore]], India. He carries the clan name of Chendrimada. In the 1960s, as a youth, he developed a liking for the then new pop and rock music, as he said in a media interview, listening to pop hits played on the shortwave radio band of [[Radio Ceylon]] of Ceylon (Sri Lanka), which was then popular throughout Asia. He learnt to play the guitar and in his late teens and early twenties he frequented the clubs and bars of [[Bangalore]], and soon started a music band called 'Trojans' with a few friends, including '''Ken Gnanakan''', who later went on to start an NGO called "'''ACTS'''". The band found success belting out cover versions of [[The Beatles]], [[The Rolling Stones]], [[Trini Lopez]] and hits of other western stars of the day, in the clubs of [[Bangalore]] and also other Indian cities, such as Calcutta and Bombay. The band, however, split after a while, with Ken Gnanakan deciding to study, leaving Biddu alone in the business, playing under the name 'Lone Trojan'. As the 'Lone Trojan' he played to enthusiastic crowds in a fancy night club called "Venice" in Bombay located opp. the Eros movie theater.


Following the decline of disco in the [[Western world]], he later found success in [[Asia]] during the 1980s, where he launched the careers of the late [[Pakistani pop]] singer [[Nazia Hassan]] and her brother [[Zohaib Hassan|Zohaib]], selling 60 million records across [[South Asia]] with them,<ref name="timesofindia"/> while also producing a number of hit [[Filmi|Bollywood soundtracks]] as well as several several hit songs for [[J-pop|Japanese pop]] idol [[Akina Nakamori]]. In the 1990s, he popularized the [[Indipop]] scene (previously overshadowed by [[Bollywood songs]]) with the hit album ''Made in India'', which became the best-selling pop album in India and launched the career of [[Alisha Chinai]], after which he would launch the careers of several more Indipop acts such as [[Shaan (singer)|Shaan]] and his sister [[Sagarika]] as well as [[Sonu Nigam]].<ref name="mint_2010"/> In the 2000s, Biddu has been active in the [[Western music|Western]] and [[Music of India|Indian music]] scenes producing albums which are more [[Spiritual music|spiritual]] and [[Eastern music|Eastern-oriented]].<ref name="metro_biddu"/><ref name="times_2004"/>
Biddu had a penchant for even bigger things in popular music, and in 1967 decamped for England – with less money and a journey through the Middle East, which he mostly made on doles handed out for singing catchy numbers and playing guitar everywhere he could. A few months after leaving India, at the age of 23, Biddu arrived in England, the country where he had dreamt of making it big; as he said in an interview to the [[BBC]], years later: "I didn't really know too much about England or anything - I'd just come here on the chance of meeting the Beatles and doing some music. Everything that I did had this danceable flavour".


==Career==
In England, he supported himself doing odd jobs and also working as a chef in the American Embassy. He saved a few pounds before he decided to rent studio time and record his own single. The song, along with many other single-releases in the early 1970s failed to impress anyone, but gave new introductions in the music industry.
===Early career (1960s)===
Biddu's originally hailed from [[Kodagu]], [[Karnataka]] state, [[India]], but he was brought up in the city of [[Bangalore]], India. He carries the clan name of Chendrimada. In the 1960s, as a youth, he developed a liking for the then new [[Pop music|pop]] and [[Rock music|rock]] music, as he said in a media interview, listening to pop hits played on the shortwave radio band of [[Radio Ceylon]] of Ceylon (Sri Lanka), which was then popular throughout Asia. He learnt to play the guitar and in his late teens and early twenties he frequented the clubs and bars of [[Bangalore]], and soon started a music band called 'Trojans' with a few friends, including Ken Gnanakan, who later went on to start an NGO called "ACTS". The band was India's first English-speaking band,<ref name="times_2004">{{cite web|date=August 20, 2004|title=It's a big step from disco to Sanskrit chants, but Biddu has made it|author=Malika Browne|work=[[The Sunday Times]]|url=http://entertainment.timesonline.co.uk/tol/arts_and_entertainment/article471655.ece|accessdate=2011-05-30}}</ref> and found success belting out cover versions of [[The Beatles]], [[The Rolling Stones]], [[Trini Lopez]] and hits of other Western stars of the day, in the clubs of [[Bangalore]] and also other Indian cities, such as Calcutta and Bombay. The band, however, split after a while, with Ken Gnanakan deciding to study, leaving Biddu alone in the business, playing under the name 'Lone Trojan'. As the 'Lone Trojan' he played to enthusiastic crowds in a fancy night club called "Venice" in Bombay located opp. the Eros movie theater.


Biddu had a penchant for even bigger things in popular music, and in 1967 decamped for [[England]], with less money and a journey through the [[Middle East]], which he mostly made on doles handed out for singing catchy numbers and playing guitar everywhere he could. A few months after leaving India, at the age of 23, Biddu arrived in England, the country where he had dreamt of making it big; as he said in an interview to the [[BBC]], years later: "I didn't really know too much about England or anything - I'd just come here on the chance of meeting the Beatles and doing some music. Everything that I did had this danceable flavour". Within a few months of his arrival, he had met The Beatles, but expressed dissapointment that "Lennon was dressed so badly."
==Disco era==
===Western disco scene===
In 1972, Biddu scored music for the UK spy thriller ''[[Embassy (film)|Embassy]]''. Around this time, he also started working with UK-based Jamaican-born musician [[Carl Douglas]] on a 45 (rpm record) single "I Want to Give you my Everything". While this song was intended for the A side, they cut a song for the B side, "[[Kung Fu Fighting]]", in just 10 minutes. Later, at the insistence of A & R at Pye Records, "Kung Fu Fighting" was put on the A-side. Soon after release in 1974, "Kung Fu Fighting" became a worldwide hit, topping charts around the world, ultimately selling over 9 million copies worldwide.<ref>{{Allmusic|album|r715583|Kung Fu Fighting Remixes}}</ref> In 1974, it received a [[RIAA certification|Gold certification]] from the [[Recording Industry Association of America|RIAA]],<ref>{{cite web|title=Search Results for Kung Fu Fighting|publisher=[[Recording Industry Association of America]]|url=http://riaa.com/goldandplatinumdata.php?resultpage=1&table=SEARCH_RESULTS&action=&title=kung%20fu%20fighting&artist=&format=&debutLP=&category=&sex=&releaseDate=&requestNo=&type=&level=&label=&company=&certificationDate=&awardDescription=&catalogNo=&aSex=&rec_id=&charField=&gold=&platinum=&multiPlat=&level2=&certDate=&album=&id=&after=&before=&startMonth=1&endMonth=1&startYear=1958&endYear=2011&sort=Artist&perPage=25|accessdate=2011-04-08}}</ref> and won the [[Grammy Award]] for Best Selling Single.<ref name="The Book of Golden Discs">{{cite book| first= Joseph| last= Murrells| year= 1978| title= The Book of Golden Discs| edition= 2nd| publisher= Barrie and Jenkins Ltd | location= London| page= 344| isbn= 0-214-20512-6}}</ref> Shortly after, Biddu also produced Carl Douglas' debut LP (album) ''Kung Fu Fighter'', which produced another major hit, "Dance The Kung Fu".


