Duffy (singer)

Duffy was born on 23 June 1984 in Bangor,{{cite news|last=Shennan|first=Rhona|url=https://www.edinburghnews.scotsman.com/read-this/singer-duffy-has-revealed-she-was-drugged-raped-and-held-captive-for-days-1987816|title=Singer Duffy has revealed she was drugged, raped and held captive for days|work=Edinburgh Evening News|date=26 February 2020|access-date=20 June 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200620133441/https://www.edinburghnews.scotsman.com/read-this/singer-duffy-has-revealed-she-was-drugged-raped-and-held-captive-days-1987816|archive-date=20 June 2020|url-status=live}} and was brought up by her English father John Duffy and Welsh mother Joyce Smith (née Williams) in Nefyn. She has a twin sister, Kate, and an older sister, Kelly Ann, who was born in 1980. Duffy's parents divorced when she was 10 and she moved to Letterston,{{citation needed|date=February 2020}} near the Pembrokeshire town of Fishguard, with her mother and sisters.{{cite web |url=http://icwales.icnetwork.co.uk/whats-on/whats-on-news/2007/11/30/singing-sensation-duffy-shows-her-emotions-91466-20181443/ |title=Singing sensation Duffy shows her emotions |work=Western Mail |date=30 November 2007 |access-date=3 January 2008 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080108211954/http://icwales.icnetwork.co.uk/whats-on/whats-on-news/2007/11/30/singing-sensation-duffy-shows-her-emotions-91466-20181443/ |archive-date=8 January 2008}}

She attended Ysgol Nefyn (Nefyn School), Gwynedd on the Llŷn Peninsula and Sir Thomas Picton School in Haverfordwest, Pembrokeshire as a child. At the age of 17, she attended the Pwllheli campus of Coleg Meirion-Dwyfor to study for A-levels. She subsequently went to the University of Chester and studied Commercial Music Production on the Warrington campus. From 2004, she studied Performing Arts at the Parkgate campus.{{cite web |url=https://www.cheshire-live.co.uk/news/chester-cheshire-news/chart-topper-duffy-worked-studied-chester-5243692 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20130705172624/http://iccheshireonline.icnetwork.co.uk/0100news/0100regionalnews/tm_headline=chart-topper-duffy-worked-and-studied-in-chester&method=full&objectid=20507737&siteid=50020-name_page.html |archive-date=5 July 2013 |title=Chart-topper Duffy worked and studied in Chester |date = 21 February 2008|publisher=CheshireLive |access-date=2 December 2021}}

In September 1998, at the age of 14, Duffy was briefly put in a police safe house when authorities uncovered a plot by her stepfather's ex-wife to pay a hitman £3,000 to kill her stepfather, Philip Smith. Smith's ex-wife, Dawn Watson, was sentenced to a 3½-year jail term for soliciting to murder. "I was so terrified. I felt so ill", Duffy recounted in 2008, as reported by the NME.{{cite web |url=https://www.nme.com/news/duffy/35527 |title=Duffy in assassination plot drama |date=31 March 2008 |work=NME |access-date=27 September 2014 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140112102330/http://www.nme.com/news/duffy/35527 |archive-date=12 January 2014}}[https://www.theguardian.com/music/2008/mar/31/inthenews.popandrock I smoke my head off] {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080410174503/http://music.guardian.co.uk/news/inthenews/0,,2269715,00.html |date=10 April 2008}}. The Guardian 31 March 2008. Retrieved 2 December 2021 Ward, Sharon "The woman I'd loved paid a hitman £3,000 to blast my head off; Husband tells of death-threat terror." Daily Mirror 3 October 1998, p.8. [https://www.questia.com/read/1G1-60628756 Online ]{{dl|date=July 2021}} and [http://gateway.proquest.com/openurl?ctx_ver=Z39.88-2003&res_dat=xri:pqil:res_ver=0.2&res_id=xri:newsuk&rft_id=xri:newsuk:newsart:114624217 Proquest NewsUK]. Retrieved 8 September 2008. Duffy describes living in the safe house as a dog-eat-dog, claustrophobic and isolating experience. Aged 15, she ran away back to her father's home in Nefyn. Duffy said in retrospect, "It was a horrendous thing to do." Her mother and her sisters did not speak to her for about a year afterwards. In reaction to her parents' break-up, her next three years were a rebellious period that included binge drinking and stealing a rowing boat.{{cite news |url=https://www.independent.co.uk/news/people/news/duffy-s-48hour-drinking-binge-2206970.html |title=Duffy's 48-hour drinking binge |work=The Independent |access-date=27 September 2014 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150105153256/http://www.independent.co.uk/news/people/news/duffys-48hour-drinking-binge-2206970.html |archive-date=5 January 2015}}

After finishing her GCSEs in Pembrokeshire,{{cite news |title=Duffy: Little voice |url=https://www.independent.co.uk/arts-entertainment/music/features/duffy-little-voice-784702.html |date=28 February 2008 |work=The Independent |access-date=3 July 2009 |location=London |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081224035200/http://www.independent.co.uk/arts-entertainment/music/features/duffy-little-voice-784702.html |archive-date=24 December 2008 }} Duffy returned to Nefyn, to live with her father, when she was fifteen, and started singing in various local bands. Duffy then spent six weeks in Switzerland (before she started college), collaborating with the writer-producer Soren Mounir, under the name Soulego.{{cite web|url=http://www.downtown.co.uk/article.asp?id=903943 |title=Duffy |publisher=Downtown.co.uk |access-date=24 April 2009}}{{dead link|date=June 2015}} She was advised by a lecturer at Chester University to "Go on the dole, love, and become a singer". She also built up a following at Alexander's, a local jazz and blues club in Chester, where she performed with guitarist David Burton from the band The Invisible Wires, and met songwriter Lucia Cordaro, going on to perform and record one of her songs (I Melt).{{cite web|url=https://www.myspace.com/theinvisiblewires |title=The Invisible Wires featuring Duffy. |publisher=MySpace |access-date=17 July 2009 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080806193951/http://www.myspace.com/theinvisiblewires |archive-date=6 August 2008 }} Duffy returned to Wales in 2003 and was invited to appear on Wawffactor, a Welsh television talent show. She was expected to win but came second to winner Lisa Pedrick.{{cite web|url=http://www.s4c.co.uk/wawffactor/c_2003.shtml |title=S4C – Wawffactor 2003 |publisher=S4C |access-date=4 April 2009 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080108114759/http://www.s4c.co.uk/wawffactor/c_2003.shtml |archive-date=8 January 2008 }} {{in lang|cy}}

