Singer, Entertainer. Born in Essen, Germany, Klaus came to New York in the mid 1970s. He had an unusual blend of vocal styles - combining a counter soprano & baritone, Klaus reinvented himself inthe New Wave scene in stylized alien Bauhaus-inspired dress & futuristic makeup. Nomi used his beautiful voice to mix rock, opera and synthesizer. His stunning look totally shocked the punkish and New Wave audiences while he became famous in New York and Europe. He appeared (with Joey Arias) backing David Bowie on Saturday Night Live, then made 2 albums plus several video clips prior to becoming ill in 1982 with what was later known as the AIDS virus. He passed away in 1983 - and the first famous musician to do so. A documentary, "The Nomi Song" was released in 2004 which reintroduced both the East Village scene and Klaus - who has been received by a wider, appreciative audience. Klaus Nomi was a truly original artist and innovator, unafraid to use his colorful talents, who is now gaining his rightful place as an inspirational force.
Singer, Entertainer. Born in Essen, Germany, Klaus came to New York in the mid 1970s. He had an unusual blend of vocal styles - combining a counter soprano & baritone, Klaus reinvented himself inthe New Wave scene in stylized alien Bauhaus-inspired dress & futuristic makeup. Nomi used his beautiful voice to mix rock, opera and synthesizer. His stunning look totally shocked the punkish and New Wave audiences while he became famous in New York and Europe. He appeared (with Joey Arias) backing David Bowie on Saturday Night Live, then made 2 albums plus several video clips prior to becoming ill in 1982 with what was later known as the AIDS virus. He passed away in 1983 - and the first famous musician to do so. A documentary, "The Nomi Song" was released in 2004 which reintroduced both the East Village scene and Klaus - who has been received by a wider, appreciative audience. Klaus Nomi was a truly original artist and innovator, unafraid to use his colorful talents, who is now gaining his rightful place as an inspirational force.
Bio by: Terry Lewis
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