Tyler, still touring more than four decades after her career-defining 1983 hit, is enjoying her time in the music industry more than ever.
Bonnie Tyler, the legendary pop singer behind the timeless hit “Total Eclipse of the Heart,” has opened up about the origins of her stage name and her evolving journey in the music industry.
Born Gaynor Hopkins, the 73-year-old singer admitted that she never quite liked her birth name. In the early days of her career, she adopted the name Sherene Davies, inspired by her sister’s first daughter. “I loved the name Sherene,” she shared during an appearance on BBC Radio Wales.
However, after signing a record deal with RCA Records, the label insisted that she change her stage name again. Label executives felt that “Sherene” sounded too much like the name of a belly dancer.
To find a new name, Tyler turned to an old broadsheet newspaper, making a list of first names and surnames that caught her eye. “I went through both lists and came up with Bonnie Tyler. And it’s been a brilliant name,” she explained, reflecting on the decision that would define her musical identity.
Tyler, still touring more than four decades after her career-defining 1983 hit, is enjoying her time in the music industry more than ever. She expressed how much she appreciates her current work life compared to the hectic years following the success of “Total Eclipse of the Heart.” “I’m enjoying it more these days than at the height of the success of ‘Total Eclipse,'” she shared, noting the contrast between the overwhelming travel and interviews of her earlier career and the more relaxed pace she enjoys now.
In addition to reflecting on her past, Tyler discussed her latest single, “Yes I Can,” which carries a message of self-confidence and inner strength. The song, she said, holds deep meaning for her. “My mother brought me up to believe in myself,” Tyler revealed, recalling how, as a shy child, she struggled with self-expression before music gave her the confidence to overcome her fears.
As Tyler continues to inspire fans with her music and positive messages, she proves that her impact on the industry remains as strong as ever.