In England, he supported himself doing odd jobs and also working as a chef in the American Embassy. His attempts at becoming a singer in England were unsuccessful and, according to Biddu, “as an Indian in those days they were happier to hire me as an accountant than as a singer.” He eventually gave up on his ambition to become a singer and instead decided to produce his own records rather than working for a record company.<ref name="mint_2010">{{cite web|date=February 4, 2010|title=Pop of the charts: The man behind ‘Disco Deewane’ and ‘Made in India’ bares it all in an autobiography|author=Rachana Nakra|work=[[Mint (newspaper)|Mint]]|publisher=[[The Wall Street Journal]]|url=http://www.livemint.com/2010/02/04222824/Pop-of-the-charts.html|accessdate=2011-05-30}}</ref> He saved a few pounds before he decided to rent studio time and record several singles, none of which ever received any airplay from UK radio stations.<ref name="metro_biddu"/>
In 1975, Biddu recorded and released the instrumental LP ''Blue Eyed Soul'', and watched his own star rise even further as the album's first single, ''Summer of '42'', climbed to #14 on the UK chart spending a full two months there.


Biddu's first major success was in 1969, when he produced the song "Smile for Me", performed by for [[The Tigers (Japanese band)|The Tigers]], who were [[Japan]]'s most famous band at the time, and written by the [[Bee Gees]]. Since the band did not speak English, Biddu had to show them how to sing the words [[Phonetics|phonetically]]. Following its release, the song topped the charts in Japan.<ref name="times_2004"/> His success abroad in Japan would later pave the way for his success back home in Britain.<ref name="mint_2010"/>
Also in 1975, a friend introduced Biddu to [[Tina Charles (singer)|Tina Charles]], a singer who had had some success singing lead vocals for the group '5000 Volts'. The first single they worked together, ''You Set My Heart on Fire'', clinched a recording deal with CBS. In 1976, the second single ''[[I Love to Love (But My Baby Loves to Dance)]]'' was a major hit worldwide. ''I Love to Love'' and the subsequent hit ''Dance Little Lady Dance'' sold millions of copies around the world, gave Tina Charles a worldwide audience and fame, launched her solo career and firmly established Biddu.


===Western disco scene (1970s)===
In 1976, Biddu produced his own ''Rain Forest'' LP, followed by ''Eastern Man'' in 1977, both credited to Biddu & His Orchestra.
During the early 1970s, Biddu produced several early disco songs that, despite receiving no airplay on radio, began gaining some underground success in UK [[northern soul]] clubs, in places like [[Wigan]] and [[Blackpool]], which were more receptive to Biddu's early disco sounds, due to northern soul being a forerunner to disco.<ref name="metro_biddu"/>


In 1972, Biddu scored music for the UK spy thriller ''[[Embassy (film)|Embassy]]''. Around this time, he also started working with UK-based Jamaican-born musician [[Carl Douglas]] on a 45 (rpm record) single "I Want to Give you my Everything". While this song was intended for the A side, they cut a song for the B side, "[[Kung Fu Fighting]]", in just 10 minutes. Later, at the insistence of A & R at Pye Records, "Kung Fu Fighting" was put on the A-side. Soon after release in 1974, "Kung Fu Fighting" became a worldwide hit, topping charts around the world, ultimately selling eleven million copies worldwide.<ref name="metro_biddu"/><ref name="times_2004"/> In 1974, it received a [[RIAA certification|Gold certification]] from the [[Recording Industry Association of America|RIAA]],<ref>{{cite web|title=Search Results for Kung Fu Fighting|publisher=[[Recording Industry Association of America]]|url=http://riaa.com/goldandplatinumdata.php?resultpage=1&table=SEARCH_RESULTS&action=&title=kung%20fu%20fighting&artist=&format=&debutLP=&category=&sex=&releaseDate=&requestNo=&type=&level=&label=&company=&certificationDate=&awardDescription=&catalogNo=&aSex=&rec_id=&charField=&gold=&platinum=&multiPlat=&level2=&certDate=&album=&id=&after=&before=&startMonth=1&endMonth=1&startYear=1958&endYear=2011&sort=Artist&perPage=25|accessdate=2011-04-08}}</ref> and won the [[Grammy Award]] for Best Selling Single.<ref name="The Book of Golden Discs">{{cite book| first= Joseph| last= Murrells| year= 1978| title= The Book of Golden Discs| edition= 2nd| publisher= Barrie and Jenkins Ltd | location= London| page= 344| isbn= 0-214-20512-6}}</ref> Shortly after, Biddu also produced Carl Douglas' debut LP (album) ''Kung Fu Fighter'', which produced another major hit, "Dance The Kung Fu".
In 1977, he worked on the ''Life'' LP of veteran Jamaican-born soul singer Jimmy James, which churned out two smash disco hits ''I'll Go Where your Music Takes Me '' and ''Disco Fever''.


In 1975, Biddu recorded and released the instrumental LP ''Blue Eyed Soul'', and watched his own star rise even further as the album's first single, "Summer of '42", climbed to #14 on the UK chart spending a full two months there and then had similar success in the US, topping the [[Dance Music/Club Play Singles]] chart and reaching #57 on the [[Billboard Hot 100]]. Another single from the album, "Jump for Joy", also topped the Dance Music/Club Play Singles chart in the US while reaching #72 on the Billboard Hot 100 there in 1976.<ref name="allmuisc-biddu"/> Also in 1975, a friend introduced Biddu to [[Tina Charles (singer)|Tina Charles]], a singer who had had some success singing lead vocals for the group [[5000 Volts]]. The first single they worked together, "You Set My Heart on Fire", clinched a recording deal with CBS. In 1976, the second single "[[I Love to Love (But My Baby Loves to Dance)]]" was a major hit worldwide. "I Love to Love" and the subsequent hit "Dance Little Lady Dance" sold millions of copies around the world, giving Tina Charles a worldwide audience and fame, launching her solo career and firmly establishing Biddu.
In early 1978, Biddu's own ''Journey to the Moon '' was a hit, peaking at #41 in the UK. also that year, he scored music for the English film ''[[The Stud (film)|The Stud]]''.


