Helen Reddy

Helen Reddy 1975

Helen Reddy (25 October 1941 – 29 September 2020) was an Australian-American singer, actress, and activist. She is best known for her hit song "I Am Woman", which became an anthem for the women's liberation movement in the 1970s.

Early Life

Helen Maxine Reddy was born in Melbourne, Victoria, Australia. She was the daughter of actress Stella Campbell and writer/producer Max Reddy. Reddy began performing at a young age, joining her parents on the Australian vaudeville circuit.

Career

Music

Reddy's music career took off in the early 1970s after she moved to the United States. She signed with Capitol Records and released her first single, "I Don't Know How to Love Him", which became a hit. Her breakthrough came with the release of "I Am Woman" in 1972, which reached number one on the Billboard Hot 100 chart and earned her a Grammy Award for Best Female Pop Vocal Performance.

Reddy continued to have success throughout the 1970s with hits like "Delta Dawn", "Angie Baby", and "Ain't No Way to Treat a Lady". She became known as the "Queen of '70s Pop" and was one of the most successful female artists of the decade.

Acting

In addition to her music career, Reddy also pursued acting. She appeared in several films and television shows, including Airport 1975, Pete's Dragon, and The Love Boat. She also performed on stage in productions such as "Anything Goes" and "Blood Brothers".

Activism

Reddy was a prominent figure in the women's liberation movement. Her song "I Am Woman" became an anthem for the movement and she often spoke out on issues related to women's rights. She was also involved in various charitable causes and served as a commissioner of the California Department of Parks and Recreation.

Personal Life

Reddy was married three times and had two children. She became a naturalized citizen of the United States in 1974. In her later years, she retired from performing and lived in Sydney, Australia.

Death

Helen Reddy passed away on 29 September 2020 in Los Angeles, California.

Legacy

Reddy's contributions to music and her role in the women's liberation movement have left a lasting impact. Her song "I Am Woman" remains a powerful symbol of female empowerment.

Discography

• I Don't Know How to Love Him (1971)
• Helen Reddy (1971)
• I Am Woman (1972)
• Long Hard Climb (1973)
• Love Song for Jeffrey (1974)
• Free and Easy (1974)
• No Way to Treat a Lady (1975)
• Music, Music (1976)
• Ear Candy (1977)
• We'll Sing in the Sunshine (1978)
• Reddy (1979)
• Take What You Find (1980)
• Play Me Out (1981)
• Imagination (1983)

Filmography

• Airport 1975 (1974)
• Pete's Dragon (1977)
• Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band (1978)
• The Love Boat (TV series, various episodes)

See Also

• List of artists who reached number one on the Hot 100 (U.S.)
• List of Grammy Award winners