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Jimmy Somerville
Jimmy Somerville | |
|---|---|
 Somerville performing at Let's Rock 2015 | |
| Born | James William Somerville 22 June 1961 Glasgow, Scotland |
| Occupations |
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| Years active | 1983–present |
| Works | |
| Musical career | |
| Genres |
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| Instruments | Vocals |
| Labels | |
| Formerly of | |
| Website | jimmysomerville |
James William Somerville (born 22 June 1961)[1] is a Scottish singer who rose to prominence in the 1980s with the synth-pop groups Bronski Beat and the Communards. With Bronski Beat, Somerville achieved commercial success with the 1984 single "Smalltown Boy" which reached the top spot in Belgium, Italy, the Netherlands and the US Hot Dance Club Play. Additionally, it reached the top five in the United Kingdom, West Germany, Ireland and New Zealand as well as charting within the US Billboard Hot 100.[2][3][4][5][6] Bronski Beat's debut album The Age of Consent (1984) was the only release Somerville contributed to as lead vocalist before leaving the band in 1985 and joining The Communards.
The Communards, with Somerville on lead vocals, released their debut album Communards in 1986, spawning the internationally successful single "Don't Leave Me This Way". It reached the top spot in the United Kingdom, Belgium, Ireland, the Netherlands and the US Dance Club Songs. "Don't Leave Me This Way" was the best selling single of 1986 in the United Kingdom.[7] Follow up single, "So Cold the Night", also achieved commercial success across Europe.[8][9] Their second studio album Red was released in 1987 and continued their chart success. The Communards disbanded in 1988.
Following the disbandment of The Communards, Somerville launched his solo career.[10] He is known in particular for his powerful and soulful countertenor/falsetto singing voice. Many of his songs, such as "Smalltown Boy", contain political commentary on gay-related issues.[11]
- ^ Smith, Christopher (11 April 2019). "Where Are They Now? Jimmy Somerville". Talk About Pop Music. Retrieved 14 August 2021.
- ^ Roberts, David (2006). British Hit Singles & Albums (19th ed.). London: Guinness World Records Limited. p. 79. ISBN 1-904994-10-5.
- ^ "Smalltown Boy - BRONSKI BEAT". VRT (in Dutch). Top30-2.radio2.be. Archived from the original on 9 April 2012. Retrieved 22 July 2013. Hoogste notering in de top 30 : 1
- ^ "Nederlandse Top 40 – Bronski Beat – Smalltown Boy search results" (in Dutch) Dutch Top 40. Retrieved 20 December 2013.
- ^ "Dutchcharts.nl – Bronski Beat – Smalltown Boy" (in Dutch). Mega Single Top 100. Retrieved 20 December 2013.
- ^ Kent, David (1993). Australian Chart Book 1970–1992. St Ives, NSW: Australian Chart Book. ISBN 0-646-11917-6.
- ^ "Don't Leave Me This Way by The Communards". Song Facts. Retrieved 6 December 2024.
- ^ "Communards Chart History". Billboard. Retrieved 6 December 2024.
- ^ "COMMUNARDS". Official Charts. 12 October 1985. Retrieved 6 December 2024.
- ^ Walters, Barry (20 June 2000). "His beat goes on – singer Jimmy Somerville". The Advocate. Retrieved 19 April 2009.
- ^ "1984. Music: Bronski Beat, Smalltown Boy | Gay in the 80's: LGBT History". Gayinthe80s.com. 21 June 2012. Retrieved 19 January 2014.
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