In 2004, following success on Wawffactor, Duffy recorded a three-song Welsh extended play, titled Aimée Duffy, while working part-time in two jobs as waitress and in a fishmongers.{{cite web |url={{Allmusic|class=album|id=r1350894|pure_url=yes}} |title=Aimée Duffy > Aimée Duffy > Overview |publisher=Allmusic. Macrovision |access-date=24 May 2009}} It later achieved Welsh chart success in 2008, charting at number one on the "Siart C2" music chart. Duffy, now in high demand, appeared on Mint Royale's See You in the Morning as a back-up singer.{{cite web |url=https://www.nme.com/artists/duffy#biography |title=Duffy > Biography |work=NME |location=UK |access-date=15 April 2009 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090204022308/http://www.nme.com/artists/duffy#biography |archive-date=4 February 2009 }} Duffy was introduced to Jeanette Lee of Rough Trade Records in August 2004, after singing Richard Parfitt's "Oh Boy".{{cite web |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/wales/music/sites/genres_artists/rock_pop/duffy.shtml |title=Duffy |publisher=BBC |access-date=10 April 2009 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090214075839/http://www.bbc.co.uk/wales/music/sites/genres_artists/rock_pop/duffy.shtml |archive-date=14 February 2009 }} Lee moved Duffy to Crouch End in London, orchestrating a meeting between Duffy and Suede's ex-guitar player Bernard Butler.{{cite web |url=http://www.inthenews.co.uk/entertainment/music/whos-next/duffy-invites-you-rockferry-$1172129.htm |title=Duffy invites you to Rockferry |publisher=inthenews.co.uk |date=26 November 2007 |access-date=3 January 2008 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090501191805/http://www.inthenews.co.uk/entertainment/music/whos-next/duffy-invites-you-rockferry-$1172129.htm |archive-date=1 May 2009}} Lee, with Rough Trade, would eventually manage Duffy.{{cite web |url=https://www.walesonline.co.uk/news/wales-news/duffy-turns-back-record-company-1942445 |title=Duffy turns her back on record company |work=WalesOnline |date=29 January 2010 |access-date=2 December 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130307182045/http://www.walesonline.co.uk/showbiz-and-lifestyle/showbiz/2010/01/29/duffy-turns-her-back-on-record-company-91466-25710904/ |archive-date=7 March 2013}} After Butler had given Duffy a soul music "education" by downloading tracks on to her iPod that she could listen to while around London or travelling back to Wales, the pair co-wrote with her and helped create a new retro sound.{{cite web |url=http://www.mtv.co.uk/channel/mtvuk/news/30112007/388253/introducing_duffy |title=Introducing Duffy |publisher=MTV |date=30 November 2007 |access-date=3 January 2008 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071206192840/http://www.mtv.co.uk/channel/mtvuk/news/30112007/388253/introducing_duffy |archive-date=6 December 2007}} The music included tracks by Al Green, Bettye Swann, Ann Peebles, Doris Duke, Scott Walker, Phil Spector and Burt Bacharach. Duffy described Bettye Swann as one of her biggest inspirations, particularly her song "Cover Me".{{cite news |url=https://www.theguardian.com/music/2009/feb/15/pop-music-duffy |title=Soundtrack of my life: Duffy |last=Hodgkinson |first=Will |date=15 February 2009 |work=The Observer |publisher=Guardian News and Media |access-date=17 July 2009 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150614203813/http://www.theguardian.com/music/2009/feb/15/pop-music-duffy |archive-date=14 June 2015 }}

File:Duffy (singer).jpg, 15 March 2008]]

Duffy was contracted to A&M Records (UK) on 23 November 2007.{{cite web |title=A&M: Artists |url=http://www.aandmrecords.co.uk/artists.php |access-date=12 January 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101126125425/http://www.aandmrecords.co.uk/artists.php |archive-date=26 November 2010 |url-status=dead}} She performed on the BBC Two television show Later with Jools Holland,{{cite web |url=http://www.musictowers.com/news/features/interview-duffy-(no-not-the-bass-player-in-gnr)/?page=2 |title=Interview: Duffy (no, not the bass player in GnR...) |publisher=musictowers.com |date=6 December 2007 |access-date=3 January 2008 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080108100806/http://www.musictowers.com/news/features/interview-duffy-(no-not-the-bass-player-in-gnr)/?page=2 |archive-date=8 January 2008}} which resulted in a second appearance on the related broadcast Hootenanny, where Duffy performed with Eddie Floyd. On 22 February 2008, she appeared on Later with Jools Holland for a third time and performed "Rockferry", "Mercy", and "Stepping Stone". Duffy also made appearances on the BBC Two television programme The Culture Show on 23 February 2008, performing "Mercy". In January 2008, Duffy came second to Adele in the annual BBC News Online poll of industry experts Sound of 2008, for acts to emerge in the coming year.{{cite news |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/entertainment/7167746.stm |title=Sound of 2008: Duffy |website=BBC News |date=3 January 2008 |access-date=3 January 2008 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080106090559/http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/entertainment/7167746.stm |archive-date=6 January 2008}} In Wales, following Duffy's recent promotion of her music, Aimée Duffy reached number-one on the "Siart C2" music chart.{{cite web |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/cymru/c2/safle/bysarypyls/cynnwys/20080219.shtml |title=Cymru – Jeni Lyn ar C2 |publisher=BBC |access-date=24 April 2009}} By 2007, Duffy was finalising her debut album effort, to be titled Rockferry, after Rock Ferry, where her grandmother lives.{{cite news |last=Guest |first=Katy |title=Duffy |url=https://www.independent.co.uk/arts-entertainment/music/news/ten-facts-about-duffy-8211-but-which-one-is-false-1628840.html |work=The Independent |date=22 February 2009 |access-date=8 August 2009 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090612233957/http://www.independent.co.uk/arts-entertainment/music/news/ten-facts-about-duffy-8211-but-which-one-is-false-1628840.html |archive-date=12 June 2009 }} She subsequently struck a US label deal with Mercury Records, a newly re-activated imprint of Island Def Jam Music Group. The first single from the album, also titled "Rockferry" was critically well-received with Allmusic calling it a "grand, sweeping ballad".{{cite web |url={{Allmusic|class=album|id=r1315245|pure_url=yes}} |title=Rockferry > Overview |last=Bush |first=John |website=Allmusic |publisher=Macrovision |access-date=8 August 2009}}

