Mary Hopkin (born May 3, 1950) is a British singer. Born in Pontardawe, Wales, she grew up Welsh-speaking and began her musical career as a folk singer. She was discovered after appearing and winning ''Opportunity Knocks' hosted by the much imitated and more recently chronicled Hughie Green. She was one of the first artists to record on The Beatles' Apple record label. ...show more

Mary Hopkin (born May 3, 1950) is a British singer. Born in Pontardawe, Wales, she grew up Welsh-speaking and began her musical career as a folk singer. She was discovered after appearing and winning ''Opportunity Knocks' hosted by the much imitated and more recently chronicled Hughie Green. She was one of the first artists to record on The Beatles' Apple record label.

Her single "Those Were the Days", produced by Paul McCartney, was released in the UK on August 30, 1968 (catalogue number APPLE 2). Despite competition from a well-established star, Sandie Shaw, who released her version of the same song as a single, Hopkin's version became a #1 hit in the UK singles chart, and reached #2 in the US. On February 21, 1969 her debut album Postcard, also produced by McCartney, was released. It includes covers of three songs from Donovan, who also played on the album, and one song each from George Martin and Harry Nillson.

The next single was "Goodbye", written by Paul McCartney (but credited to Lennon-McCartney), released on March 28, 1969 (APPLE 10); it reached #2 in the UK singles chart. It was kept off the top of the charts by the Beatles' single "Get Back". "Goodbye" has never been officially released by the Beatles, although a demo version can be found on some of the Beatles' bootlegs. Her song, "Rachel's Song", was featured on the Blade Runner soundtrack by Vangelis. ...show less