Jonathan Hellyer Explained

Jonathan Hellyer
Birth Name:Jonathan Paul Hellyer
Birth Date:27 September 1967
Birth Place:England
Occupation:Singer, director and drag queen
Instrument:Vocals, Finger snapping and dancing
Associated Acts:Bronski Beat, Eartha Kitt, Steve Bronski

Jonathan Paul Hellyer known as Jonathan Hellyer (born 1967) is an English singer, theatre director and drag actor. He is best known for his time as the lead singer of Bronski Beat and collaborations with Wayne G.

Early life

Hellyer was born on 27 September 1967 and began his career as a drag queen and playing roles in theatrical productions in the 1980s.

Music career

Joining Bronski Beat

Hellyer joined the band, Bronski Beat following the departure of John Jon Foster and toured the U.S. and Europe with back-up vocalist Annie Conway, primarily touring nightclubs and LGBTQ festivals/events. They released the album, One More Chance and covered the songs, "I Love the Nightlife" by Alicia Bridges and "I'm Gonna Run Away from You" by Tami Lynn.

Collaboration with Eartha Kitt

In 1989, Bronski Beat wrote and collaborated with American-singer Eartha Kitt, on the song "Cha Cha Heels" which was written for Divine but following her death, Bronski Beat and Kitt performed the song with Hellyer on backing vocals. Despite making it to the charts, it was only a minor hit reaching #34 on the charts.[1] The song was Hellyer's only big hit throughout his career.Hellyer recorded additional material with Bronski Beat for the next few years and performed at events around Europe and America.[2] [3] [4]

Later work and first departure

After working with Eartha Kitt, Hellyer and Bronski Beat continued to collaborate until 1994.[5] [6] [7] Hellyer provided the lead and backing vocals on the album Rainbow Nation which was a collection of both old and new songs. The songs that Hellyer provided lead vocals on included covers of "Hit That Perfect Beat" and "Why" from the Age of Consent album and the songs including "Kickin' up the Rain", "No Difference" and "Tell Me Your Name".[8] Hellyer recorded a few more minor songs before departing the band in 1994.

Brief return and disbandment of Bronski Beat

Following Hellyer's departure in 1994, John Jon Foster was brought back briefly as the lead singer of Bronski Beat but ultimately dropped out in 1995 and was once more replaced by Hellyer but not long after, Steve Bronski decided to fold the band overall following the lack of success with newer material.

Recent works

Hellyer has performed and composed with artists including Trish O'Brien and the KBL Band.[9] [10] Hellyer appeared in productions of the Dame Edna Experience[11] based on the television show.[12] [13] Hellyer has worked with Australian DJ Wayne G.

Additionally, Hellyer has also performed in a variety of shows around London since 2013, mostly doing live performances or drag shows while also singing cover songs and his own.[14] [15]

Vocal style and praise

Hellyer has a keening, falsetto like Jimmy Somerville, can hold notes and has a strong vocal range when singing.[16] In an interview, Steve Bronski praised Hellyer's vocal style and said that he "was a perfect imitator. He could imitate Jimmy, he could imitate Jon Jon. He could intimidate you."[17] Hellyer has been praised for his work in the drag show industry.

Personal life

Hellyer is openly gay and produces, directs and stars in drag shows and songs with lesser-known artists/bands.[18] [19]

Discography

Source:[20]

With Bronski Beat

With Wayne G

Solo projects

Notes and References

  1. Web site: Bronski Beat & Eartha Kitt : Interview & video . 14 May 2023 . en.
  2. News: Bronksi Beat co-founder Steve Bronski dies aged 61 . 10 March 2023 . ITVX . 9 December 2021.
  3. Web site: Marc Almond leads tributes as ex-Bronski Beat man Larry Steinbachek dies aged 56 . The Irish News . 10 March 2023 . en . 13 January 2017.
  4. Web site: 2021-12-10 . Steve Bronski, founding member of Bronski Beat, dead at 61 . 2023-03-14 . OUTInPerth LGBTQIA+ News and Culture.
  5. News: Schiller . Rebecca . Watch Eureka O’Hara Give a Pride Month Herstory Lesson on Divine . 10 March 2023 . Billboard . 28 June 2018.
  6. News: Rogers . Destiny . Today's Birthday: the magnificent Eartha Kitt . 10 March 2023 . QNews . 16 January 2023 . en-us.
  7. Web site: Harrop-Griffiths . Dan . 2010-08-24 . Interview: Jonathan Hellyer, star of Elegies For Angels, Punks and Raging Queens . 2023-05-08 . PinkNews . en-US.
  8. Web site: Bronski Beat - 80s Songs Simplyeighties.com . 14 May 2023 . www.simplyeighties.com.
  9. Web site: Jonathan Hellyer music Discogs . www.discogs.com . 10 March 2023.
  10. Web site: MISCELLANEOUS ARTISTES . rhythmshop . 10 March 2023.
  11. Web site: 'Five years to save the RVT' . Not Television . 11 October 2014.
  12. Web site: Smith . Howard . Awards for favourite LGBTQ venue . South London News . 10 March 2023 . 5 July 2018.
  13. Web site: The Dame Edna Experience . QX Magazine . 10 March 2023.
  14. Web site: Bank Holiday Monday with the Dame Edna Experience and Lola Lasagne Tickets - London . 2023-06-04 . OutSavvy . en.
  15. Web site: 2013-03-27 . The Dame Edna Experience Goes West . 2023-06-04 . marksimpson.com . en-GB.
  16. Web site: reporter . Mike Boehm Mike Boehm is a former arts . Times . pop music critic for the Los Angeles . POP MUSIC REVIEW : Singer Adds Luster to New Bronski Duo . Los Angeles Times . 14 May 2023 . 31 December 1988.
  17. Web site: STEVE BRONSKI [80's Bronksi Beat Band] NEW LIVE INTERVIEW - Man Parrish Studio ]. 14 May 2023 . en.
  18. News: Staff . Legacy . Eartha Kitt: The Most Exciting Woman in the World . 10 March 2023 . Legacy.com . 17 January 2011.
  19. News: reporter . Mike Boehm Mike Boehm is a former arts . Times . pop music critic for the Los Angeles . POP MUSIC REVIEW : Singer Adds Luster to New Bronski Duo . 10 March 2023 . Los Angeles Times . 31 December 1988.
  20. Web site: Jonathan Hellyer . Discogs . 23 May 2023 . en.
  21. Web site: Where Are They Now? Jimmy Somerville . Smith . Christopher . Talk About Pop Music . 11 April 2019 . 14 August 2021.