OPINION: The beehive hairdo 80s icon is back!

I have always been a fan of Mari Wilson ever since I heard her first hit ‘Just What I Always Wanted’ playing on the radio in 1982. She followed up that top ten hit single the next year with a glorious cover version of the song ‘Cry Me A River’ that was made famous by Julie London in the 1950s.

Over the years, Mari has continued to release new albums including a great jazz-inspired album called ‘The Rhythm Romance’ that featured her versions of nostalgic songs from the 1960s and the jazz era. I was lucky enough to see her perform much of this album live at London’s iconic Ronnie Scott’s Jazz Club.

Mari has a single out called ‘Good News’ which has a fabulous feelgood retro vibe. In September, she releases ‘Girl About Town’ which will be her first album of new material in over ten years.

The singer who is sometimes known as Miss Beehive or the Neasden Queen Of Soul is at the top of her game – check out her website mariwilson.co.uk for more details and live concert dates.

If you are a fan of singer-songwriters, then you are in for a treat as the ‘Carole King & James Taylor Songbook’ comes to the New Theatre Royal in Portsmouth on 12 June. The show is in its tenth year of touring and always gets rave reviews as top performers sing the songs of Ms King and Mr Taylor.

My musical gem: George Michael’s immense talent will be celebrated at Chichester Cathedral on the 25 June and 26 June. ‘The Music of George Michael: The Candlelight Concert’ will see various singers and a live band perform songs from both George’s solo career and from his time with Wham! It promises to be an amazing and emotional experience.

Listen to Duncan Barkes on Nation Easy Radio, Monday to Friday nights from 10pm. Nation Easy Radio can be heard on DAB digital radio, via the Nation Player app and on your smart speaker – just say “Play Nation Easy Radio.”