Paloma Faith
A British pop powerhouse with a retro soulful flair and theatrical panache, who champions emotional vulnerability and vintage glamour in a modern pop landscape.
Born 1981 (age 45)·British singer·Birthday: July 21·Millennials
Biography
Paloma Faith came out of London's burlesque and art scenes, not a pop star assembly line. She sings with a powerful, dramatic voice that blends soul, pop, and jazz, and her albums and live shows treat each performance as a crafted theatrical event. Her signature beehive hairstyles and bold fashion choices match the intensity of lyrics that dig into heartbreak, resilience, and self-discovery. She has also worked as a television personality and actress, bringing the same directness and humor to interviews and roles. Her career proves that a singular artistic identity can coexist with commercial success.
Millennials
1981–1996
The first digital natives. Grew up with the internet, came of age during 9/11 and the 2008 crash. Highly educated, deeply indebted, slower to marry and buy houses. Redefined work, identity, and what it means to be an adult.
Paloma was born in 1981, placing them squarely in the Millennials. The events that shaped this generation — the internet revolution, 9/11, and the 2008 financial crisis — shaped the world they entered and the choices available to them.
#1 When Paloma Was Born
The biggest hits of 1981
#1 Movie
Raiders of the Lost Ark
Best Picture
Chariots of Fire
#1 TV Show
Dallas
Paloma's Life & Times
The world at every milestone
1981Born
MTV launches; first Space Shuttle flight; AIDS identified
Gas: $1.31/galHome: $52,300Min wage: $3.35/hrPresident: Ronald Reagan"Bette Davis Eyes" — Kim CarnesBest Picture: Chariots of Fire
1986Started school
Challenger disaster; Chernobyl nuclear meltdown
Gas: $0.86/galHome: $66,600Min wage: $3.35/hrPresident: Ronald Reagan"That's What Friends Are For" — Dionne & FriendsBest Picture: Platoon
1994Became a teenager
Nelson Mandela elected president of South Africa
Gas: $1.11/galHome: $90,400Min wage: $4.25/hrPresident: Bill Clinton"The Sign" — Ace of BaseBest Picture: Forrest Gump
1997Could drive
Princess Diana dies in Paris car crash; Harry Potter published
Gas: $1.23/galHome: $104,100Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: Bill Clinton"Candle in the Wind 1997" — Elton JohnBest Picture: Titanic
1999Could vote
Columbine shooting; Y2K panic builds
Gas: $1.17/galHome: $113,900Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: Bill Clinton"Believe" — CherBest Picture: American Beauty
2002Turned 21
Euro currency enters circulation
Gas: $1.36/galHome: $137,800Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: George W. Bush"How You Remind Me" — NickelbackBest Picture: Chicago
2011Turned 30
Osama bin Laden killed; Arab Spring sweeps the Middle East
Gas: $3.53/galHome: $138,400Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Barack Obama"Rolling in the Deep" — AdeleBest Picture: The Artist
2021Turned 40
January 6 Capitol breach; COVID vaccines roll out globally
Gas: $3.01/galHome: $298,900Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Joe Biden"Levitating" — Dua LipaBest Picture: CODA
2026Age 45 today
Gas: $3.91/galPresident: Donald Trump
Key Achievements
- Her second studio album, 'Fall to Grace,' debuted at number two on the UK Albums Chart and was certified double platinum.
- Received the British Female Solo Artist award at the 2014 BRIT Awards.
- Acted in notable films such as 'The Imaginarium of Doctor Parnassus' and played a lead role in the TV series 'Pennyworth'.
- All of her first five studio albums have reached the top 10 in the UK, with multiple achieving platinum status.
Did You Know?
She studied contemporary dance at the Northern School of Contemporary Dance and has a degree in theatre directing.
She worked as a magician's assistant, a life model, and in a pub's cigarette machine before finding fame in music.
She is a patron of the charity 'Eaves,' which supports women who are victims of violence.
“I think the most rebellious thing you can do in a world that tries to make you conform is to be yourself.”
