Lasting Legacy of Kate Bush: A Look at the Influence on History

How the contributions of Kate Bush continue to shape the world today.

Kate Bush is an English singer-songwriter, record producer, and dancer who began writing songs at a young age. Discovered with the help of David Gilmour, she signed with EMI Records and achieved fame at 19 with her self-written debut single, "Wuthering Heights," topping the UK charts for four weeks and becoming the first woman to accomplish this feat with a self-written song. Her debut album, 'The Kick Inside', reached number three in the UK, solidifying her place in music history.

Sections (5)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements Success & Recognition Legacy & Impact

1978: Top of the Pops Appearances

In 1978, Kate Bush appeared on Top of the Pops five times with "Wuthering Heights", solidifying her image.

1988: Copyright, Designs and Patents Act

The Copyright, Designs and Patents Act was enacted in 1988.

1991: Prince's Acknowledgement

In 1991, Kate Bush was one of the singers whom Prince thanked in the liner notes of Diamonds and Pearls.

1998: Asteroid Named After Kate Bush

In 1998, an asteroid was named after Kate Bush, recognizing her influence and legacy.

1999: VH1's Greatest Women in Rock and Roll

In 1999, VH1 named Kate Bush the 46th-greatest woman in rock and roll.

2007: "Rocket Man" Voted Greatest Cover

In 2007, Kate Bush's cover of Elton John's "Rocket Man" was voted the greatest cover ever by readers of The Observer newspaper, highlighting the enduring impact and appreciation of her unique rendition.

2011: Duet and Praise from Elton John

In 2011, Elton John did a duet with Kate Bush and praised her talents as a musician, calling her groundbreaking and a bit like a female equivalent of Freddie Mercury.

2013: Chart Success in Five Decades

In 2013, Kate Bush became the only female artist to have top five albums in the UK charts in five successive decades, showcasing her enduring relevance and popularity.

2015: Adele Inspired by Bush's Comeback

In 2015, Adele stated that the release of her third studio album 25 was inspired by Kate Bush's 2014 comeback to the stage.

2019: Release of Kate & Me Album

In 2019, French record producer Pone, who is paralyzed from amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, released Kate & Me, an entire album created from samples of Kate Bush's work.

September 2020: Fellow of The Ivors Academy

In September 2020, Kate Bush became a Fellow of The Ivors Academy, the UK's independent professional association for songwriters, composers and music authors, acknowledging her significant contributions to the field.

2020: Mention by UK Prime Minister

In 2020, UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson mentioned Kate Bush as one of the five most influential women in his life.

April 2021: Open Letter on Streaming Royalties

In April 2021, Kate Bush was one of 156 signatories of an open letter to Prime Minister Boris Johnson calling for a change in the wording of the Copyright, Designs and Patents Act 1988 to make royalty payments for streaming closer to the amounts paid for radio broadcast.

June 2021: Publication of Listen And Donate EP

In June 2021, Pone published Listen And Donate, an EP composed of four tracks including two originals and two remixes based on samples of Kate Bush's work, to raise funds for the Trakadom association.

May 2022: Resurgence of "Running Up That Hill" via Stranger Things

In May 2022, Kate Bush's 1985 single "Running Up That Hill" experienced a resurgence in popularity after being featured in the Netflix series Stranger Things, becoming a global streaming hit and introducing her music to a new generation.

June 2022: "Running Up That Hill" Reaches Number One

In June 2022, "Running Up That Hill" reached number one in the UK, marking Kate Bush's second UK number one and breaking chart records for the longest time between number ones and oldest female solo chart-topping artist. On June 10, 2022, the song had reached number two on the UK charts.