Butler and his musical partner David McAlmont, along with a number of other musicians, formed the backbone of Duffy's band for her debut album, Rockferry, which was released on A&M Records on 3 March 2008.{{cite web |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/wales/music/sites/duffy |title=BBC Wales Music – Duffy |publisher=BBC Wales |access-date=3 January 2008 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080201120502/http://www.bbc.co.uk/wales/music/sites/duffy/|archive-date=1 February 2008}} The black-and-white album art and video for the title track were shot by directors Luke Seomore and Joseph Bull, on and around the Ffestiniog Railway in Porthmadog, which was renamed 'Rockferry' for the occasion.{{cite web |url=http://www.walesonline.co.uk/whats-on/columnists/2007/11/30/wales-has-a-singing-star-in-the-making-91466-20181463/ |title=Wales has a singing star in the making |publisher=Walesonlnie.co.uk |access-date=27 September 2014 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121005224636/http://www.walesonline.co.uk/whats-on/columnists/2007/11/30/wales-has-a-singing-star-in-the-making-91466-20181463/ |archive-date=5 October 2012}} According to Duffy, "The album took nearly four years to make. We had to hire cheap, tiny studios and sometimes there would be three-week periods between writing and recording." Bernard Butler, who was not initially paid, produced four songs for the album, including the single "Rockferry".{{cite web |url=http://musicnews.virginmedia.com/news/?news_id=85468 |title=Duffy's budget album Virgin Media |publisher=Musicnews.virginmedia.com |access-date=7 January 2010 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080911222852/http://musicnews.virginmedia.com/news/?news_id=85468 |archive-date=11 September 2008}} The singles "Mercy" and "Stepping Stone" were co-written and produced by Steve Booker, and the third single "Warwick Avenue", by Jimmy Hogarth and Eg White. Duffy released the debut limited-edition single "Rockferry" in November 2007; it was followed by "Mercy", produced and co-written by Steve Booker, which went straight to number one. "Mercy" was the last song written for the album.{{cite web|url=http://www.planetradiocity.com/musicreporter/interview.php?interviewid=247 |title=I'd be useless at writing a CV, says Duffy PanetRadioCity |publisher=Planetradiocity.com |access-date=7 January 2010 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090501233836/http://www.planetradiocity.com/musicreporter/interview.php?interviewid=247 |archive-date=1 May 2009}} The single was physically released on 25 February 2008.{{citation needed|date=January 2009}} She said that both "Mercy" and "Stepping Stone" are autobiographical; "Mercy" is about "sexual liberty" and "not doing something somebody else wants you to do", and "Stepping Stone" is about not expressing her feelings to a person she fell in love with.{{cite web |url=http://buzzworthy.mtv.com/2008/03/26/new-video-duffy-mercy/ |title=New Video: Duffy, 'Mercy' |last=Anitai |first=Tamar |date=26 March 2008 |work=Buzzworthy |publisher=MTV |access-date=10 January 2009|url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090113073735/http://buzzworthy.mtv.com/2008/03/26/new-video-duffy-mercy/ |archive-date=13 January 2009}} "Warwick Avenue" was the second single released from the album. The song occurred when Duffy, then 19 years old, was familiarising herself with the London Underground and accidentally found herself at the Warwick Avenue station. The following day the song "just sort of came out". At first the video for the song was meant to be an elaborate production, but ended up a tearful head shot in a taxi cab with Duffy's mascara smudging. Duffy has said "That's as close as I'm ever going to get to doing a performance that's real in a video."{{cite news |url=https://www.independent.co.uk/arts-entertainment/music/features/story-of-the-song--warwick-avenue-duffy-2008-1649271.html |title=Story of the Song – Warwick Avenue, Duffy (2008) |work=The Independent |access-date=27 September 2014 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150416064233/http://www.independent.co.uk/arts-entertainment/music/features/story-of-the-song--warwick-avenue-duffy-2008-1649271.html|archive-date=16 April 2015}}

File:Duffy in Mercia.jpg, 2009]]

By May, "Mercy" was a staple on VH1 and a hot Adult Contemporary radio hit and had been featured in the season finale of the American television medical drama Grey's Anatomy as well as being on the soundtrack album for Sex and the City: The Movie.{{Cite news|url=https://www.nydailynews.com/entertainment/music-arts/british-artists-chasing-amy-winehouse-article-1.326438|title=These British artists are chasing Amy Winehouse|last=Farber|first=Jim|date=4 May 2008|work=Daily News|location=New York|access-date=2 December 2021|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090501205410/http://www.nydailynews.com/entertainment/music/2008/05/04/2008-05-04_these_british_artists_are_chasing_amy_wi.html?page=0|archive-date=1 May 2009}}{{cite web|url=https://www.musicweek.com/news/read/duffy-wins-grey-s-anatomy-season-finale-exposure/037550|title=Duffy wins Grey's Anatomy season finale exposure|last=Williams|first=Paul|date=23 May 2008|work=MusicWeek|access-date=2 December 2021|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090501191301/http://www.musicweek.com/story.asp?sectioncode=1&storycode=1034332&c=1|archive-date=1 May 2009}}{{Cite news |url=http://www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/entertainment/music/album_reviews/s/1051314_sex_and_the_city__original_motion_picture_soundtrack_decca_records_|title=Sex and the City – Original Motion Picture Soundtrack (Decca Records) |last=Meads |first=Glenn |date=27 May 2008 |work=CityLife |access-date=11 January 2009}} {{dead link|date=September 2010|bot=H3llBot}} A remix of "Mercy", featuring rap artist The Game, was released on 10 May.Hotnewhiphop.com, 10 May 2008 On 13 May, Rockferry was released in the United States to positive reviews.{{cite news|url=http://archive.boston.com/ae/music/cd_reviews/articles/2008/05/13/theres_something_in_the_water/ |title=There's something in the water |newspaper=Boston.com |access-date=2 December 2021 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141205143956/http://www.boston.com/ae/music/cd_reviews/articles/2008/05/13/theres_something_in_the_water/ |archive-date=5 December 2014}}[https://www.inquirer.com/philly/entertainment/20080513_A_taste_of_Foxy___Neil.html A taste of Foxy & Neil] Philadelphia Inquirer 13 May 2008. Retrieved 2 December 2021 {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080514050247/http://www.philly.com/dailynews/features/20080513_A_taste_of_Foxy___Neil.html |date=14 May 2008}}{{cite web |url=https://www.latimes.com/entertainment/la-et-recordrack13-2008may13,0,4978603.story |title=Reviewed |date=13 May 2008 |work=Los Angeles Times |access-date=27 September 2014 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121105204838/http://www.latimes.com/entertainment/la-et-recordrack13-2008may13,0,4978603.story |archive-date=5 November 2012}} The album's low cost of production reaped Duffy substantial financial benefits. Despite her album's success in the United States, she was quoted as saying "I don't like how big American stars consider themselves an exception from humanity".{{cite news |url=https://www.thetimes.com/travel/destinations/uk-travel/duffy-determined-to-keep-a-level-head-in-new-york-x7bf8tvgsb3 |title=Duffy: Determined to keep a level head in New York |work=The Times |access-date=2 December 2021 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110615060705/http://entertainment.timesonline.co.uk/tol/arts_and_entertainment/music/article5197620.ece?token=null&offset=0&page=1 |archive-date=15 June 2011|last1=Verrico |first1=Lisa }} In November 2008, the single "Rain on Your Parade", produced and co-written by Steve Booker, was released. The song was first released on download sales only on 10 November 2008, before being released physically on 17 November 2008.{{cite web |url=https://www.awn.com/news/concrete-posts-stylish-new-duffy-music-video |title=Concrete Posts Stylish New Duffy Music Video |work=Animation World Network|date=November 12, 2008 |access-date=2 December 2021}} Duffy describes this as "a big, disco-y dance song".{{cite web|url=http://www.signonsandiego.com/entertainment/street/2008/10/from_wales_to_shelter_island_d.html|title=From Wales to Shelter Island: Duffy launches first North American headlining tour|publisher=Sign On San Diego|access-date=27 September 2014|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090502122654/http://www.signonsandiego.com/entertainment/street/2008/10/from_wales_to_shelter_island_d.html|archive-date=2 May 2009}} It entered the UK Singles Chart at number twenty-two before rising to a peak of fifteen the following week. The track was included on the deluxe edition of Rockferry. At the 2008 MOJO Awards, Duffy won the "Song of the Year" award for "Mercy"{{cite news |url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/celebritynews/2139775/Duffy-wins-big-with-Mercy-at-Mojo-Awards.html|archive-url=https://archive.today/20120911085306/http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/newstopics/celebritynews/2139775/Duffy-wins-big-with-Mercy-at-Mojo-Awards.html |url-status=dead |archive-date=11 September 2012 |title=Duffy wins big with Mercy at Mojo Awards |last=Singh |first=Anita |date=16 June 2008 |work=The Daily Telegraph |access-date=2 December 2021}} and was nominated also for "Album of the Year" and "Breakthrough Act". These three nominations were the largest number of nominations for any one act.{{cite news |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/entertainment/7375916.stm |title=Duffy leads Mojo awards shortlist|date=1 May 2008 |website=BBC News |access-date=10 January 2009 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081216145410/http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/entertainment/7375916.stm |archive-date=16 December 2008}} She also received a 2008 Q Award in the category of Breakthrough Act,{{cite news |url=https://www.theguardian.com/music/2008/oct/07/q.awards |title=Coldplay and Duffy are Q music award winners |work=The Guardian |date=7 October 2008 |access-date=7 January 2010 |location=London |first=Owen |last=Gibson |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151122214104/http://www.theguardian.com/music/2008/oct/07/q.awards |archive-date=22 November 2015}} a nomination for the Q category of Best Track for "Mercy",[https://www.mtv.co.uk/news/80hysa/coldplay-top-q-awards-list Coldplay Top Q Awards List] MTV UK, 2 September 2008. Retrieved 2 December 2021 {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080904070052/http://www.mtv.co.uk/channel/mtvuk/news/443445-coldplay-top-q-awards-list |date=4 September 2008}} a Music of Black Origin Award nomination for Best UK Female.{{cite web |url=http://www.gigwise.com/news/45979/estelle-and-leona-lewis-lead-2008-mobo-nominations |title=Estelle And Leona Lewis Lead 2008 Mobo Nominations |work=GIGWISE.com |access-date=27 September 2014 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150413105420/http://www.gigwise.com/news/45979/estelle-and-leona-lewis-lead-2008-mobo-nominations |archive-date=13 April 2015}} At the MTV Europe Music Awards, she received nominations in the categories of Album of the Year, Most Addictive Track, and New Act.{{cite web |url=https://www.contactmusic.com/duffy/news/duffy-leads-nominations-for-mtv-europe-music-awards_1081897 |title=Duffy Leads nominations for MTV Europe Music Awards |date=28 September 2008 |publisher=Contact Music |access-date=2 December 2021 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090501200149/http://www.contactmusic.com/news.nsf/article/duffy%20leads%20nominations%20for%20mtv%20europe%20music%20awards_1081897 |archive-date=1 May 2009}} She performed at the EMA show.[http://itn.co.uk/news/e66d6862d172c19acba4e89f6cd0f6bf.html Duffy joins music awards bill] ITN 6 October 2008 {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081007194507/http://itn.co.uk/news/e66d6862d172c19acba4e89f6cd0f6bf.html |date=7 October 2008}}