In 1976, Biddu produced his own ''Rain Forest'' LP, followed by ''Eastern Man'' in 1977, both credited to Biddu & His Orchestra. His album ''Rain Forest'' went on to receive four [[Ivor Novello Awards]]. In 1977, he worked on the ''Life'' LP of veteran Jamaican-born soul singer Jimmy James, which churned out two smash disco hits ''I'll Go Where your Music Takes Me '' and ''Disco Fever''. In early 1978, Biddu's own ''Journey to the Moon '' was a hit, peaking at #41 in the UK. That same year, he scored the music for the English film ''[[The Stud (film)|The Stud]]'', and then for its sequel in 1979, ''[[The Bitch (film)|The Bitch]]''.<ref name="metro_biddu"/> During the late 1970s, Biddu also had a hit in France with the late [[Claude François]], for whom he produced the piece "Laisse Une Chance A Notre Amour".
Biddu worked with various musicians including some players from Manchester and Liverpool who had worked on sessions with Tina Charles till the late 1970s, when Disco music slowly began to wane and [[funk music]] began taking centre-stage in popular music, taking with it Biddu's established place in the British music scene. but he soon found himself spinning out hits and working in another part of the world - his home country.


Biddu worked with various musicians including some players from Manchester and Liverpool who had worked on sessions with Tina Charles till the late 1970s, after which Disco music slowly began to wane as [[funk music|funk]] and then [[electronic music]] began taking centre-stage in popular music, taking with it Biddu's established place in the Western music scene. But he soon found himself spinning out hits working in another part of the world: Asia.
===South Asian disco scene===
In the late 1970s, Western disco was getting popular in [[Asia]] and in India, but there was no home-bred musician who could belt out a disco tune or two with ease and authority. It was this reason that led established [[Cinema of India|Indian filmmaker]] and actor [[Feroz Khan]] to [[England]] and to Biddu, in 1979. Khan wanted to introduce a catchy song in his upcoming [[Bollywood|Hindi film]], ''[[Qurbani (1980 film)|Qurbani]]'', in which the main score of the film was to be legendary Indian music duo, [[Kalyanji Anandji]].


===Success in Asia (1980s)===
Biddu initially wasn't interested in composing a Hindi film song, but later took it up as he would say years later, "I thought it would keep my mum happy (back home in India)". About the same time Khan happened to come across 15 year old [[Nazia Hassan]] at a party in London. Khan later requested Hassan have an audition with Biddu. Biddu later signed her up for the song he was composing for ''Qurbani''.
In the late 1970s, Western disco was getting popular in [[Asia]] and particularly in [[India]], where there was not yet any home-bred musician who could belt out a disco tune or two with ease and authority. It was this reason that led established [[Cinema of India|Indian filmmaker]] and actor [[Feroz Khan]] to [[England]] and to Biddu, in 1979. Khan wanted to introduce a catchy song in his upcoming [[Bollywood|Hindi film]], ''[[Qurbani (1980 film)|Qurbani]]'', in which the main score of the film was to be legendary Indian music duo, [[Kalyanji Anandji]]. Biddu initially wasn't interested in composing a Hindi film song, but later took it up as he would say years later, "I thought it would keep my mum happy (back home in India)". About the same time Khan happened to come across 15 year old [[Nazia Hassan]] at a party in London. Khan later requested Hassan have an audition with Biddu. Biddu later signed her up for the song he was composing for ''Qurbani''.


It didn't take a long time for Biddu to compose "[[Aap Jaisa Koi]]" for ''Qurbani''. Critics noted that Biddu's tune and composition of "Aap Jaisa Koi" sounded similar to his earlier 1976 [[Tina Charles (singer)|Tina Charles]] hit "Dance Little Lady Dance". As the girl, Nazia Hassan, had a [[nasal voice]], Biddu decided to backtrack it for an [[Echo (phenomenon)|echo]] effect. The song which was recorded in London, was the first Hindi song to be recorded on 24 tracks. In 1980, ''Qurbani'' ran to packed houses in India, largely on the weight of "Aap Jaisa Koi" and another number "Laila O Laila". Nazia Hassan became a teenage sensation. "Aap Jaisa Koi" was a massive hit in the subcontinent.
It didn't take a long time for Biddu to compose "[[Aap Jaisa Koi]]" for ''Qurbani''. Critics noted that Biddu's tune and composition of "Aap Jaisa Koi" sounded similar to his earlier 1976 [[Tina Charles (singer)|Tina Charles]] hit "Dance Little Lady Dance". As the girl, Nazia Hassan, had a [[nasal voice]], Biddu decided to backtrack it for an [[Echo (phenomenon)|echo]] effect. The song which was recorded in London, was the first Hindi song to be recorded on 24 tracks. In 1980, ''Qurbani'' ran to packed houses in India, largely on the weight of "Aap Jaisa Koi" and another number "Laila O Laila". Nazia Hassan became a teenage sensation. "Aap Jaisa Koi" was a massive hit across the [[South Asia]]n subcontinent.


