Keren Woodward is a British pop icon and a key figure in 1980s music history as one-third of Bananarama, one of the most successful all-female groups of all time.
With a career that has spanned more than four decades, she has become renowned for her sharp songwriting, signature vocals, and trailblazing contributions to the pop landscape.
As of now, she has an estimated net worth of $10 million, reflecting both her enduring musical legacy and commercial success.
Early Career and Rise to Stardom
Keren Woodward was born in Bristol, England, and grew up surrounded by music and creativity. In 1979, she teamed up with childhood friends Sara Dallin and Siobhan Fahey to form Bananarama, a group that would soon make waves in the U.K. and beyond.
The band’s name, quirky and memorable, reflected their carefree, vibrant energy, which quickly caught the attention of the music industry.
Their debut single “Aie a Mwana” became a cult favorite, showcasing their unique blend of pop, punk, and new wave influences.
This fresh sound led to a deal with Demon Records, and in 1983, they released their debut album “Deep Sea Skiving,” which hit #7 on the U.K. charts.
The band’s playful, DIY aesthetic and catchy sound made them stand out in a crowded pop landscape.
Bananarama’s Global Success
Bananarama’s career skyrocketed in 1984 with their self-titled second album, featuring the massive international hit “Cruel Summer.” The track reached number 9 on the U.S. Billboard Hot 100, becoming one of their most enduring singles.
The trio’s ability to combine energetic rhythms, accessible lyrics, and charismatic visuals solidified them as a pop culture phenomenon.
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In 1987, the group teamed up with the legendary production trio Stock Aitken Waterman to produce the album “Wow!” This era saw the release of several massive hits, including:
- “Love in the First Degree” (U.K. #1)
- “I Heard a Rumour”
- “I Can’t Help It”
Their glamorous-yet-grounded personas, paired with a knack for writing and performing earworm hits, helped them dominate airwaves across Europe and North America.
Their music videos were staples on MTV, and they were among the rare female acts to break through on a global scale.
The band’s commercial achievements are staggering: more than 40 million records sold worldwide, over 30 singles, and 11 studio albums.
Bananarama also made history by securing a spot in the Guinness Book of World Records as the all-female group with the most chart entries globally.
Lineup Changes and Continued Success
In 1988, Siobhan Fahey left the group, and Woodward and Dallin brought in Jacquie O’Sullivan to fill the gap.
The new lineup recorded a charity single—a high-energy cover of The Beatles’ “Help!”—for Comic Relief, which became another hit for the group.
O’Sullivan eventually left in 1991, and from then on, Keren Woodward and Sara Dallin continued as a duo, keeping Bananarama active well into the 1990s and 2000s. During this period, they released albums like:
- Please Yourself (1993)
- Ultra Violet (1995)
- Drama (2005)
- Viva (2009)
- In Stereo (2019)
These works reflected both a dedication to their roots and a willingness to evolve with the times, incorporating contemporary pop, dance, and electronic influences.
Solo Work and Side Projects
While Bananarama remained her primary musical outlet, Keren briefly ventured into solo territory in the early 1990s with a side project called Coming Up Roses.
Though short-lived, the group gave her space to experiment artistically outside the established Bananarama brand.
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2017 Reunion: “The Original Line-up Tour”
In a surprise move that delighted fans, Keren reunited with Sara Dallin and Siobhan Fahey in 2017 for “The Original Line-up Tour.”
The reunion was met with critical and fan acclaim, as the trio delivered sold-out performances full of nostalgia, joy, and renewed creative energy.
The tour marked a full-circle moment and reinforced the band’s enduring relevance in the pop music world.
Personal Life
Keren Woodward’s life outside of music has also drawn public attention. In the 1980s, she had a son with former model David Scott-Evans.
She later entered a long-term relationship with Andrew Ridgeley, the co-founder of Wham!, beginning in 1990.
The couple was together for nearly three decades before separating in 2017, though they remained amicable.
Legacy and Cultural Impact
Keren Woodward’s place in pop history is undeniable. As a founding member of Bananarama, she helped shatter expectations of what a girl group could be: bold, independent, fun, and unapologetically feminine.
With her distinctive voice, sharp songwriting, and fearless approach to fashion and image, she helped define a generation of pop music.
Her impact reaches far beyond chart success. Bananarama influenced the Spice Girls, Girls Aloud, and countless others by showing that women could dominate the charts on their own terms.
Their songs continue to appear in films, TV shows, and commercials, a testament to their timeless appeal.
Discography Highlights
- Deep Sea Skiving (1983)
- Bananarama (1984)
- True Confessions (1986)
- Wow! (1987)
- Pop Life (1991)
- Drama (2005)
- Viva (2009)
- In Stereo (2019)
