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Klaus Nomi (born Klaus Sperber in Essen, Germany) (January 24, 1944-August 6, 1983) was a German countertenor performer, noted for his remarkable vocal performances and unusual stage persona. He became one of the first celebrities to die of AIDS, in 1983.
Nomi moved from Germany to New York City in the mid-1970s. He began his involvement with the art scene based in the East Village. After a chance meeting in a nightclub, David Bowie hired him and Joey Arias as back-up singers for a performance on Saturday Night Live on December 14, 1979. Nomi also collaborated with famed producer Man Parrish. Nomi's live performance of his song, Total Eclipse, was featured in the 1981 rock documentary film, Urgh! A Music War.
Nomi is remembered for his bizarrely theatrical live performances, sporting heavy make-up, unusual costumes, and highly-stylized hairdos. His songs were just as unusual, ranging from synthesizer-laden interpretations of classic opera to covers of songs like Chubby Checker's The Twist.
In 2004 a documentary about Nomi's life was released under the name The Nomi Song.
The Austrian composer Olga Neuwirth wrote a Hommage à Klaus Nomi for countertenor and chamber ensemble.
Albums
- Klaus Nomi (1981)
- Simple Man (1982)
- In Concert 1986
Singles
- You Don't Own Me / Falling in Love Again (1981)
- Nomi Song / Cold Song (1982)
- Lightning Strikes / Falling in Love Again {1982)
- Ding Dong the Witch Is Dead (1982)
- 1982 Simple Man / Death (1982)
Videos
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