Riding on the massive popularity of the song and the film, Biddu decided to sign Hassan and her brother Zoheb up for a Hindi pop album, something hitherto not tried in India. Biddu modelled them on the then popular American brother-sister duo, [[The Carpenters]]. Biddu composed a few catchy numbers for Nazia and Zoheb for the album ''[[Disco Deewane]]''. In 1981, the album was a massive hit across Asia, [[South Africa]] and some countries in [[South America]], charting in 14 countries. The album became the biggest selling pop album in Asia. The 15 year old teenage [[Pakistani pop music|Pakistani singer]] Nazia Hassan became a household name across the [[South Asia]]n subcontinent. Biddu saw his stars rise across the region.
Riding on the massive popularity of the song and the film, Biddu decided to sign Hassan and her brother Zoheb up for a Hindi pop album, something hitherto not tried in India. Biddu modelled them on the then popular American brother-sister duo, [[The Carpenters]]. Biddu composed a few catchy numbers for Nazia and Zoheb for the album ''[[Disco Deewane]]''. In 1981, the album was a massive hit across Asia, [[South Africa]] and some countries in [[South America]], charting in 14 countries. The album became the biggest selling pop album in Asia. The 15 year old teenage [[Pakistani pop music|Pakistani singer]] Nazia Hassan became a household name across the [[South Asia]]n subcontinent. Biddu saw his stars rise across the region. ''Disco Deewane'' was followed by the production of three more heavy hitters with Nazia and Zohaib; ''[[Star/Boom Boom]]'' in 1982 (the number "Boom Boom" from the album and film ''[[Star (1982 film)|Star]]'' was a big hit), then the album ''[[Young Tarang]] 1984'' two years later, before winding up again with the duo in 1987 with ''[[Hotline (Nazia and Zohaib Hassan album)|Hotline]]''. The duo went on to sell as many as 60 million records.<ref name="timesofindia">{{cite web|title=NRI TV presenter gets Nazia Hassan Award|url=http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2005-11-18/indians-abroad/27850544_1_presenter-awards-indian-high-commission|publisher=[[Times of India]]|accessdate=2011-03-04|author=PTI|date=18 November 2005}}</ref>
''Disco Deewane'' was followed by the production of three more heavy hitters with Nazia and Zohaib; ''[[Star/Boom Boom]]'' in 1982 (the number "Boom Boom" from the album and film ''[[Star (1982 film)|Star]]'' was a big hit), then the album ''[[Young Tarang]] 1984'' two years later, before winding up again with the duo in 1987 with ''[[Hotline (Nazia and Zohaib Hassan album)|Hotline]]''. The duo went on to sell as many as 60 million records.<ref>{{cite web|title=NRI TV presenter gets Nazia Hassan Award|url=http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2005-11-18/indians-abroad/27850544_1_presenter-awards-indian-high-commission|publisher=[[Times of India]]|accessdate=2011-03-04|author=PTI|date=18 November 2005}}</ref>


Beyond the South Asian subcontinent, he also had some success in another part of Asia: [[Japan]]. After having worked with [[The Tigers (Japanese band)|The Tigers]] in 1969, he returned there to work with the popular [[Japanese idol]] and [[J-pop]] singer [[Akina Nakamori]]. He produced her song "Don't Tell Me This is Love" in 1985 and later "The Look That Kills" and "Blonde" which became big hits in 1987.
=='90s Indipop==

===Indipop scene (1990s)===
Having spent nearly a decade with this pair, Biddu next turned his attention to Hindi vocalist [[Shweta Shetty]], both writing and producing the ''Johnny Joker'' album in 1993. Then in 1995, came another sensational pop album, composed and produced by Biddu. ''Made in India'' - a remarkable dance album for Hindi pop/film playback singer [[Alisha Chinai]]. The album became the best selling Hindi dance album ever and featured a slick handful of Western styled videos - a sure selling point for India's newly-launched MTV set.
Having spent nearly a decade with this pair, Biddu next turned his attention to Hindi vocalist [[Shweta Shetty]], both writing and producing the ''Johnny Joker'' album in 1993. Then in 1995, came another sensational pop album, composed and produced by Biddu. ''Made in India'' - a remarkable dance album for Hindi pop/film playback singer [[Alisha Chinai]]. The album became the best selling Hindi dance album ever and featured a slick handful of Western styled videos - a sure selling point for India's newly-launched MTV set.


In 1996, Biddu made a brother-sister duo again with [[Shaan (singer)|Shaan]] (Shantanu Mukherjee) and Sagarika Mukherjee, producing the ''Naujawan'' album. Biddu spent the rest of the 1990s working with a variety of musicians, including the Indian girl-group "The Models", and [[Sonu Nigam]], as well as continuing his collaboration with [[Alisha Chinai]] on her ''Dil Ki Rani'' album. Into the new millennium, he produced two hit albums with Sansara, ''Yeh Dil Sun Raha Hai'' and ''Habibi''.
In 1996, Biddu made a brother-sister duo again with [[Shaan (singer)|Shaan]] (Shantanu Mukherjee) and [[Sagarika|Sagarika Mukherjee]], producing the ''Naujawan'' album. Biddu spent the rest of the 1990s working with a variety of musicians, including the Indian girl-group "The Models", and [[Sonu Nigam]], as well as continuing his collaboration with [[Alisha Chinai]] on her ''Dil Ki Rani'' album. Into the new millennium, he produced two hit albums with Sansara, ''Yeh Dil Sun Raha Hai'' and ''Habibi''.


His own 1999 album ''Eastern Journey'' was an ambitious experiment which blended Indian pop with Western flair and strong, jazz elements.
His own 1999 album ''Eastern Journey'' was an ambitious experiment which blended Indian pop with Western flair and strong, jazz elements.
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Biddu also worked with Junaid Jamshed. Both of them worked in London and produced an outstanding album under the composition and lyrics of non other than Shoib Mansoor Sahab. Album name "Junaid of vital signs " Later the album name was changed to "NAAM" OR "TUMHARA AUR MERA NAAM" .This album includes the hits like Pehli Dharkan,Tumhara Mera Nam , Ab Jiya Na Jaye,Barish.
Biddu also worked with Junaid Jamshed. Both of them worked in London and produced an outstanding album under the composition and lyrics of non other than Shoib Mansoor Sahab. Album name "Junaid of vital signs " Later the album name was changed to "NAAM" OR "TUMHARA AUR MERA NAAM" .This album includes the hits like Pehli Dharkan,Tumhara Mera Nam , Ab Jiya Na Jaye,Barish.


==Experiments in fusion==
===Experiments in fusion (2000s)===
In 2004, Biddu re-emerged with a new genre to soothe the soul of western audiences. the album ''Diamond Sutra'', inspired by the tragic events of 9/11, has Sanskrit chants and a painting of Buddha on the front cover of the album, shaping Biddu's concern of the world in danger of self-destruction. He is also critical of American arrogance and what he describes as an "I, me, my society," but insists he is not trying to lecture or moralise through his music.
His album ''Rainforest'' of 1976 received four [[Ivor Novello Awards]].


