In this episode, host Charlie Connelly delves into the life of German vocalizer Klaus Nomi. Much like his heroes Maria Callas and Elvis Presley, he taught himself to sing, eventually leading to his new York debut at Irving Plaza’s New Wave Vaudeville show in 1978. He soon rose to fame in the New York club scene with his offbeat covers of Ding Dong the Witch is Dead and Chubby Checker’s The Twist, and his original electronic pop and operatic arias filled venues. However, diagnosed with AIDS when the disease was in its infancy, he died in 1983 at the age of 39, and just five years after his iconic debut performance.
Latest in Great European Lives
Tamara de Lempicka
In this episode, host Charlie Connelly discusses the life of Polish painter Tamara de Lempicka. Her Self-Portrait in the Green Bugatti has been said to define the 1920s in a single image, becoming the personification of the Jazz Age. Her aim was never to emulate, but to create a new style with bright, luminous colours, […]
Seve Ballesteros
In this episode, host Charlie Connelly examines the life of Spanish professional golfer Seve Ballesteros. There haven’t been many golfers like him, and perhaps there will never be one like him again. He possessed a self-belief and willingness to attempt the impossible that landed him 87 tournament victories, including three Opens and two Masters. His […]
Sacha Distel
In this episode, host Charlie Connelly explores the life of French singer Sacha Distel. According to a contemporary, he was underrated as a musician and composer, uncomfortable with the image he had traded off of for 40 years. With his green eyes, cheekbones and dazzling smile, he captured the hearts of 70s housewives, much to […]
Vaslav Nijinsky
In this episode, host Charlie Connelly looks at the life of ballet dancer and choreographer Vaslav Nijinsky. His performances oozed presence and, in a time before televised performances, he gained his reputation by word of mouth. His health, however, deteriorated as he got older, being diagnosed as schizophrenic by the man who invented the disease […]
Maria Callas
In this episode, host Charlie Connelly discusses the life of American-born Greek soprano Maria Callas. As the greatest operatic soprano of the 20th century, she had a unique star quality. While her voice divided critics and audience members alike, it was incomparable. As one adoring fan called out from the Carnegie bleachers, Callas was opera. […]