Duffy has performed at concerts and festival gigs around the world. Her first American performances took place at the SXSW conference,{{cite magazine |url=https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-news/duffy-wows-sxsw-at-first-u-s-show-102050/ |title=Duffy Wows SXSW at First U.S. Show |date=15 March 2008 |magazine=Rolling Stone |access-date=2 December 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081118034428/http://www.rollingstone.com/rockdaily/index.php/2008/03/15/duffy-wows-sxsw-at-first-us-show |archive-date=18 November 2008}} and the Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival was her first festival gig.{{cite magazine |url=https://www.billboard.com/pro/roger-waters-mmj-close-coachella-2008/ |title=Roger Waters, MMJ Close Coachella 2008 |last=Peters |first=Mitchell |date=28 April 2008 |magazine=Billboard |access-date=2 December 2021 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130630051230/http://www.billboard.com/articles/news/1045723/roger-waters-mmj-close-coachella-2008 |archive-date=30 June 2013}} To coincide with the release of Rockferry, Duffy performed at the Apollo Theater in New York City.{{cite news |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2008/05/14/arts/music/14duff.html|title=Welsh Voice Crooning American Soul |last=Caramanica |first=Jon |date=14 May 2008 |work=The New York Times |access-date=10 January 2009 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110711130243/http://www.nytimes.com/2008/05/14/arts/music/14duff.html|archive-date=11 July 2011}} Duffy received the honour of performing at the Royal Variety Performance 2008.{{cite news |title=Royals attend variety performance |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/entertainment/7778709.stm |date=8 December 2008 |website=BBC News |access-date=28 June 2009 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081215053408/http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/entertainment/7778709.stm |archive-date=15 December 2008}} In 2008, Duffy played many festivals in Europe. This included visits to French,{{cite web |title=Duffy visits Vieilles Charrues Festival |url=http://www.iamduffy.com/news/story.php?id=136 |publisher=iamduffy.com |access-date=28 June 2009}} {{dead link|date=November 2010|bot=H3llBot}} Swedish and Irish{{cite web|title=Duffy paid 40k for one gig |url=http://www.newswales.co.uk/?section=Culture&F=1&id=15002 |date=31 August 2008 |publisher=News Wales |access-date=28 June 2009 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100219095433/http://www.newswales.co.uk/?section=Culture |archive-date=19 February 2010}} summer festivals, amongst others. In the United Kingdom, Duffy played venues such as Glastonbury and the Evolution Festival. She also toured the American summer festivals in 2008, including a visit to Lollapalooza in Chicago.{{cite news |title=Lollapalooza Day 1: Radiohead's triumphant Grant Park return |url=http://leisureblogs.chicagotribune.com/turn_it_up/2008/08/lollapalooza-da.html |date=2 August 2009 |work=Chicago Tribune |access-date=28 June 2009 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090830130530/http://leisureblogs.chicagotribune.com/turn_it_up/2008/08/lollapalooza-da.html |archive-date=30 August 2009}} She toured the United Kingdom and Ireland during November and December 2008.{{cite news |url=https://www.nme.com/news/duffy/38920 |title=Duffy announces UK and Irish tour |work=NME |date=15 September 2008 |access-date=22 December 2008 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080907072711/http://www.nme.com/news/duffy/38920 |archive-date=7 September 2008 }} To promote Rockferry, Duffy made many visits to American television, including Late Night with Conan O'Brien,{{cite episode |title=Show 2577 |series=Late Night with Conan O'Brien |url=http://www.nbc.com/Late_Night_with_Conan_O%27Brien/calendar/05122008.shtml |network=NBC |airdate=13 May 2008 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080913174027/http://www.nbc.com/Late_Night_with_Conan_O'Brien/calendar/05122008.shtml |archive-date=13 September 2008}} and Saturday Night Live.{{cite episode |title=Anna Faris/Duffy |airdate=27 September 2008 |series=Saturday Night Live |network=NBC |season=34 |number=3}} Duffy played a fourteen-city North American tour. Plans had called for her to open for Coldplay on six of the dates.{{cite web |title=Duffy tours with Coldplay after Fashion Rocks |url=https://www.ticketnews.com/2008/08/duffy-tours-with-coldplay-after-fashion-rocks-gig/|date=18 August 2008 |publisher=Ticket News |access-date=2 December 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090502115646/http://www.ticketnews.com/Duffy-tours-with-Coldplay-after-Fashion-Rocks-gig08818265 |archive-date=2 May 2009}} During a concert in Cleveland, Duffy accidentally set the left side of her hair on fire.{{cite news |title=Duffy sets hair on fire backstage |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/entertainment/7703852.stm |date=1 November 2008 |website=BBC News |access-date=28 June 2009 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081103013339/http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/entertainment/7703852.stm |archive-date=3 November 2008}} In New York, Duffy was left apologising to an audience after briefly bursting into tears. She stated to the audience that this happens in one out of every 15 of her shows when she feels exposed for reasons she does not fully understand.{{cite web |title=Duffy's Strange Success |url=http://news.stv.tv/entertainment/67234-duffys-strange-success/ |date=28 December 2008 |publisher=STV |access-date=28 June 2009 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090131115305/http://news.stv.tv/entertainment/67234-duffys-strange-success |archive-date=31 January 2009 }} Duffy also made a recording for British broadcaster BBC, performing at the LSO St. Luke's. The performance was televised in 2009 on the British television station BBC One.{{cite web |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/musictv/bbconesessions/duffy/ |title=BBC One Sessions Duffy |publisher=BBC |access-date=3 July 2009 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090505132524/http://www.bbc.co.uk/musictv/bbconesessions/duffy/ |archive-date=5 May 2009 }}