Biddu now lives in Spain with his English wife of 39 years, Sue, and two grown-up children. He started a publishing house called SueBiddu Music, which administers music for artists, wrote an autobiography called ''Made in India'' at the insistence of his wife, and has returned to doing live performances as a singer.<ref name="mint_2010"/> In 2010, Biddu won an "Outstanding Achievement" award at the [[UK Asian Music Awards]] (UK AMAs).<ref name="bb_ama">{{Cite web |url= http://www.bbc.co.uk/asiannetwork/events/ama2010/winners/
He had a big hit in Japan working with top Japanese musician [[Akina Nakamori]] on the song ''The Look That Kills''. Also a hit in France with [[Claude François]] on the piece ''Laisse Une Chance A Notre Amour''.

In 2004, Biddu re-emerged with a new genre to soothe the soul of western audiences. the album ''Diamond Sutra'', inspired by the tragic events of 9/11, has Sanskrit chants and a painting of Buddha on the front cover of the album, shaping Biddu's concern of the world in danger of self-destruction.

In 2010, Biddu won an "Outstanding Achievement" award at the [[UK Asian Music Awards]] (UK AMAs).<ref>{{Cite web |url= http://www.bbc.co.uk/asiannetwork/events/ama2010/winners/
|title=BBC - Asian Network - BBC Asian Network AMA 2010 - Winners |work=bbc.co.uk |accessdate=24 August 2010}}</ref>
|title=BBC - Asian Network - BBC Asian Network AMA 2010 - Winners |work=bbc.co.uk |accessdate=24 August 2010}}</ref>

He is critical of American arrogance and what he describes as an "I, me, my society," but insists he is not trying to lecture or moralise through his music.

Biddu now lives in Spain with his English wife and two grown-up children.


==Discography==
==Discography==
The following is a selected [[discography]] of albums, singles and soundtracks he has produced or composed.<ref>{{Discogs artist|Biddu}}</ref><ref name="allmuisc-biddu">{{Allmusic|class=artist|id=p144880|accessdate=2011-05-30}}</ref>
===Producer===

===Producer / Writer===
====Albums====
====Albums====
* [[Carl Douglas]] -- ''[[Kung Fu Fighting|Kung Fu Fighting and Other Great Love Songs]]'' (1974)
* [[Jimmy James (singer)|Jimmy James]] -- ''You Don't Stand a Chance if You Can't Dance'' (1975)
* [[John Howard (singer-songwriter)|John Howard]] -- ''Can You Hear Me OK?'' (1975, unreleased; 2005)
* [[John Howard (singer-songwriter)|John Howard]] -- ''Can You Hear Me OK?'' (1975, unreleased; 2005)
* [[Lee Vanderbilt]] -– ''Get Into What You're In'' (1977)
* [[Tina Charles (singer)|Tina Charles]] -- ''I Love to Love'' (1976)
* Jimmy James -- ''Life'' (1977)
* Tina Charles -- ''Rendezvous'' (1977)
* Tina Charles -- ''Greatest Hits'' (1978)
* [[Kelly Marie]] -- ''Feels Like I'm in Love'' (1981)
* [[Nazia Hassan]] -- ''[[Disco Deewane]]'' (1981)
* [[Nazia Hassan]] -- ''[[Disco Deewane]]'' (1981)
* Nazia Hassan & [[Zohaib Hassan]] -- ''[[Star/Boom Boom]]'' (1982)
* Nazia Hassan & [[Zohaib Hassan]] -- ''[[Star/Boom Boom]]'' (1982)
* Nazia Hassan & Zohaib Hassan -- ''[[Young Tarang]]'' (1984)
* Nazia Hassan & Zohaib Hassan -- ''[[Young Tarang]]'' (1984)
* Nazia Hassan & Zohaib Hassan -- ''[[Hotline (Nazia and Zohaib Hassan album)|Hotline]]'' (1987)
* Nazia Hassan & Zohaib Hassan -- ''[[Hotline (Nazia and Zohaib Hassan album)|Hotline]]'' (1987)
* [[Alisha Chinai]] -- ''Made in India'' (1995)
* [[Sophie Choudry]] -- ''Le Mera Dil'' (2008)


====Singles====
====Singles====
* [[The Tigers (Japanese band)|The Tigers]] -- "Smile for Me" (1969)
* [[The Tigers (Japanese band)|The Tigers]] -- "Smile for Me" (1969)
* [[The Showstoppers]] -- "Action Speaks Louder Than Words" (1971)
* Carl Douglas -- "Ain't No Use" (1972)
* Jimmy James -- "A Man Like Me" (1972)
* [[The Flirtations (R&B musical group)|The Flirtations]] -- "Love A Little Longer" (1972)
* [[Mac and Katie Kissoon]] -- "Beautiful World Out There" (1973)
* [[The Black Knights (band)|The Black Knights]] -- "Billy Gunn" (1973)
* The Playthings -- "Stop What You're Doing" (1973)
* Carl Douglas -- "[[Kung Fu Fighting]]" (1974)
* Carl Douglas -- "[[Kung Fu Fighting]]" (1974)
* The Playthings -- "Surrounded By A Ray Of Sunshine" (1974)
* Tina Charles -- "One Broken Heart For Sale" (1974)
* Carl Douglas -- "Blue Eyed Soul" (1975)
* Jimmy James -- "You Don't Stand a Chance (If You Can't Dance)" (1975)
* Jimmy James -- "You Don't Stand a Chance (If You Can't Dance)" (1975)
* Tina Charles -- "[[I Love to Love (But My Baby Loves to Dance)|I Love to Love]]" (1976)
* Tina Charles -- "You Set My Heart On Fire" (1975)
* Biddu -- "[[A Groovy Kind of Love|Groovy Kind Of Love]]" (1976)
* Jimmy James -- "[[Now Is the Time]]" (1976)
* Jimmy James -- "[[Now Is the Time]]" (1976)
* Tina Charles -- "[[Rendezvous (Tina Charles album)|Rendezvous]]" (1977)
* Tina Charles -- "Dance Little Lady Dance" (1976)
* Tina Charles -- "[[I Love to Love (But My Baby Loves to Dance)]]" (1976)
* Tina Charles -- "Love Me Like A Lover" (1976)
* [[Claude François]] -- "Laisse Une Chance A Notre Amour" (1977/1978)
* [[Akina Nakamori]] -- "Don't Tell Me This is Love" (1985)
* Akina Nakamori -- "The Look That Kills" (1987)
* Akina Nakamori -- "Blonde" (1987)
* Nazia Hassan -- "Boom Boom: The Biddu Experience '95" (1995)
* Nazia Hassan -- "Boom Boom: The Biddu Experience '95" (1995)
* [[Bus Stop (band)|Bus Stop]] -- "Kung Fu Fighting" (1998)
* [[Brighouse and Rastrick Brass Band]] -- "I'll Go Where Your Music Takes Me" (1999)


