Klaus Nomi

Play Radio

1,011,388 plays (69,826 listeners)

Shop now at Amazon | Send Klaus Nomi Ringtones to Cell
Buy
Add to my Library

New York City (1977 – 1983)

Klaus Sperber (January 24, 1944 - August 6, 1983), better known as Klaus Nomi, 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 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 the 1990s, Nomi was frequently mentioned in Dennis Miller’s monologues as one of his favorite obscure references.

Talk radio host Rush Limbaugh will often play Nomi’s cover of Lesley Gore’s You Don’t Own Me on his program (as introductory music for news items regarding homosexuality).

A cartoon called “The Venture Brothers” had Klaus with David Bowie.

Episode 213 26 “Showdown at Cremation Creek (Part II)”
Aired October 15, 2006 (2006-10-15)
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Showdown_at_Cremation_Creek_%28Part_II%29

Born: January 24, 1944; Immenstadt, Germany
Died: August 6, 1983 (aged 39); New York, NY, U.S.
Years active: 1977-1983
Share this artist:

Top Albums

  • Klaus Nomi
    Klaus Nomi Play
    Buy
  • Simple Man
    Klaus Nomi Play
    Buy
  • Za Bakdaz: The Unfinished Opera
    Klaus Nomi Play
    Buy
  • Encore!
    Klaus Nomi Play
    Buy
See more

Top Tracks

1
153
2
139
3
103
4
97
5
93
6
92
7
91
8
89
9
81
10
78
11
53
11
53
11
53
14
46
15
45
Buy all tracks at Amazon MP3
See more

Shoutbox

Leave a comment. Log in to Last.fm or sign up (it’s free).
  • skank_pit

    Just discovered this wonderfully odd artist.

    11 days ago
  • swiftie-13

    His weirdness and alien persona soothe my heart. [2]

    14 days ago
  • Deformografy

    His weirdness and alien persona soothe my heart.

    14 days ago
  • VelvetMesgue

    His countenance and his style is amazing

    26 days ago
  • tangerman

    Always a good listen :-)

    27 days ago
  • Mildblues

    I see 68,985 lonely mutants

    last month
  • la-beaute

    the best singing alien ever. love you, Mr. Nomi! <3

    last month
  • striped_sunset

    How happy I am to have found you, Klaus!

    last month
See all 539 shouts

Videos

See more

Top Listeners

See more

More Information

Links
Labels