File:Duffy @ Super Bock Super Rock 01.jpg, 17 July 2009]]

At the 51st Grammy Awards held in February 2009, Duffy won a Grammy Award in the category of Best Pop Vocal Album for Rockferry. Earlier she had been nominated for awards in the categories of Best New Artist and Best Female Pop Vocal Performance for her single "Mercy".{{cite web |url=https://www.grammy.com/grammys/awards/51st-annual-grammy-awards-2008 |title=The 51st Annual Grammy Awards Winners List |publisher=The Recording Academy |access-date=2 December 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081205000233/http://content.grammy.com/grammy_awards/51st_show/list.aspx |archive-date=5 December 2008}} Duffy equalled Coldplay with four 2009 Brit Awards nominations. She eventually won three awards, including Best Album for Rockferry, one behind the record held by Blur for the most won in one night.{{Cite news |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/entertainment/7839505.stm |title=Duffy and Coldplay top Brits nods |website=BBC News |date=21 January 2009 |access-date=2 December 2021 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090218114023/http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/entertainment/7839505.stm |archive-date=18 February 2009 }} "I cannot tell you what this means after five years of hard work," Duffy said.{{cite magazine|url=https://ew.com/article/2009/02/19/duffy-the-hit-a/ |title=Duffy the Hit at the BRITs |magazine=Entertainment Weekly |date=19 February 2009 |access-date=2 December 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090224035519/http://news-briefs.ew.com/2009/02/duffy-the-hit-a.html |archive-date=24 February 2009 }} At the awards ceremony she performed "Warwick Avenue". Record producers & songwriters Steve Booker & Bernard Butler gained awards for their work on the Rockferry album. She shared a 2009 Ivor Novello Award in the category "Most Performed Work" with Steve Booker for their work on Mercy. Songwriter Eg White won the award for "Songwriter of the Year" in part for Warwick Avenue, which he co-wrote with Duffy.{{cite web|url=http://theivors.com/winners.htm |title=Ivor Novello Award |publisher=Theivors.com |access-date=7 January 2010 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090424060523/http://www.theivors.com/winners.htm |archive-date=24 April 2009 }}[https://www.cbc.ca/news/entertainment/manchester-band-elbow-wins-two-british-songwriting-awards-1.848868 Manchester band Elbow wins two British songwriting awards] CBC 21 May 2009 [https://www.cbc.ca/news/entertainment/manchester-band-elbow-wins-two-british-songwriting-awards-1.848868] "Mercy" was played on United States radio and television more than 3 million times earning Duffy a 2009 Broadcast Music Incorporated award.{{Cite news |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/entertainment/8294097.stm |title=Folk singer Donovan named 'icon' |website=BBC News |date=7 October 2009 |access-date=7 January 2010 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20091010092922/http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/entertainment/8294097.stm |archive-date=10 October 2009 }} The album was nominated and shortlisted for the Album of 30 Years category at the 2010 Brit Awards.Andre Paine. (18 January 2010) [https://www.billboard.com/music/music-news/lily-allen-lady-gaga-up-for-brit-awards-959709/ Lily Allen, Lady Gaga Up For BRIT Awards]. Billboard. 18 January 2010. Retrieved 2 December 2021. {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100122230145/http://www.billboard.biz/bbbiz/content_display/industry/e3iab94f6e82ce3eec1a045fda83e20d814 |date=22 January 2010 }}

The album's success led to a period of confusion about her role in the music business that nearly led her to quit music. Duffy has said that she did not mind people illegally downloading her music because she believes most people who do are kids who cannot afford the CDs and will buy them when they get older.{{cite news |url=https://www.theguardian.com/music/2008/jul/30/duffy.backs.illegal.downloading |title=Duffy: downloading music illegally is 'amazing' |last=Michaels |first=Sean |date=30 July 2008 |work=The Guardian |access-date=2 December 2021 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150916170903/http://www.theguardian.com/music/2008/jul/30/duffy.backs.illegal.downloading |archive-date=16 September 2015 }} Duffy recorded a cover of Paul McCartney and Wings' song "Live and Let Die". It was used on the War Child charity album titled War Child Heroes, Volume I.{{cite web |url=https://www.musicweek.com/news/read/humbling-response-delays-heroes/038551 |title=Humbling response delays Heroes |last=Woods|first=Adam |work=Music Week |date=7 October 2008 |publisher=UBM Information |access-date=2 December 2021 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090913001452/http://www.musicweek.com/story.asp?sectioncode=1&storycode=1035748&c=1 |archive-date=13 September 2009 }} Acclaim came from Paul McCartney, saying that Duffy's version "is great –I was really impressed".{{cite web |url=https://www.walesonline.co.uk/news/wales-news/duffy-sing-bond-song-2128955|title=Will Duffy sing her own Bond song? |last=Woodrow|first=Emily |date=14 January 2009 |work=Western Mail |publisher=WalesOnline |access-date=2 December 2009 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090501190940/http://www.walesonline.co.uk/news/wales-news/2009/01/14/will-duffy-get-her-own-bond-song-after-cover-91466-22687567/ |archive-date=1 May 2009 }} Duffy and Bernard Butler wrote the song "Smoke Without Fire", which appeared on the soundtrack for the film An Education.{{Cite web|url=https://www.nme.com/awards/video/id/vj6raJB9IaQ|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110628233058/http://www.nme.com/awards/video/id/vj6raJB9IaQ|url-status=dead|title=NME|website=NME|archive-date=28 June 2011|access-date=19 July 2020}} For the 2009 movie called "The Boat That Rocked" in the UK and "Pirate Radio" in North America, Duffy sang Lorraine Ellison's "Stay With Me Baby".

