Jimmy Somerville facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Jimmy Somerville
Somerville performing at Let's Rock 2015
Born	James William Somerville (1961-06-22) 22 June 1961 (age 63) Glasgow, Scotland
Occupation	Singer Songwriter Record producer Actor
Years active	1983–present
Works	Full discography
Musical career
Genres	Pop electronic dance
Instruments	Vocals
Labels	London SPV Gut Jinx/BMG Membran/Strike Force Entertainment

Jimmy Somerville (born James William Somerville on June 22, 1961) is a Scottish singer. He became famous in the 1980s. He was the lead singer for two popular synth-pop bands: Bronski Beat and The Communards.

With Bronski Beat, Jimmy had a big hit in 1984 called "Smalltown Boy". This song was number one in several countries. It also did very well in the United Kingdom.

Later, with The Communards, he released their first album in 1986. Their song "Don't Leave Me This Way" was a huge international success. It was the best-selling song in the UK in 1986.

After The Communards broke up in 1988, Jimmy started his solo career. He is known for his strong and soulful singing voice. Many of his songs talk about important social issues.

Early Life and Moving to London

Jimmy Somerville was born on June 22, 1961. He grew up in a part of Glasgow, Scotland, called Ruchill.

In 1980, he decided to move to London. There, he became very involved in the city's vibrant cultural scene. He also joined the London Gay Teenage Group.

Music Career Highlights

Starting with Bronski Beat (1983–1985)

Somerville (centre) with Bronski Beat (1985)

In 1983, Jimmy Somerville helped create the synth-pop band Bronski Beat. They quickly had several hit songs in the UK.

Their most famous song was "Smalltown Boy". It reached number three on the UK Singles Chart. The song's music video shows a young person leaving their hometown. They move to a friendlier city. This story reflected Jimmy's own experiences.

Bronski Beat signed a recording contract in 1984. This was after playing only nine live shows. "Smalltown Boy" became a big hit. It was about a teenager who felt different and left home. The song topped charts in Belgium and the Netherlands. It also did well in the U.S. and Australia.

Their next song was "Why?". This song had a fast, energetic sound. Its lyrics focused on speaking out against unfair treatment. It also became a Top 10 hit in the UK and other European countries.

The Communards and Solo Music (1985–1991)

Jimmy left Bronski Beat in 1985. He then formed a new band called The Communards. He teamed up with Richard Coles, a talented pianist.

They had many successful songs. One big hit was their cover of "Don't Leave Me This Way". This song was number one in the UK for four weeks. It became the best-selling song of 1986 in the UK. Jimmy also sang backing vocals for Fine Young Cannibals on their song "Suspicious Minds".

The Communards broke up in 1988. Jimmy then started his solo music career the next year.

His first solo album was Read My Lips, released in 1989. It included three UK Top 30 hits. These included a cover of "You Make Me Feel (Mighty Real)". He also sang "Comment te dire adieu?" as a duet.

In 1990, Jimmy released a collection of his greatest hits. It was called The Singles Collection 1984/1990. This album reached number 4 on the UK Album Chart. It featured songs from Bronski Beat, The Communards, and his solo work. The album also included his reggae cover of the Bee Gees' song "To Love Somebody". This song also reached the UK Top 10.

Later Albums and Acting (1991–Present)

In 1991, Jimmy sang backing vocals on a song for the band Banderas. After this, he took a break from the spotlight for a few years.

He returned in 1995 with his album Dare to Love. This album included the song "Heartbeat". It was a UK Top 30 hit and a number one hit on the US dance chart.

Somerville at the Skarpa club in Warsaw, Poland, June 2006

His third album, Manage The Damage, came out in 1999. A remix album, Root Beer, followed in 2000. His fourth solo album, Home Again, was released in 2004.

In May 2009, Jimmy released Suddenly Last Summer. This album featured acoustic versions of other artists' songs. He also released a series of dance EPs. These included Bright Thing (2010), Momentum (2011), and Solent (2012).

In 2015, Jimmy Somerville released a disco-inspired album called Homage. He wanted to make an album that sounded like the original disco music he loved. He said he finally made the disco album he always wanted to create.

Besides music, Jimmy has also acted. He appeared in the 1992 film Orlando. He was also in the film Looking for Langston (1989). He even appeared in an episode of the TV show Lexx.

In 2021, Jimmy worked with producer Sally Herbert. They recorded a cover of "Everything Must Change". This song was released to raise money for End Youth Homelessness. This charity helps young people who do not have homes.

Discography

Awards and Nominations

See also

In Spanish: Jimmy Somerville para niños