Jonathan Hellyer

Jonathan Hellyer is an English singer, theatre director and drag actor best known for his time as the lead singer of Bronski Beat, following the departure John Foster. He is best known for providing vocals for the song, Cha Cha Heels with Eartha Kitt and Bronski Beat, which reached number 32 on the UK charts in 1989.[1][2]

Jonathan Hellyer
Birth nameJonathan Paul Hellyer
Born(1967-09-27)27 September 1967
England
Occupation(s)Singer, director and drag queen
Instrument(s)Vocals

Career

Hellyer was born on the 27th of September 1967 and began his career as a drag queen and playing roles in theatrical productions. He joined the band, Bronski Beat following the departure of John Foster and he recorded a select few songs with the band. This included a cover of Alicia Keys, I Love The Nightlife and performing vocals with Eartha Kitt on Cha Cha Heels, which was his only minor big hit song with the band in 1989. He stayed with the band until the break up of it in 1994–1995.[3][4] He also recorded additional material with Bronski Beat which included cover versions of I Love The Nightlife (by Alicia Keys) and I'm Gonna Run Away from You (by Tami Lynn). As well as the songs, Better Times and One More Chance.[5][6][7]

Hellyer has since performed and composed with artists including Trish O'Brien and the KBL Band.[8][9] Hellyer is also openly gay and does produce, direct and star in drag shows and also starred in a few productions of the Dame Edna Experience which is based on the The Dame Edna Experience television show.[10][11]

References
  1. Schiller, Rebecca (28 June 2018). "Watch Eureka O'Hara Give a Pride Month Herstory Lesson on Divine". Billboard. Retrieved 10 March 2023.
  2. Rogers, Destiny (16 January 2023). "Today's Birthday: the magnificent Eartha Kitt". QNews. Retrieved 10 March 2023.
  3. Staff, Legacy (17 January 2011). "Eartha Kitt: The Most Exciting Woman in the World". Legacy.com. Retrieved 10 March 2023.
  4. reporter, Mike Boehm Mike Boehm is a former arts; Times, pop music critic for the Los Angeles (31 December 1988). "POP MUSIC REVIEW : Singer Adds Luster to New Bronski Duo". Los Angeles Times. Retrieved 10 March 2023.
  5. "Bronksi Beat co-founder Steve Bronski dies aged 61". ITVX. 9 December 2021. Retrieved 10 March 2023.
  6. "Marc Almond leads tributes as ex-Bronski Beat man Larry Steinbachek dies aged 56". The Irish News. 13 January 2017. Retrieved 10 March 2023.
  7. "Steve Bronski, founding member of Bronski Beat, dead at 61". OUTInPerth | LGBTQIA+ News and Culture. 10 December 2021. Retrieved 14 March 2023.
  8. "Jonathan Hellyer music | Discogs". www.discogs.com. Retrieved 10 March 2023.
  9. "MISCELLANEOUS ARTISTES". rhythmshop. Retrieved 10 March 2023.
  10. Smith, Howard (5 July 2018). "Awards for favourite LGBTQ venue". South London News. Retrieved 10 March 2023.
  11. "The Dame Edna Experience". QX Magazine. Retrieved 10 March 2023.


This article is issued from Wikipedia. The text is licensed under Creative Commons - Attribution - Sharealike. Additional terms may apply for the media files.