Music

32 entries

Wolfgang Petry*1951

Wolfgang Petry is a German Schlager singer who scored huge sing-along hits, above all in the 1990s.

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Born in Cologne in 1951, Petry became one of Germany's most successful Schlager stars with hits like 'Wahnsinn' (1983) and 'Verlieben, verloren, vergessen, verzeih'n' (1992). His trademarks were his long ponytail and the countless white wristbands on his arms, which turned into a cult image. His concerts were famous as exuberant sing-along parties; after several withdrawals he repeatedly returned with new albums. For many Germans he still stands for high spirits at festivals and parties.

What to know

Mega-hit 'Wahnsinn' (1983) - a sing-along classic - Mega-Hit 'Wahnsinn' (1983) - ein Mitsing-Klassiker
Trademarks: ponytail and white wristbands - Markenzeichen: Pferdeschwanz und weiße Armbänder
Big comeback in the 1990s - Großes Comeback in den 1990er-Jahren
A symbol of party and festival cheer - Symbol für gute Stimmung auf Partys und Volksfesten
Several retirements and repeated comebacks - Mehrere Rückzüge und immer neue Comebacks

Hallmark

'Madness, why do you send me to hell?' (line from his hit 'Wahnsinn')

'Wahnsinn, warum schickst du mich in die Hölle?'

Wikipedia ↗▶ YouTube search ↗▶ Video ↗▶ Wahnsinn ↗▶ Verlieben, verloren, vergessen, verzeih'n ↗▶ Ganz oder gar nicht ↗

Helene Fischer*1984

Helene Fischer is Germany's biggest contemporary Schlager and pop star, known for elaborate stage shows.

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Helene Fischer was born in 1984 in Krasnoyarsk, Russia, and came to Germany as a child in 1988. She modernised Schlager by blending it with pop and dance, reaching a much younger audience. Her song 'Atemlos durch die Nacht' (2013) was the best-selling song of 2014 in Germany and is regarded as the modern party hit par excellence. With her lavishly staged concerts and her annual 'Helene Fischer Show' on ZDF television, she ranks among Germany's most successful musicians.

What to know

Smash hit 'Atemlos durch die Nacht' (2013) - Riesenhit 'Atemlos durch die Nacht' (2013)
Modernised Schlager with pop and dance - Modernisierte den Schlager mit Pop und Dance
Known as the 'Queen of Schlager' - Bekannt als 'Schlager-Königin'
Elaborate stage shows with dance and acrobatics - Aufwendige Bühnenshows mit Tanz und Akrobatik
Annual 'Helene Fischer Show' on ZDF at Christmas - Jährliche 'Helene Fischer Show' im ZDF zu Weihnachten

Hallmark

'Breathless through the night, until a new day awakens.'

'Atemlos durch die Nacht, bis ein neuer Tag erwacht.'

Wikipedia ↗▶ YouTube search ↗▶ Video ↗▶ Atemlos durch die Nacht ↗▶ Herzbeben ↗▶ Vamos a Bailar ↗

Nena*1960

Nena is a German singer of the 'Neue Deutsche Welle', world-famous for '99 Luftballons'.

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Nena, whose real name is Gabriele Susanne Kerner (born 1960), became the best-known voice of the 'Neue Deutsche Welle', the German-language new wave movement of the 1980s. Her song '99 Luftballons' (1983) became a worldwide hit and even reached the top of the US charts - a rarity for a German-language song. With over 25 million records sold, she is among the most successful German pop artists. She later continued her solo career and appeared on television, for example as a coach on 'The Voice of Germany'.

What to know

World hit '99 Luftballons' (1983) - Welthit '99 Luftballons' (1983)
Best-known artist of the 'Neue Deutsche Welle' - Bekannteste Künstlerin der Neuen Deutschen Welle
Success even in the US charts - Erfolg sogar in den US-Charts
Over 25 million records sold - Über 25 Millionen verkaufte Tonträger
Real name: Gabriele Susanne Kerner - Bürgerlicher Name: Gabriele Susanne Kerner

Hallmark

'Ninety-nine balloons on their way to the horizon.'

'Neunundneunzig Luftballons auf ihrem Weg zum Horizont.'

Wikipedia ↗▶ YouTube search ↗▶ Video ↗▶ 99 Luftballons ↗

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