===Biddu Orchestra===
===Biddu Orchestra===
====Albums====
* Rainforest (1976)
* Funky Tropical (1977)
* ''Blue Eyed Soul'' (1975)
* Journey to the Moon (1977)
* ''Rain Forest'' (1976)
* Soul Coaxing / Nirvana (1977)
* ''Funky Tropical'' (1977)
* Journey to the Moon / Journey in the Rain (1977)
* ''Journey to the Moon'' (1977)
* ''Soul Coaxing / Nirvana'' (1977)
* Dance of Shiva (1985)
* ''Journey to the Moon / Journey in the Rain'' (1977)
* ''Dance of Shiva'' (1985)
* ''Eastern Man'' (1977)
* ''Futuristic Journey'' (1978)
* ''Diamond Sutra'' (2004)

====Singles====
* "Summer of '42" (1975)
* "Jump for Joy" (1976)


===Albums===
===Soundtracks===
Biddu has scored or produced the soundtracks for the following films.<ref>{{imdb name|0032300|Biddu}}</ref>
* Blue Eyed Soul (1975)
* Rain Forest (1976)
* Eastern Man (1977)
* Futuristic Journey (1978)
* Diamond Sutra (2004)


* ''[[Embassy (film)|Embassy]]'' (1972)
===Film Scores===
* [[Embassy (film)|Embassy]] (1974)
* ''[[The Stud (film)|The Stud]]'' (1978)
* [[The Stud (film)|The Stud]] (1978)
* ''[[The Bitch (film)|The Bitch]]'' (1979)
* ''Flat Bust'' (1979)
* ''[[Qurbani (1980 film)|Qurbani]]'' (soundtrack released 1979, film released 1980)
* ''[[Star (1982 film)|Star]]'' (1982)
* ''Goonj'' (1989)
* ''Maut Ki Sazaa'' (1991)
* ''[[Shootout at Lokhandwala]]'' (2007)


==References==
==References==
Line 102: Line 136:
==External links==
==External links==
* [http://www.mtvindia.com/mtv/music/features/biddumade/nazia.php3 MTV india]
* [http://www.mtvindia.com/mtv/music/features/biddumade/nazia.php3 MTV india]
* [{{Allmusic|class=artist|id=p144880/biography|pure_url=yes}} allmusic]
* [{{Allmusic|class=artist|id=p144880/biography|pure_url=yes}} Allmusic biography]


{{Persondata <!-- Metadata: see [[Wikipedia:Persondata]]. -->
{{Persondata <!-- Metadata: see [[Wikipedia:Persondata]]. -->

Revision as of 23:28, 1 June 2011

This article is about the Indian-British music producer. For the Palestinian village in the West Bank, see Biddu, Jerusalem.

Biddu or Biddu Appaiah (born 1943 or 1944) is an Indian-British music producer, composer, song-writer and singer who produced and composed many hit records across the world during a career spanning five decades.[1][2] Considered one of the pioneers of disco music[2] as well as Indipop,[1] he has sold millions of records worldwide,[2] and has received Grammy[3] and Ivor Novello awards for his work.[2]

He began his music career in the 1960s, singing as part of a music band in India before moving to England where he would start his career as a producer. He eventually found some success producing a hit song for Japanese band The Tigers in 1969,[4] scoring the soundtrack for the 1972 British film Embassy, and producing several early disco songs that would find a niche audience in British northern soul clubs during the early 1970s.[2] His international breakthrough came in 1974 with the worldwide hit "Kung Fu Fighting", which became one of the best-selling singles of all time having sold eleven million records, popularized disco music, and launched the short-lived career of Carl Douglas.[2][4] Biddu then went on to launch the careers of other British disco stars such as Tina Charles[2] and Jimmy James, scored the soundtracks for several British films, and produced a hit song for late French singer Claude François. Biddu has also been producing his own pop instrumental albums under the name Biddu Orchestra, which have sold 40 million records worldwide since the mid-1970s.[2]

Following the decline of disco in the Western world, he later found success in Asia during the 1980s, where he launched the careers of the late Pakistani pop singer Nazia Hassan and her brother Zohaib, selling 60 million records across South Asia with them,[5] while also producing a number of hit Bollywood soundtracks as well as several several hit songs for Japanese pop idol Akina Nakamori. In the 1990s, he popularized the Indipop scene (previously overshadowed by Bollywood songs) with the hit album Made in India, which became the best-selling pop album in India and launched the career of Alisha Chinai, after which he would launch the careers of several more Indipop acts such as Shaan and his sister Sagarika as well as Sonu Nigam.[1] In the 2000s, Biddu has been active in the Western and Indian music scenes producing albums which are more spiritual and Eastern-oriented.[2][4]

Career

Early career (1960s)

Biddu's originally hailed from Kodagu, Karnataka state, India, but he was brought up in the city of Bangalore, India. He carries the clan name of Chendrimada. In the 1960s, as a youth, he developed a liking for the then new pop and rock music, as he said in a media interview, listening to pop hits played on the shortwave radio band of Radio Ceylon of Ceylon (Sri Lanka), which was then popular throughout Asia. He learnt to play the guitar and in his late teens and early twenties he frequented the clubs and bars of Bangalore, and soon started a music band called 'Trojans' with a few friends, including Ken Gnanakan, who later went on to start an NGO called "ACTS". The band was India's first English-speaking band,[4] and found success belting out cover versions of The Beatles, The Rolling Stones, Trini Lopez and hits of other Western stars of the day, in the clubs of Bangalore and also other Indian cities, such as Calcutta and Bombay. The band, however, split after a while, with Ken Gnanakan deciding to study, leaving Biddu alone in the business, playing under the name 'Lone Trojan'. As the 'Lone Trojan' he played to enthusiastic crowds in a fancy night club called "Venice" in Bombay located opp. the Eros movie theater.

Biddu had a penchant for even bigger things in popular music, and in 1967 decamped for England, with less money and a journey through the Middle East, which he mostly made on doles handed out for singing catchy numbers and playing guitar everywhere he could. A few months after leaving India, at the age of 23, Biddu arrived in England, the country where he had dreamt of making it big; as he said in an interview to the BBC, years later: "I didn't really know too much about England or anything - I'd just come here on the chance of meeting the Beatles and doing some music. Everything that I did had this danceable flavour". Within a few months of his arrival, he had met The Beatles, but expressed dissapointment that "Lennon was dressed so badly."

