Annie Haslam began her singing career in earnest whilst at university when she got up and performed a version of Those Were The Days at a local pub. Annie later joined a cabaret band called The Gentle People who had a residency in a venue called the Showboat in London's West End. She also trained under the opera singer Sybil Knight. It was however in late 1970 that Annie joined the band she is probably still identified with. Annie became the singer with Renaissance in 1971 after answering an advertisement placed in the music paper Melody Maker in late 1970. Her five octave soprano voice was to be an outstanding feature of this band until the band split in the eighties. While she was a member of Renaissance Annie recorded a number of well-received albums including Prologue, Ashes Are Burning, Novella and Song For All Seasons. The latter album making the top forty of the British albums chart and also spawning a top ten hit single with Northern Lights.
Renaissance continued under the leadership of Annie and Michael Dunford until 1987.Following the end of Renaissance Annie and fellow Renaissance member Michael Dunford formed the short-lived Nevada although Renaissance did briefly reconvene in the late nineties for an album and touring following which Annie returned to her solo career.
Annie's solo career began in 1978 while still with Renaissance when she released Annie In Wonderland and although the album was critically well received Annie regarded Renaissance as her main concern at the time.
The Dawn Of Ananda,' released in 1999, is one of Annie's most spiritual works, and contains some of her finest work and song writing collaborations. This album includes a contribution from her former 'Renaissance' colleague Michael Dunford, and also Larry Fast, Tony Visconti, Mickey Simmons, Mick Rossi and Rave Tesar who is a member of Annie's band. Rave shares the production credits with Tony Visconti and Larry Fast.
