Emerging during the same boom of retro U.K.-based singers that launched Amy Winehouse, Duffy has distinguished herself with a vintage voice that brings to mind such ’60s artists as Dusty Springfield and Petula Clark. Born in Nefyn, Wales, Duffy began singing at an early age and started performing with various bands throughout her teenage years, sporting a charmingly retro sound that caught the ear of Rough Trade Records owner Jeannette Lee in 2004. Lee helped nurture the singer’s talent by pairing her up with former Suede guitarist Bernard Butler. The duo co-wrote several songs, including the single “Rockferry,” which revealed Duffy’s knack for soulful music inspired by Stax and Motown. “Rockferry” became the title song of Duffy’s debut album, which was released in 2008. However, it took a different song — “Mercy” — to make her an international star. “Mercy” topped the charts in the U.K. and the follow-up single, “Warwick Avenue,” peaked at Number Three. “Rockferry” became one of the year’s most popular records, selling over two million copies in the U.K. alone, winning a Grammy for Best Pop Vocal Album. Duffy began working on her second album in 2009, taking some time off to make her acting debut in the 2010 drama Patagonia. The result, Endlessly, was released in November 2010. Duffy continues to perform to packed houses around the globe.