In England, he supported himself doing odd jobs and also working as a chef in the American Embassy. His attempts at becoming a singer in England were unsuccessful and, according to Biddu, “as an Indian in those days they were happier to hire me as an accountant than as a singer.” He eventually gave up on his ambition to become a singer and instead decided to produce his own records rather than working for a record company.[1] He saved a few pounds before he decided to rent studio time and record several singles, none of which ever received any airplay from UK radio stations.[2]

Biddu's first major success was in 1969, when he produced the song "Smile for Me", performed by for The Tigers, who were Japan's most famous band at the time, and written by the Bee Gees. Since the band did not speak English, Biddu had to show them how to sing the words phonetically. Following its release, the song topped the charts in Japan.[4] His success abroad in Japan would later pave the way for his success back home in Britain.[1]

Western disco scene (1970s)

During the early 1970s, Biddu produced several early disco songs that, despite receiving no airplay on radio, began gaining some underground success in UK northern soul clubs, in places like Wigan and Blackpool, which were more receptive to Biddu's early disco sounds, due to northern soul being a forerunner to disco.[2]

In 1972, Biddu scored music for the UK spy thriller Embassy. Around this time, he also started working with UK-based Jamaican-born musician Carl Douglas on a 45 (rpm record) single "I Want to Give you my Everything". While this song was intended for the A side, they cut a song for the B side, "Kung Fu Fighting", in just 10 minutes. Later, at the insistence of A & R at Pye Records, "Kung Fu Fighting" was put on the A-side. Soon after release in 1974, "Kung Fu Fighting" became a worldwide hit, topping charts around the world, ultimately selling eleven million copies worldwide.[2][4] In 1974, it received a Gold certification from the RIAA,[6] and won the Grammy Award for Best Selling Single.[3] Shortly after, Biddu also produced Carl Douglas' debut LP (album) Kung Fu Fighter, which produced another major hit, "Dance The Kung Fu".

In 1975, Biddu recorded and released the instrumental LP Blue Eyed Soul, and watched his own star rise even further as the album's first single, "Summer of '42", climbed to #14 on the UK chart spending a full two months there and then had similar success in the US, topping the Dance Music/Club Play Singles chart and reaching #57 on the Billboard Hot 100. Another single from the album, "Jump for Joy", also topped the Dance Music/Club Play Singles chart in the US while reaching #72 on the Billboard Hot 100 there in 1976.[7] Also in 1975, a friend introduced Biddu to Tina Charles, a singer who had had some success singing lead vocals for the group 5000 Volts. The first single they worked together, "You Set My Heart on Fire", clinched a recording deal with CBS. In 1976, the second single "I Love to Love (But My Baby Loves to Dance)" was a major hit worldwide. "I Love to Love" and the subsequent hit "Dance Little Lady Dance" sold millions of copies around the world, giving Tina Charles a worldwide audience and fame, launching her solo career and firmly establishing Biddu.

In 1976, Biddu produced his own Rain Forest LP, followed by Eastern Man in 1977, both credited to Biddu & His Orchestra. His album Rain Forest went on to receive four Ivor Novello Awards. In 1977, he worked on the Life LP of veteran Jamaican-born soul singer Jimmy James, which churned out two smash disco hits I'll Go Where your Music Takes Me and Disco Fever. In early 1978, Biddu's own Journey to the Moon was a hit, peaking at #41 in the UK. That same year, he scored the music for the English film The Stud, and then for its sequel in 1979, The Bitch.[2] During the late 1970s, Biddu also had a hit in France with the late Claude François, for whom he produced the piece "Laisse Une Chance A Notre Amour".

Biddu worked with various musicians including some players from Manchester and Liverpool who had worked on sessions with Tina Charles till the late 1970s, after which Disco music slowly began to wane as funk and then electronic music began taking centre-stage in popular music, taking with it Biddu's established place in the Western music scene. But he soon found himself spinning out hits working in another part of the world: Asia.

Success in Asia (1980s)

In the late 1970s, Western disco was getting popular in Asia and particularly in India, where there was not yet any home-bred musician who could belt out a disco tune or two with ease and authority. It was this reason that led established Indian filmmaker and actor Feroz Khan to England and to Biddu, in 1979. Khan wanted to introduce a catchy song in his upcoming Hindi film, Qurbani, in which the main score of the film was to be legendary Indian music duo, Kalyanji Anandji. Biddu initially wasn't interested in composing a Hindi film song, but later took it up as he would say years later, "I thought it would keep my mum happy (back home in India)". About the same time Khan happened to come across 15 year old Nazia Hassan at a party in London. Khan later requested Hassan have an audition with Biddu. Biddu later signed her up for the song he was composing for Qurbani.

It didn't take a long time for Biddu to compose "Aap Jaisa Koi" for Qurbani. Critics noted that Biddu's tune and composition of "Aap Jaisa Koi" sounded similar to his earlier 1976 Tina Charles hit "Dance Little Lady Dance". As the girl, Nazia Hassan, had a nasal voice, Biddu decided to backtrack it for an echo effect. The song which was recorded in London, was the first Hindi song to be recorded on 24 tracks. In 1980, Qurbani ran to packed houses in India, largely on the weight of "Aap Jaisa Koi" and another number "Laila O Laila". Nazia Hassan became a teenage sensation. "Aap Jaisa Koi" was a massive hit across the South Asian subcontinent.

Riding on the massive popularity of the song and the film, Biddu decided to sign Hassan and her brother Zoheb up for a Hindi pop album, something hitherto not tried in India. Biddu modelled them on the then popular American brother-sister duo, The Carpenters. Biddu composed a few catchy numbers for Nazia and Zoheb for the album Disco Deewane. In 1981, the album was a massive hit across Asia, South Africa and some countries in South America, charting in 14 countries. The album became the biggest selling pop album in Asia. The 15 year old teenage Pakistani singer Nazia Hassan became a household name across the South Asian subcontinent. Biddu saw his stars rise across the region. Disco Deewane was followed by the production of three more heavy hitters with Nazia and Zohaib; Star/Boom Boom in 1982 (the number "Boom Boom" from the album and film Star was a big hit), then the album Young Tarang 1984 two years later, before winding up again with the duo in 1987 with Hotline. The duo went on to sell as many as 60 million records.[5]

Beyond the South Asian subcontinent, he also had some success in another part of Asia: Japan. After having worked with The Tigers in 1969, he returned there to work with the popular Japanese idol and J-pop singer Akina Nakamori. He produced her song "Don't Tell Me This is Love" in 1985 and later "The Look That Kills" and "Blonde" which became big hits in 1987.

