Rebecca Jane Grosvenor Taylor, known professionally as Riva is an English singer, songwriter and performer of adult contemporary, popular and musical theatre songs. She is notable for landing a recording contract at a very young age under the name Becky Jane Taylor.
Early life and education
Taylor was born in Hammersmith, London, daughter of Christopher Grosvenor Taylor of Oxshott, Surrey. She had her first experience on the stage at the age of seven in London's West End, playing Little Eponine at the Palace Theatre. Other early achievements include winning the Thorndike Talent competition for ages 8–24, and winning a British Arts Award for her dance performance of the Secret Garden, both of which she achieved at the age of 8. She also appeared on Blue Peter, performing "My Heart Will Go On" at the age of 10. She attended Danes Hill School, Surrey before studying for her GCSEs and A Levels at Tormead School, Guildford. Taylor has said that living the life of a normal school girl was important for somebody exposed to the music industry from such a young age.
Career
At the age of 12, she landed a recording contract with EMI, making her the youngest artist to have ever been signed to the record label. Her debut album, A Dream Come True recorded at Abbey Road Studios enjoyed international success. That same year she sang at the Farm Aid benefit gala concert at the Royal Albert Hall. This was attended by Prince Charles who praised the 12-year-old's performance and stated he would watch her career with great interest. She also caught the attention of Mohammed Al Fayed who, after hearing her sing at her album launch at Harrods, invited her to perform at and open the Harrods Sale with Jean-Claude Van Damme and Salma Hayek. Over the years, Taylor has toured worldwide promoting her music, and she has enjoyed particular success in the Far East. Her US tour was supported by promotional performances on Live With Regis and Kelly hosted by guest presenterUsher and the MDA Labor Day Telethon, Los Angeles. Taylor released her first album of show tunes at the age of thirteen in 2001 and her second album, a crossover album By Your Side, in 2005. Over the past five years, Taylor has performed extensively alongside musicians including José Carreras, Russell Watson, André Rieu and Katie Melua. In 2005, she performed at the Last Night of the Audley End and Kenwood Proms with Wynne Evans. In January and February 2012, Taylor appeared as a guest artist on both The Soldiers and Alfie Boe's UK tours. In 2014 she featured as a guest artist on the Video Games Live World Tour throughout Europe. She performing her own material as well as well known music from Assassin's Creed and Grammy nominated music from Journey. Some venues included the Helsinki Ice Hall, Finland and the Heineken Music Hall, Amsterdam. She dances to an advanced standard and has achieved her Associate of the Royal Academy of Dance diploma. Taylor has graduated from the University of Durham after undertaking a three-year degree in History. In 2017 Taylor released a club remix of her song Deeper Than Us. Written by Riva Taylor and Jamie Hartman. The track charted at number #3 in the Music Week pop charts and was championed by Pete Tong on BBC Radio 1 and Tiesto on his Club Life She has released her first single from her forthcoming album in summer 2018 titled 'My Mouth'.
TV, Film and Video Games
Taylor has performed the theme tunes for a number of films and television programmes including BBC Christmas feature film Second Star to the Left starring Barbara Windsor and Hugh Laurie, — Riva performed the song You Can Be A Hero — and Barbie as Rapunzel. In 2015, Taylor opened the BAFTA Games Awards with an original track from the new album called Earth To Earth. She also presented the award for music with James Bond with composer David Arnold.
