Jennie Bellestar Matthias, born Eugenie Matthias, is an influential figure in the music industry, known for her role as the lead singer of the 1980s all-female British pop/rock band The Belle Stars. The band, formed in 1980 after the breakup of The Bodysnatchers, quickly rose to prominence, becoming known for their hit singles like "Sign of the Times" and their cover of "Iko Iko". Their first performance was on Christmas Day in 1980, and by early 1981, they were already gaining significant media attention, appearing on the cover of Sounds magazine. They were signed by Stiff Records, a label known for its association with the band Madness.
The Belle Stars experienced a surge in popularity with singles like "Sign of the Times," which became their signature hit, peaking at number three and achieving success across Europe. Their music videos, including the one for "Sign of the Times" featuring the band in dinner jackets, were frequently played on MTV in the United States. The Belle Stars eventually gained popularity with their cover of "Iko Iko", which featured in the 1988 film "Rain Man" and climbed to number 14 on the Billboard Top 100. Matthias's role in the band was pivotal, with her performance on "Sign of the Times" contributing to its status as the 30th-best selling single in the UK for 1983. The band's eponymous debut album also achieved success, reaching number 15 on the UK Albums Chart.
After the Belle Stars, Matthias continued her career in music and expanded her creative pursuits. She formed a new ska band, The Dance Brigade, with Lee Thompson from Madness and started her own band, 1-Stop-Experience. She also guested on albums by Skaville UK and performed at various festivals. Jennie has also graced many a stage with her old friend, the globally respected dub producer Adrian Sherwood, both in the UK and abroad. Sherwood and Jennie have collaborated on tracks with , the most recent one being 'I DON'T WATCH TV'
Matthias's journey, however, has not been without challenges. Witnessing the struggles of her friends with issues like addiction and mental health, and having experienced similar hardships herself, she has been inspired to use her experiences positively. Matthias authored "Surviving the Storm", a book that shares strategies and stories for overcoming personal trauma and embracing pain for self-development. This work reflects her commitment to helping others navigate their difficulties.
Beyond her musical endeavors, Matthias is also known for her commitment to charity and community work. She managed a charity shop that supported the Food For All project, which feeds a significant number of people daily. Her ambassadorship with the PRS Members’ Fund, inspired by the support she received during a challenging period, further exemplifies her dedication to giving back and supporting her peers in the music industry.
In summary, Jennie Bellestar Matthias's career spans a remarkable journey from the heights of pop success with The Belle Stars to impactful community and charity work. Her resilience and dedication to using her experiences for the benefit of others mark her as a significant figure in the music industry and beyond.
