7:10pm Wednesday 10th March 2010
ELLIE Goulding has become the first Herefordshire artist to top the charts for 30 years.
But she’s been tipped to stay there – by a member of the band who last performed the feat.
The 24-year-old, of Lyonshall, near Hereford, topped the album charts last Sunday with her debut release Lights.
The last – and only – county act to reach the summit was The Pretenders with their self-titled album in January 1980.
Ellie also has a foothold on the singles charts, as Starry Eyed remains at number four in the top 40.
Martin Chambers, drummer with The Pretenders, knows how the young musician is feeling.
Their debut album and nominal single Brass in Pocket were the first new chart-toppers of the 1980s.
“I was at home when the publisher called to say we had the first number one single and album of 1980,” he said.
“The parents were very proud and it was nice to knock Pink Floyd off the top.
“But you have to do a lot of work when you get there. You can take all year to record your first album, but you might have to do the second one in a couple of weeks.
“It’s a tough time but it sounds like she’ll be allright. She will be doing what she loves and that’s really important.”
The former Lady Hawkins student thanked her fans for their “incredible support and kindness” following the announcement. The feat – Lights knocked Lady Gaga off the top – follows an amazing month that included a Brit Award and her first top 10 single.
But her relatives insists she’s not immune to criticism and often thinks about Hereford.
Her uncle Phil Heinricy, from Belmont, near Hereford, encouraged a young Ellie into music and is pleased her protégée has made the big time.
“She’s the first local artist to ever have a debut number one,” said Mr Heinricy, “and we’re immensely proud of her.”
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