Jimmy Somerville

This article is about the recording artist. For other people with this name, see James Somerville (disambiguation).

Jimmy Somerville
Somerville performing at Let's Rock 2015,
held at Ashton Court Estate, Bristol, UK.
Born
James William Somerville

(1961-06-22) 22 June 1961 (age 63)
Glasgow, Scotland, United Kingdom
Occupations
  • Singer
  • Songwriter
  • Record producer
  • Actor
Years active1983–present
Works
Musical career
Genres
InstrumentsVocals
Labels
Formerly of
Websitejimmysomerville.co.uk

James William Somerville (born 22 June 1961)[1] is a Scottish pop singer and songwriter from Glasgow, Scotland. He sang in the 1980s with the synth-pop groups Bronski Beat and the Communards, and has also had a solo career.[2] 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.[3]

  1. ^ Smith, Christopher (11 April 2019). "Where Are They Now? Jimmy Somerville". Talk About Pop Music. Retrieved 14 August 2021.
  2. ^ Walters, Barry (20 June 2000). "His beat goes on – singer Jimmy Somerville". The Advocate. Retrieved 19 April 2009.
  3. ^ "1984. Music: Bronski Beat, Smalltown Boy | Gay in the 80's: LGBT History". Gayinthe80s.com. 21 June 2012. Retrieved 19 January 2014.