Jennie Bellestar
from Pop: The History Makers with Steve Blame
Following the break-up of The Bodysnatchers, Jennie Matthias got her big break in the 80’s all girl group The Belle Stars, later signed to Stiff Records, and hit the charts in 1982 with Iko Iko, a song which was to later again feature significantly in Jennie’s life, after it was used in the Dustin Hoffman, Tom Cruise film Rain Man. Full Interview on YouTube here: In the UK, The Belle Stars released a further 7 singles after 'Iko Iko', scoring their biggest hit with ‘Sign of The Times’. This is Jennie’s story, which is deeper and more moving that the two paragraphs above could do justice to. She witnessed her mother kill her sister in front of her. She spent time in a children’s home She was sent back to live with her mother, and again physically abused. She became a pop star in The Belle Stars almost by accident She became a heroin addict She was in the States, trying to get off Heroin, when Iko Iko became a hit after bring used in the film Rain Man. Her boyfriend of 7 years committed suicide. A moment that changed her life. Today she works with disadvantaged children. And she uses her poetry to raise awareness of drug issues. Devised a system of help for people who have been through similar issues in their lives Authored a book about her journey and the process of help; Surviving the Storm; How to embrace your pain and grow through adversity This is Jennie’s story, powerful, uplifting, and moving. Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/pop-the-history-makers-with-steve-blame/donations
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