Walsall’s famous exports, from Noddy Holder and Jorja Smith to Goldie and Mike Ashley | OneFootball

Walsall has produced a string of notable names, from chart stars to business heavyweights. Here are some of the best known born in the town.

According to ExpressAndStar.com, the Black Country town is steeped in leatherworking heritage, long known as Britain’s leather capital, and is home to Walsall FC.

Noddy Holder, Slade’s frontman, was born in Walsall. Renowned for his powerful voice, he co-wrote much of the band’s catalogue with Jim Lea, including "Mama Weer All Crazee Now", "Cum On Feel the Noize" and "Merry Xmas Everybody".

Singer-songwriter Jorja Smith was born in Walsall. Her debut album, Lost & Found, arrived in 2018 to critical acclaim and reached number three on the UK Albums Chart.

Goldie, also Walsall-born, became a pioneer of the 1990s UK jungle, drum and bass and breakbeat hardcore scenes.

Mike Ashley was born in Walsall and grew up in Buckinghamshire. The retail entrepreneur and chief executive of Frasers Group Plc (formerly Sports Direct) is said to be the 61st richest person in the UK with an estimated net worth of £2.718 billion.

Source: ExpressAndStar.com