Duffy said that she needed to slow the pace of her career in order to write her second album.{{cite news|url=https://www.bbc.com/news/newsbeat-11494847|title=Duffy unveils new 'hip hop' album|work=BBC News|date=8 October 2010|access-date=27 September 2014|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101012104750/http://www.bbc.co.uk/newsbeat/11494847|archive-date=12 October 2010}} In January 2010, Rough Trade Management, who with Jeanette Lee had managed Duffy, announced that they and the singer had parted amicably. Duffy's new management stated that "the professional relationship between Duffy and Rough Trade management has run its course." On 16 September 2010, Duffy announced the release of her second album, Endlessly. The album was recorded in New York, London and Spain{{cite web|url=https://www.dailyrecord.co.uk/entertainment/celebrity/i-almost-walked-away-from-music-as-life-got-complicated-1075722|title=I almost walked away from music as life got complicated after first album, says Welsh singer Duffy|work=dailyrecord|date=14 November 2010|access-date=2 December 2021|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120110201035/http://www.dailyrecord.co.uk/showbiz/celebrity-interviews/2010/11/14/i-almost-walked-away-from-music-as-life-got-complicated-after-first-album-says-welsh-singer-duffy-86908-22717016/|archive-date=10 January 2012}} in the year prior to the announcement. Duffy formed a song writing partnership with Albert Hammond for the record. Endlessly was released in the United Kingdom on 29 November 2010 and placed at number 9 in the album charts of 5 December. The album's first single failed to achieve the success of previous singles, entering the UK charts at number 41 on 21 November.{{cite web|url=https://www.gigwise.com/news/59828/Duffy-Definiant-As-Comeback-Single-Flops|title=Duffy Definiant As Comeback Single Flops|work=GIGWISE.com|access-date=27 September 2014|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150517054349/http://www.gigwise.com/news/59828/duffy-definiant-as-comeback-single-flops|archive-date=17 May 2015}} Called "Well, Well, Well", the single features a rhythm section by United States hip hop group The Roots.Andre Paine. (16 September 2010) [https://www.billboard.com/music/music-news/duffy-teams-with-roots-albert-hammond-1200554/ Duffy Teams With Roots, Albert Hammond]. Billboard. 16 September 2010. Retrieved 2 December 2021. {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100919162025/http://www.billboard.biz/bbbiz/content_display/industry/e3i776b1668d474ee362842eca103b6fae4 |date=19 September 2010}}{{cite web |url=http://www.play.com/Music/CD/4-/16443653/Endlessly/Product.html |title=Duffy Confirms Second Album |work=Clash |publisher=Clash Music |last=Murray |first=Robin |date=16 September 2010 |access-date=17 September 2010 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101205004845/http://www.play.com/Music/CD/4-/16443653/Endlessly/Product.html |archive-date=5 December 2010 }}

In 2011, producers David Banner and Albert Hammond announced that Duffy was in the studio for her third album, but nothing happened for the next few years.{{cite web|url=https://www.forbes.com/sites/zackomalleygreenburg/2011/10/07/david-banner-on-music-business-and-the-importance-of-punctuality/|title=David Banner On Music, Business and the Importance of Punctuality|date=7 October 2011|work=Forbes|access-date=27 September 2014|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140901024007/http://www.forbes.com/sites/zackomalleygreenburg/2011/10/07/david-banner-on-music-business-and-the-importance-of-punctuality/|archive-date=1 September 2014}}{{cite tweet|user=alberthammond|number=275162679864340480|first=Albert|last=Hammond|title=el dia 12 de Diciembre para Londres a trabajar con Duffy el 17 me voy para Nueva York y el 20 de vuelta a casa en Los Angeles oxoxoxoxo|date=2 December 2012|access-date=2 December 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150524180335/https://mobile.twitter.com/alberthammond/status/275162679864340480?p=p|archive-date=24 May 2015}} In August 2011, Duffy was scheduled to perform in Monaco for the Sporting Summer Festival, but cancelled.{{cite web|url=http://www.concertlive.fr/breve/duffy-annule-concert-a-monaco-cet-ete|title=Duffy annule son concert à Monaco cet été|work=concertlive.fr|access-date=27 September 2014|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131004233016/http://www.concertlive.fr/breve/duffy-annule-concert-a-monaco-cet-ete|archive-date=4 October 2013}} In October 2012, Duffy was announced as a performer for the Atelier Festival in Dubai but also cancelled.{{cite web|url=https://www.thenationalnews.com/arts-culture/music/atelier-festival-delivers-terrific-show-punctuated-by-frustration-and-frenzy-1.355062/|title=Atelier Festival delivers terrific show punctuated by frustration and frenzy|date=21 October 2012|publisher=The National News|access-date=2 December 2021|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150613163717/http://www.thenational.ae/arts-culture/music/atelier-festival-delivers-terrific-show-punctuated-by-frustration-and-frenzy|archive-date=13 June 2015}}{{cite web|url=https://gulfnews.com/general/concert-review-atelierfestival-is-pure-entertainment-1.1091749|title=Concert review: Atelier/Festival is pure entertainment|date=21 October 2012 |publisher=Gulfnews.com|access-date=2 December 2021|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131004231306/http://gulfnews.com/about-gulf-news/al-nisr-portfolio/tabloid/concert-review-atelier-festival-is-pure-entertainment-1.1091749|archive-date=4 October 2013}} In September 2013, Duffy gave her first live performance in three years during a tribute to Edith Piaf in New York City.[http://www.beacontheatre.com/events/2013/september/francofolies.html Francofolies – A Tribute to Edith Piaf] Beacon Theatre, September 2013 {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130823021444/http://www.beacontheatre.com/events/2013/september/francofolies.html |date=23 August 2013 }} At the 2014 Cannes Film Festival, it was announced that Duffy would star in a film project called Secret Love which was never released.{{cite web|url=https://www.screendaily.com/news/cannes-duffy-to-star-in-romance/5071626.article|title=Cannes: Duffy to star in romance|publisher=Screen Daily|access-date=27 September 2014|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140620123538/http://www.screendaily.com/news/cannes-duffy-to-star-in-romance/5071626.article|archive-date=20 June 2014}} In 2015, she appeared in the crime thriller film Legend, playing American singer Timi Yuro and also contributed three songs to the soundtrack, her first recordings since 2010.{{cite web |url=https://www.digitalspy.com/music/a668256/duffy-has-quietly-released-her-first-new-single-in-five-years/ |title=Duffy has quietly released her first new single in five years |last=Bustos |first=Kristina |date=13 September 2015 |access-date=2 December 2021|website=Digital Spy|url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150914223516/http://www.digitalspy.co.uk/music/news/a668256/duffy-has-quietly-released-her-first-new-single-in-five-years.html |archive-date=14 September 2015 }}

After years of avoiding the media and public events, as well as not releasing new musical material, Duffy said in an interview in 2020 that she was "raped and drugged and held hostage" years ago and that was the reason for her hiatus. In 2020, she posted two of her unreleased songs, "Something Beautiful" and "River in the Sky".{{Cite news|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/entertainment-arts-51969608|title=Singer Duffy unveils music comeback|date=19 March 2020|website=BBC News|access-date=20 March 2020}}{{Cite news|last=Beaumont-Thomas|first=Ben|url=https://www.theguardian.com/music/2020/mar/20/duffy-new-music-something-beautiful|title=Duffy debuts first new music since rape ordeal revelation|date=20 March 2020|work=The Guardian|access-date=20 March 2020|issn=0261-3077}}{{Cite web|url=https://www.theguardian.com/music/2020/jun/18/duffy-shares-new-song-river-in-the-sky|title=Duffy shares new song, River in the Sky|first=Laura|last=Snapes|date=18 June 2020|access-date=19 July 2020|website=Theguardian.com}}

On 26 March 2025, Duffy appeared in a video posted to TikTok, lip-syncing to a garage remix of "Mercy" by The Emotion; the track is expected to be released, however no date has been announced.{{cite web |last=Duran |first=Anagricel |date=26 March 2025 |title=Duffy returns to tease new release after kidnapping ordeal |url=https://www.nme.com/news/music/duffy-returns-to-tease-new-release-after-kidnapping-ordeal-3849489 |access-date=26 March 2025 |website=www.NME.com}}{{cite web|url=https://www.stuff.co.nz/culture/360630262/british-singer-seen-first-time-10-years-kidnap-rape-ordeal|title=British singer Duffy seen for first time in 10 years since kidnap, rape ordeal|website=Stuff|last=Clark|first=Poppydate=26 March 2025|access-date=26 March 2025}}

