Halliwell, Geri (1972–)
Halliwell, Geri (1972–)
English singer. Name variations: Geraldine Halliwell, Ginger Spice, The Spice Girls. Born Geraldine Estelle Halliwell, Aug 6, 1972, in Watford, Hertfordshire, England.
Shot to fame as part of pop-quintet, the Spice Girls, which was formed in London (1994); in early career, worked as go-go dancer and host on Turkish game show; invited to join Bob and Chris Herbert's group Touch; with other members of the Herbert band, left and formed Spice Girls; with group, released single "Wannabe," the 1st debut single by all-girl band to enter UK charts at #1, then went #1 in 22 other nations, including US (1997); with group, released debut album, Spice, which went to #1 in UK charts and became 1st debut album by UK performer to enter US charts at #1 (1997); with Spice, had other Top-10 singles, including "Say You'll be There" and "2 Become 1"; released smash-hit album, Spiceworld, and film of same name (1997); took over as manager of Spice Girls, but quit group soon after, citing friction (May 1998); became goodwill ambassador for United Nations (Fall 1998); pursued solo music career, releasing several albums, including Schizophonic (1999) and Official & Exclusive (2001); appeared in film Fat Slags (2004).
See also Geri Halliwell, If Only (Doubleday Canada, 1999).