Belinda Carlisle Mini Biography

Belinda Jo Carlisle (born August 17, 1958) is a Grammy Award-nominated American singer. Carlisle is the lead vocalist and a founding member of the all-female new wave band The Go-Go's, and also a solo artist.

Belinda was born in Hollywood, California, to parents Harold, a contractor, and Joanne, a housewife; she is the eldest, with 3 brothers (Butch, Joe and Josh) and 3 sisters (Hope, Mary and Sarah). Belinda's father was an alcoholic and left home when Belinda was five years old and her mother later remarried, to a man with whom Belinda's relationship was difficult. At school, Belinda struggled with weight problems but later she managed to become part of the cheerleading team. At the age of 19 she left home claiming that one day she would be a star.

She performed live at Free at the Dee 2006, a free outdoor concert, in Aberdeen, Scotland and on the opening night of Manchester Gay Pride 2007. Carlisle performed a set with other 1980's acts at Retrofest, on September 1, 2007, at Culzean Castle, in Ayrshire, Scotland.

She recently toured as part of the Regeneration tour in the US, and the Here and Now tour in the UK and Ireland in 2008. The line up included Carlisle, as well as other acts such as The Human League, Bananarama, Boy George, Howard Jones, Paul Young, Naked Eyes, ABC, Bucks Fizz and Cutting Crew.

In 1986, Carlisle married Morgan Mason, son of the British actor James Mason, and former Special Assistant to the President of the United States. Morgan made appearances in Carlisle's videos "Mad About You," and "Heaven Is a Place on Earth". They have a son, James Duke Mason (born April 27, 1992).

She has been reported as being "deeply into Buddhist chanting", though precisely what form is unclear.[5] In an interview, printed on March 7, 2007, the singer stated that: "I was wondering about happiness and started reading a lot of books by the Dalai Lama, and slowly embraced Buddhism" (published by Newindpress, India). On Sydney Morning Herald: "I don't smoke anymore, I don't drink anymore and I don't do drugs anymore. I am very much into my Buddhism. I found turning 40 a real passage in time for me".

She appeared nude for the cover feature of the August 2001 edition of Playboy, around the time of the Go-Go's definitive reunion tour and new studio album (the first in almost twenty years).[6] She was 42 years of age when the photos were taken.

Belinda endorsed Hillary Clinton for President of the United States during the Democratic primaries, but then endorsed Barack Obama during the general election.

In January 2009, it was announced that Carlisle was appointed the new spokesperson for NutriSystem.