Klaus Nomi

Klaus Nomi
Nomi in 1979
Background information
Birth name	Klaus Sperber
Born	(1944-01-24)24 January 1944 Immenstadt, Bavaria, Germany
Died	6 August 1983(1983-08-06) (aged 39) New York City, U.S.
Genres	New wave synthpop opera experimental baroque disco
Occupation(s)	Singer, songwriter, musician, performance artist
Years active	1978–1983
Labels	RCA
Website	klausnomi.net

Klaus Sperber (January 24, 1944 – August 6, 1983), known professionally as Klaus Nomi, was a German countertenor noted for his wide vocal range and an unusual, otherworldly stage persona.

In the 1970s Nomi immersed himself in the East Village art scene. He was known for his bizarre and visionary theatrical live performances, heavy make-up, unusual costumes, and a highly stylized signature hairdo that flaunted a receding hairline. His songs were equally unusual, ranging from synthesizer-laden interpretations of classical opera to covers of 1960s pop standards like Chubby Checker's "The Twist" and Lou Christie's "Lightnin' Strikes". Nomi was one of David Bowie's backup singers for a 1979 performance on Saturday Night Live.^[1]