Indipop scene (1990s)

Having spent nearly a decade with this pair, Biddu next turned his attention to Hindi vocalist Shweta Shetty, both writing and producing the Johnny Joker album in 1993. Then in 1995, came another sensational pop album, composed and produced by Biddu. Made in India - a remarkable dance album for Hindi pop/film playback singer Alisha Chinai. The album became the best selling Hindi dance album ever and featured a slick handful of Western styled videos - a sure selling point for India's newly-launched MTV set.

In 1996, Biddu made a brother-sister duo again with Shaan (Shantanu Mukherjee) and Sagarika Mukherjee, producing the Naujawan album. Biddu spent the rest of the 1990s working with a variety of musicians, including the Indian girl-group "The Models", and Sonu Nigam, as well as continuing his collaboration with Alisha Chinai on her Dil Ki Rani album. Into the new millennium, he produced two hit albums with Sansara, Yeh Dil Sun Raha Hai and Habibi.

His own 1999 album Eastern Journey was an ambitious experiment which blended Indian pop with Western flair and strong, jazz elements.

Biddu also worked with Junaid Jamshed. Both of them worked in London and produced an outstanding album under the composition and lyrics of non other than Shoib Mansoor Sahab. Album name "Junaid of vital signs " Later the album name was changed to "NAAM" OR "TUMHARA AUR MERA NAAM" .This album includes the hits like Pehli Dharkan,Tumhara Mera Nam , Ab Jiya Na Jaye,Barish.

Experiments in fusion (2000s)

In 2004, Biddu re-emerged with a new genre to soothe the soul of western audiences. the album Diamond Sutra, inspired by the tragic events of 9/11, has Sanskrit chants and a painting of Buddha on the front cover of the album, shaping Biddu's concern of the world in danger of self-destruction. He is also critical of American arrogance and what he describes as an "I, me, my society," but insists he is not trying to lecture or moralise through his music.

Biddu now lives in Spain with his English wife of 39 years, Sue, and two grown-up children. He started a publishing house called SueBiddu Music, which administers music for artists, wrote an autobiography called Made in India at the insistence of his wife, and has returned to doing live performances as a singer.[1] In 2010, Biddu won an "Outstanding Achievement" award at the UK Asian Music Awards (UK AMAs).[8]

Discography

The following is a selected discography of albums, singles and soundtracks he has produced or composed.[9][7]

Producer / Writer

Albums

Singles

  • The Tigers -- "Smile for Me" (1969)
  • The Showstoppers -- "Action Speaks Louder Than Words" (1971)
  • Carl Douglas -- "Ain't No Use" (1972)
  • Jimmy James -- "A Man Like Me" (1972)
  • The Flirtations -- "Love A Little Longer" (1972)
  • Mac and Katie Kissoon -- "Beautiful World Out There" (1973)
  • The Black Knights -- "Billy Gunn" (1973)
  • The Playthings -- "Stop What You're Doing" (1973)
  • Carl Douglas -- "Kung Fu Fighting" (1974)
  • The Playthings -- "Surrounded By A Ray Of Sunshine" (1974)
  • Tina Charles -- "One Broken Heart For Sale" (1974)
  • Carl Douglas -- "Blue Eyed Soul" (1975)
  • Jimmy James -- "You Don't Stand a Chance (If You Can't Dance)" (1975)
  • Tina Charles -- "You Set My Heart On Fire" (1975)
  • Biddu -- "Groovy Kind Of Love" (1976)
  • Jimmy James -- "Now Is the Time" (1976)
  • Tina Charles -- "Dance Little Lady Dance" (1976)
  • Tina Charles -- "I Love to Love (But My Baby Loves to Dance)" (1976)
  • Tina Charles -- "Love Me Like A Lover" (1976)
  • Claude François -- "Laisse Une Chance A Notre Amour" (1977/1978)
  • Akina Nakamori -- "Don't Tell Me This is Love" (1985)
  • Akina Nakamori -- "The Look That Kills" (1987)
  • Akina Nakamori -- "Blonde" (1987)
  • Nazia Hassan -- "Boom Boom: The Biddu Experience '95" (1995)
  • Bus Stop -- "Kung Fu Fighting" (1998)
  • Brighouse and Rastrick Brass Band -- "I'll Go Where Your Music Takes Me" (1999)

Biddu Orchestra

Albums

  • Blue Eyed Soul (1975)
  • Rain Forest (1976)
  • Funky Tropical (1977)
  • Journey to the Moon (1977)
  • Soul Coaxing / Nirvana (1977)
  • Journey to the Moon / Journey in the Rain (1977)
  • Dance of Shiva (1985)
  • Eastern Man (1977)
  • Futuristic Journey (1978)
  • Diamond Sutra (2004)

Singles

  • "Summer of '42" (1975)
  • "Jump for Joy" (1976)

Soundtracks

Biddu has scored or produced the soundtracks for the following films.[10]

References

  1. ^ a b c d e f Rachana Nakra (February 4, 2010). "Pop of the charts: The man behind 'Disco Deewane' and 'Made in India' bares it all in an autobiography". Mint. The Wall Street Journal. Retrieved 2011-05-30.
  2. ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l m James Ellis. "Biddu". Metro. Retrieved 2011-04-17.
  3. ^ a b Murrells, Joseph (1978). The Book of Golden Discs (2nd ed.). London: Barrie and Jenkins Ltd. p. 344. ISBN 0-214-20512-6.
  4. ^ a b c d e f Malika Browne (August 20, 2004). "It's a big step from disco to Sanskrit chants, but Biddu has made it". The Sunday Times. Retrieved 2011-05-30.
  5. ^ a b PTI (18 November 2005). "NRI TV presenter gets Nazia Hassan Award". Times of India. Retrieved 2011-03-04.
  6. ^ "Search Results for Kung Fu Fighting". Recording Industry Association of America. Retrieved 2011-04-08.
  7. ^ a b Biddu at AllMusic. Retrieved 2011-05-30.
  8. ^ "BBC - Asian Network - BBC Asian Network AMA 2010 - Winners". bbc.co.uk. Retrieved 24 August 2010.
  9. ^ Biddu discography at Discogs
  10. ^ Biddu at IMDb

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