Dame Shirley Bassey to sing at Oscars for the first time

BEVERLY HILLS, Calif., Feb. 8 (UPI) -- British singer Shirley Bassey is to perform at this month's Oscars ceremony in Los Angeles, show producers Craig Zadan and Neil Meron announced Friday.

"We are thrilled to welcome the legendary Dame Shirley Bassey to our Oscar show," the producers said in a joint statement. "Her association with film music is world renowned and we are proud that she will be making her first Oscar appearance on our telecast."

In a career spanning more than six decades, the 76-year-old recording artist has recorded 44 albums and sold more than 135 million records. She also sang theme songs for the James Bond movies "Goldfinger," "Diamonds Are Forever" and "Moonraker."

A tribute celebrating the 007 secret agent film franchise is to take place at the Oscars ceremony Feb. 24.

Seth MacFarlane is to serve as host of the show at the Dolby Theatre at Hollywood & Highland Center. The event is to air live on ABC.