On 1 February 2009, The Times Encyclopedia of modern music named Rockferry an "Essential" Blue-eyed soul recording. Albums by Amy Winehouse and Adele were also named as essential Blue Eyed Soul recordings in the "recent" category.{{cite web|url=https://www.thetimes.com/sunday-times-rich-list/profile/article/blue-eyed-soul-encyclopedia-of-modern-music-03t7nx6rr55|title=Blue-eyed soul: Encyclopedia of Modern Music|work=The Times|access-date=2 December 2021|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110616203103/http://entertainment.timesonline.co.uk/tol/arts_and_entertainment/music/article5597699.ece|archive-date=16 June 2011|last1=Cairns|first1=Dan|date=February 2009 }}

During her Best New Artist acceptance speech at the 51st Annual Grammy Awards, Adele said that she loves Duffy and thinks she is "amazing".{{cite web|url=http://www.musicbusinessworldwide.com/bigger-adele-now-duffys-making-comeback/|title=She was bigger than Adele - now Duffy's making an unusual comeback - Music Business Worldwide|date=15 September 2015|website=musicbusinessworldwide.com|access-date=8 May 2018|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171120233902/https://www.musicbusinessworldwide.com/bigger-adele-now-duffys-making-comeback/|archive-date=20 November 2017}}

Duffy lists Marvin Gaye, Phil Spector, and Arcade Fire as her musical influences.{{cite magazine|url=https://www.vanityfair.com/culture/2011/01/duffy-201101|title=Soul Siren|issue=December|magazine=Vanity Fair|date=7 December 2010|access-date=5 October 2015|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151012171426/http://www.vanityfair.com/culture/2011/01/duffy-201101|archive-date=12 October 2015|last1=Robinson|first1=Lisa}}

Duffy's "Distant Dreamer" is used as the ending theme in JoJo's Bizarre Adventure: Stone Ocean.

Duffy has endorsed several products. In August 2008, Duffy appeared in Fashion Rocks, supporting a new range of Nivea products.{{cite web |url=http://www.carefair.com/html/Popular_Welsh_Singer_lands_First_US_Endorsement_Deal_5676.html |title=Popular Welsh Singer lands First US Endorsement Deal |website=CareFair.com |date=7 August 2008 |access-date=3 July 2009 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090501151729/http://www.carefair.com/html/Popular_Welsh_Singer_lands_First_US_Endorsement_Deal_5676.html |archive-date=1 May 2009 }} Duffy has also appeared in various European television commercials endorsing the beverage Diet Coke. The campaign, showing Duffy cycling through a supermarket singing "I Gotta Be Me", was launched on British television station ITV, following the 2009 BRIT Awards, which saw Duffy take home three awards for her work.{{Cite news |last=Crerar |first=Simon |title=The Brit Awards 2009 as it happened |url=http://entertainment.timesonline.co.uk/tol/arts_and_entertainment/music/article5761237.ece |date=18 February 2009 |work=The Times |access-date=3 July 2009 |location=London |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110616203329/http://entertainment.timesonline.co.uk/tol/arts_and_entertainment/music/article5761237.ece |archive-date=16 June 2011 }} Duffy was named as the "face" of the brand, alongside other famous women,{{cite web |title=No mercy for Duffy in Diet Coke campaign |url=http://www.utalkmarketing.com/Pages/Article.aspx?ArticleID=12814&Title=No_mercy_for_Duffy_in_Diet_Coke_campaign__ |publisher=UTalkMarketing.com |access-date=3 July 2009 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110717182929/http://www.utalkmarketing.com/Pages/Article.aspx?ArticleID=12814&Title=No_mercy_for_Duffy_in_Diet_Coke_campaign__ |archive-date=17 July 2011 }}{{Cite news |last=Thrower |first=Kimberly |title=Duffy named as new face of 'Diet-Coke' TV adverts |url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/fashion/fashionnews/4241083/Duffy-named-as-new-face-of-Diet-Coke-TV-adverts.html |archive-url=https://archive.today/20120912173831/http://www.telegraph.co.uk/fashion/fashionnews/4241083/Duffy-named-as-new-face-of-Diet-Coke-TV-adverts.html |url-status=dead |archive-date=12 September 2012 |date=14 January 2009 |work=The Daily Telegraph |access-date=3 July 2009 |location=London }} though her initial advert for the brand was widely deemed as a career misstep.{{cite web|url=http://www.musicbusinessworldwide.com/bigger-adele-now-duffys-making-comeback/|title=She was bigger than Adele - now Duffy's making an unusual comeback - Music Business Worldwide|date=15 September 2015|website=musicbusinessworldwide.com|access-date=8 May 2018|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171120233902/https://www.musicbusinessworldwide.com/bigger-adele-now-duffys-making-comeback/|archive-date=20 November 2017}} In addition, the advert went on to spark unexpected complaints about the health of children when it showed Duffy riding without protective gear, to the United Kingdom's Advertising Standards Authority. However, these claims were ultimately rejected.{{cite magazine |last=Wilson |first=Jen |title=Regulator Shows Mercy For Duffy Coke Commercial |url=https://www.billboard.com/music/music-news/regulator-shows-mercy-for-duffy-coke-commercial-1269216/ |date=17 June 2009 |magazine=Billboard |access-date=2 December 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090624235954/http://www.billboard.biz/bbbiz/content_display/industry/e3i5be7ed32070f588070c103ae9715db3a |archive-date=24 June 2009 }}

Duffy made her film debut playing the character of Sissy in the 2010 drama film Patagonia, directed by Marc Evans. Sissy's character is "a Welsh student who livens up the holiday of a young Argentinian man on a trip to Wales".Bevan, Nathan. (3 October 2010) [https://www.walesonline.co.uk/news/wales-news/duffy-turned-down-hollywood-blockbuster-1889149 Duffy turned down Hollywood blockbuster role] {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111027185129/http://www.walesonline.co.uk/news/wales-news/2010/10/03/duffy-turned-down-hollywood-blockbuster-role-91466-27389128/ |date=27 October 2011}}. Wales Online Retrieved 2 December 2021. The film is about Welsh Argentines living in Y Wladfa, Patagonia, Argentina. Patagonia premiered at the Seattle International Film Festival on 10 June 2010,{{cite web |url=http://www.siff.net/festival/film/detail.aspx?id=42344&FID=166 |title=Patagonia |publisher=Seattle International Film Festival |access-date=4 September 2010 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100626021019/http://www.siff.net/festival/film/detail.aspx?id=42344&FID=166 |archive-date=26 June 2010 }} and was released in October 2010.{{cite web |url=http://www.thisislondon.co.uk/film/article-23875676-women-call-shots-as-natalie-portman-heads-for-bfi-london-film-festival.do |title=Women call shots as Natalie Portman heads for BFI London Film Festival |work=Evening Standard |location=London |publisher=ES London |date=8 September 2010 |access-date=17 September 2010 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100918185340/http://www.thisislondon.co.uk/film/article-23875676-women-call-shots-as-natalie-portman-heads-for-bfi-london-film-festival.do |archive-date=18 September 2010}}

