Imelda May grew up in a household where several musical styles could be heard. Her first loves were rockabilly and blues, but after hearing Billie Holiday, she became a jazz fan as well. Abandoning studies in art, May decided to embark on a professional career in music. She was still a minor, and from time to time, doors were closed in her face at clubs where she was scheduled to perform. After a stint playing with Blue Harlem, she went solo in 2006. Her debut disc, Love Tattoo, is a happy blend of primitive rock, retro pop and vocal jazz. Subsequently, May appeared on a number of television shows and shared the stage with artists such as Eric Clapton, Wanda Jackson and Jeff Beck. Her disc Mayhem was released in 2010.