Jonathan Hellyer

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.

Jonathan Hellyer
Hellyer in 2013
Hellyer in 2013
Background information
Birth nameJonathan Paul Hellyer
Born(1967-09-27)27 September 1967
England
Occupation(s)Singer, director and drag queen
Instrument(s)Vocals, Finger snapping and dancing

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.

Hellyer in 1989 as the lead singer of Bronski Beat

Music career
Eartha Kitt who Hellyer worked with alongside Bronski Beat on the song, Cha Cha Heels.

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.

Steve Bronski (left) and Jonathan Hellyer (right) in 1989

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.

Hellyer in 1994, performing with Bronski Beat

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 materials.

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.[14][15]

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.[16][17]

Vocal style and praise

Hellyer has a keening, falsetto like Jimmy Somerville, can hold notes and has a strong vocal range when singing.[18] 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."[19] Hellyer has been praised for his work in the drag show industry.[20][21]

Personal life

Hellyer is openly gay and produces, directs and stars in drag shows and songs with lesser-known artists/bands.[22][23]

Discography[24]

With Bronski Beat
  • My Discarded Men (with Eartha Kitt) (1989)
  • Cha Cha Heels (with Eartha Kitt) (1989)[25]
  • I'm Gonna Run Away from You (1990)
  • Sweet Thing (as Hellyer) (1990)
  • One More Chance (1991)
  • Bronski Beat - Kickin' Up The Rain / Hit That Perfect Beat Boy '95" (1995)
  • Rainbow Nation (1995)
  • "No Difference (as Hellyer)" (1995)
  • "Bronski Beat - Why '95 / Kickin' Up The Rain" (1995)
  • "Kickin' Up The Rain (F.T. & Co. Edit) (as Hellyer)" (1995)

With Wayne G

Solo projects
  • "Taste of Tears (As Hellyer)" (2002)

References
  1. "Bronski Beat & Eartha Kitt : Interview & video". Retrieved 14 May 2023.
  2. "Bronksi Beat co-founder Steve Bronski dies aged 61". ITVX. 9 December 2021. Retrieved 10 March 2023.
  3. "Marc Almond leads tributes as ex-Bronski Beat man Larry Steinbachek dies aged 56". The Irish News. 13 January 2017. Retrieved 10 March 2023.
  4. "Steve Bronski, founding member of Bronski Beat, dead at 61". OUTInPerth | LGBTQIA+ News and Culture. 10 December 2021. Retrieved 14 March 2023.
  5. Schiller, Rebecca (28 June 2018). "Watch Eureka O'Hara Give a Pride Month Herstory Lesson on Divine". Billboard. Retrieved 10 March 2023.
  6. Rogers, Destiny (16 January 2023). "Today's Birthday: the magnificent Eartha Kitt". QNews. Retrieved 10 March 2023.
  7. Harrop-Griffiths, Dan (24 August 2010). "Interview: Jonathan Hellyer, star of Elegies For Angels, Punks and Raging Queens". PinkNews | Latest lesbian, gay, bi and trans news | LGBTQ+ news. Retrieved 8 May 2023.
  8. "Bronski Beat - 80s Songs | Simplyeighties.com". www.simplyeighties.com. Retrieved 14 May 2023.
  9. "Jonathan Hellyer music | Discogs". www.discogs.com. Retrieved 10 March 2023.
  10. "MISCELLANEOUS ARTISTES". rhythmshop. Retrieved 10 March 2023.
  11. "'Five years to save the RVT'". Not Television. 11 October 2014.
  12. Smith, Howard (5 July 2018). "Awards for favourite LGBTQ venue". South London News. Retrieved 10 March 2023.
  13. "The Dame Edna Experience". QX Magazine. Retrieved 10 March 2023.
  14. Wayne G - Anthem, 2004, retrieved 23 May 2023
  15. Wayne G - Remixxer, 16 February 2010, retrieved 23 May 2023
  16. "Bank Holiday Monday with the Dame Edna Experience and Lola Lasagne Tickets - London". OutSavvy. Retrieved 4 June 2023.
  17. "The Dame Edna Experience Goes West". marksimpson.com. 27 March 2013. Retrieved 4 June 2023.
  18. reporter, Mike Boehm Mike Boehm is a former arts; Times, pop music critic for the Los Angeles (31 December 1988). "POP MUSIC REVIEW : Singer Adds Luster to New Bronski Duo". Los Angeles Times. Retrieved 14 May 2023.
  19. "STEVE BRONSKI [80's Bronksi Beat Band] NEW LIVE INTERVIEW - Man Parrish Studio". Retrieved 14 May 2023.
  20. Why '95 / Kickin' Up the Rain by Bronski Beat - RYM/Sonemic, retrieved 23 May 2023
  21. Bronski Beat - Rainbow Nation Album Reviews, Songs & More | AllMusic, retrieved 23 May 2023
  22. Staff, Legacy (17 January 2011). "Eartha Kitt: The Most Exciting Woman in the World". Legacy.com. Retrieved 10 March 2023.
  23. reporter, Mike Boehm Mike Boehm is a former arts; Times, pop music critic for the Los Angeles (31 December 1988). "POP MUSIC REVIEW : Singer Adds Luster to New Bronski Duo". Los Angeles Times. Retrieved 10 March 2023.
  24. "Jonathan Hellyer". Discogs. Retrieved 23 May 2023.
  25. Smith, Christopher (11 April 2019). "Where Are They Now? Jimmy Somerville". Talk About Pop Music. Retrieved 14 August 2021.
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