Duffy dated Cheshire-born Mark Durston{{cite web |url=https://www.dailypost.co.uk/news/north-wales-news/ill-welcome-old-flame-duffy-2833570|title=I'll welcome old flame Duffy with open arms says Wakestock organiser |publisher=The Daily Post |date=1 June 2013 |access-date=2 December 2013 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://archive.today/20130419234529/http://www.dailypost.co.uk/news/north-wales-news/2008/05/14/i-ll-welcome-old-flame-duffy-with-open-arms-says-wakestock-organiser-55578-20905728/ |archive-date=19 April 2013 }} for over five years until November 2006. They lived in Abersoch.{{cite web |url=http://www.northwales.co.uk/latest-news/wakestock/ |title=Wakestock festival bigger and better than ever |publisher=Northwales.co.uk |access-date=17 April 2013 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090602130846/http://www.northwales.co.uk/latest-news/wakestock/ |archive-date=2 June 2009 }} In September 2008, Duffy said that she was "on the borderline of a nervous breakdown" because of the pressure that fame had brought her. She said that she had considered becoming a recluse, but eventually decided against the idea for the sake of her fans. Although acknowledging that most people do mean well, she spoke of finding it "scary" when people recognised her in the street, and was fearful of her image possibly changing the person she is.{{Cite news |last=Cockcroft |first=Lucy |title=Soul singer Duffy 'pushed to the brink of a breakdown' by her new-found fame |url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/celebritynews/3099132/Soul-singer-Duffy-pushed-to-the-brink-of-a-breakdown-by-her-new-found-fame.html |date=28 September 2008 |work=The Daily Telegraph |access-date=2 December 2021 |location=London |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081101194949/http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/newstopics/celebritynews/3099132/Soul-singer-Duffy-pushed-to-the-brink-of-a-breakdown-by-her-new-found-fame.html |archive-date=1 November 2008 }}{{Cite news |last=Michaels |first=Sean |title=Duffy: I'm borderline on a nervous breakdown |url=https://www.theguardian.com/music/2008/oct/02/duffy.nervous.breakdown |date=2 October 2008 |work=The Guardian |publisher=Guardian |access-date=8 July 2009 |location=London |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151122193847/http://www.theguardian.com/music/2008/oct/02/duffy.nervous.breakdown |archive-date=22 November 2015 }} In 2009, Duffy's estimated fortune of £4 million placed her in 16th place in that year's Sunday Times listing of Great Britain's wealthiest young musicians.{{Cite news |title=Music giants' 'fortunes dwindle' |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/entertainment/8015303.stm |date=24 April 2009 |website=BBC News|access-date=8 July 2009 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090427082611/http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/entertainment/8015303.stm |archive-date=27 April 2009}} She dated Welsh international rugby player Mike Phillips from September 2009 to May 2011.{{cite web |url=http://www.walesonline.co.uk/news/wales-news/2011/05/19/duffy-and-mike-phillips-split-91466-28727000/ |title=Duffy splits from Welsh rugby star Mike Phillips |work=WalesOnline|date=19 May 2011 |access-date=27 September 2014 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121015181310/http://www.walesonline.co.uk/news/wales-news/2011/05/19/duffy-and-mike-phillips-split-91466-28727000/ |archive-date=15 October 2012}}

On 3 October 2012, Duffy escaped from a fire in her rented penthouse apartment in Abbots House in Kensington, London.{{cite news |title=Singer Duffy flees as blaze rips through £12m Kensington penthouse, but makes sure pets are safe |url=https://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/home-news/singer-duffy-flees-as-blaze-rips-through-12m-kensington-penthouse-but-makes-sure-pets-are-safe-8196833.html |date=4 October 2012 |work=The Independent |access-date=4 October 2012 |first=Martin |last=King |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121004133704/http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/home-news/singer-duffy-flees-as-blaze-rips-through-12m-kensington-penthouse-but-makes-sure-pets-are-safe-8196833.html |archive-date=4 October 2012}}

She was awarded an Honorary Fellowship by Bangor University on 10 July 2011.{{cite web |title=Duffy receives university honour |url=https://www.express.co.uk/celebrity-news/258556/Duffy-receives-university-honour |website=The Express |date=13 July 2011 |access-date=27 February 2022 |language=en}}{{cite web |title=Honorary Fellows |url=https://www.bangor.ac.uk/about/honorary-fellows |website=Bangor University |access-date=27 February 2022 |language=en}}

In July 2011, Duffy was sued by Angela Becker, the manager she had hired in 2010 to replace her former manager Jeanette Lee. Becker said that she was hired in March 2010 and was dismissed in December 2010, but was supposed to remain Duffy's manager until the end of the promotion of Endlessly or alternatively four months after its initial release.{{cite news|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-wales-14206398|title=Duffy to counter-sue ex-manager Angela Becker|work=BBC|date=19 July 2011|access-date=27 September 2014|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160122181844/http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-wales-14206398|archive-date=22 January 2016}}

On 25 February 2020, on her official website, Duffy wrote that she had been "raped and drugged and held hostage over some weeks

". She said she had disappeared from the spotlight so she could recover, adding that she was now doing well, but it had taken her time to recover.{{Cite web|title=@duffy on Instagram: "You can only imagine the amount of times I thought about writing this. The way I would write it, how I would feel thereafter. Well, not…"|url=https://www.instagram.com/p/B8_95uYhFMQ/|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200226111008/https://www.instagram.com/p/B8_95uYhFMQ/|archive-date=26 February 2020|access-date=25 February 2020|website=Instagram}}{{cite news |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-wales-51637265 |title=Singer Duffy 'drugged, raped and held captive' |work=BBC News Online |date=25 February 2020 |access-date=25 February 2020 }} She did not disclose the identity of her attacker(s) or when or where the attack took place.{{cite news |last=Beaumont-Thomas |first=Ben |url=https://www.theguardian.com/music/2020/feb/25/pop-star-duffy-says-she-was-raped-drugged-and-held-captive |title=Pop star Duffy says she was raped, drugged and held captive |work=The Guardian |date=25 February 2020 |access-date=25 February 2020 }}

In a longer statement published that April, Duffy wrote that she had been drugged at a restaurant on her birthday, taken to a foreign country on a plane, and was then held captive in a hotel room and raped. Since the ordeal, Duffy said that she spent "almost 10 years completely alone" and, thanking her psychologist, said that she now felt she could "leave this decade behind", but added: "I very much doubt I will ever be the person people once knew".{{cite news |first=Ian |last=Youngs |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/entertainment-arts-52177265 |title=Duffy: Singer was 'drugged for four weeks, raped and taken abroad' |website=BBC News Online |date=5 April 2020 }}{{cite news |access-date=6 April 2020 |title=Duffy reveals rape ordeal to 'help others who have suffered the same' |url=https://www.theguardian.com/music/2020/apr/06/duffy-reveals-ordeal-to-help-others-who-have-suffered-the-same |work=The Guardian |date=5 April 2020 }}{{cite news |url=https://deadline.com/2020/07/singer-duffy-writes-reed-hastings-netflix-controversial-polish-film-365-days-glamorizes-rape-1202976002/ |title=Singer Duffy Writes To Reed Hastings Asking Netflix To Take Down Controversial Polish Film 365 Days: 'It Glamorizes Rape' |first=Tom |last=Grater |work=Deadline Hollywood |date=2 July 2020 |access-date=13 July 2020 }}

{{Main|Duffy discography}}

Studio albums

• Rockferry (2008)
• Endlessly (2010)

{{Main|List of awards and nominations received by Duffy}}

• List of kidnappings

{{Reflist}}

{{Commons category|Duffy}}

• {{Official website}}
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{{Duffy|state=expanded}}

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{{Brit British Breakthrough}}

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{{UK best-selling albums (by year) 1990–2009}}

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{{DEFAULTSORT:Duffy}}

Category:1984 births

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