Klaus Nomi

Where they’re from: Immenstadt, Gau Swabia, Greater German Reich

Who they are: Klaus Sperber, 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 bizarrely 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. – Wikipedia

Years active: 1978–1983

Essential albums: Klaus Nomi (1981), Simple Man (1982), Za Bakdaz: The Unfinished Opera (2007)