Does anyone have any information on Jobriath? He was a HUGE influence on folks like Morrisey and the like.
Does anyone have any information on Jobriath? He was a HUGE influence on folks like Morrisey and the like.
He was Morrissey's dream guy! Well, Jobriath and James Dean of course.
There was some kind of "indie" film documenting the Chelsea Hotel made back in the early '80's and it featured Jobriath. He was something of a "Queen" for sure. He sang a song called "Sunday Brunch" that was a bit over the top in it's flamboyance.
I have his first album. Its not bad actually. I need to hook up my record player.
Jobriath was the stage name of Bruce Wayne Campbell (December 14, 1946 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania - August 3, 1983), who was a glam rock singer from 1973 to 1974.
Signed to Elektra Records for a reported $500,000, he was advanced by his manager Jerry Brandt as the great American glam singer. A huge marketing campaign ensued, with Jobriath's naked torso on buses, in music magazines, and on a 43 x 41 billboard in Times Square. Jobriath is credited as the first mass-marketed pop star, and the first to be openly gay. On both counts, it was thought to be too much. Jobriath's first LP (self-titled) was well-reviewed, but commercially was not a huge success. The public seemed less frightened than puzzled by the performer who sang of sexual themes, posed as an alien (not unlike David Bowie, Klaus Nomi or Zolar X), sang in a range of styles and voices, and name-checked everyone from Jesus to Marlene Dietrich.
Losing interest in the act, Brandt canceled their much-talked-of stage show. A second LP, Creatures of the Street (songs from the same extensive sessions) was released, but to little interest. Glam itself was fading, and by mid-1974, had all but died. Jobriath and his band embarked on a brief American concert tour, and the act folded. Other members of the band included Jim Gregory, Steve Love, Greg Diamond, and Hayden Wayne. Over the next decade, he became known as one of the industry's most expensive blunders. He did, however, retain a cult of admirers, particularly among British pop stars like Morrissey, Mark Stewart of The Pop Group, Siouxsie Sioux, Neil Tennant of the Pet Shop Boys, and Gary Numan.
Jobriath himself sought to distance himself from his solo career, taking a new name, Cole Berlin, and adopting a new style - cabaret. He played the rest of his life in local diners and at parties. Under contract to Brandt for 10 years, he could not record music, but worked privately on a series of musicals, including the fabled "Popstar." By the time the contract was up, Jobriath was dying of AIDS, which eventually took his life in August 1983. In November 2004, Morrissey oversaw Jobriath's first CD re-issue. Morrissey had previously tried to hire Jobriath as his supporting act for the Your Arsenal tour, not realizing that the singer had died.
Jobriath's original albums are re-issued as Japanese import CD Dec 4, 2007. "JOBRIATH" the first self titled limited edition 11-track digitally remastered CD in mini LP-style card sleeve and obi strip. Originally released in 1973. "Creatures Of The Street" (Japanese exclusive limited edition 12-track digitally remastered CD album, originally released in 1974. Jobriath's second album features guitarist Peter Frampton, producer Eddie Kramer, vocalist Peggy Nestor, and is presented in a mini LP-style card sleeve and obi strip.
Ive been a musician for over 20 years and i'm truly humbled. I consider myself a music buff and I have never heard this guy. This forum is so cool. I learn something almost everyday. What does his music sound like? He looks like a prototype for ziggy stardust from my first impression.
ziggy was released 6/6/72.
so ziggy was there first.
jobriath suffered greatly from being seen as "me,too" on bowies heels. it was a shame the star making machine over did it.
springsteen was also over hyped,but was able to step back.
no one could have lived up to the original campaigns.
Last edited by midnitelamp; 12-06-2007 at 02:12 AM. Reason: i could make it all worthwhile
Ill try to get some of his stuff.
the first album was recently issued on CD, not sure about the second one. check out Youtube for his 'Midnight Special' appearance...he does the best 2 songs from the first LP. I recall the big promo posters on the bus & subway. I think the fact that he was 'out' didn't help sell albums at the time.
I love Jobriath's music! Very under-rated!
great info. thanks.
A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another: just as I have loved you, you also are to love one another.
I'maman
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1Lp_e4wUnz4
Rock of ages
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HXks3Xjydh0
Bloody marvellous performer!
Gone Tomorrow
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Hx6DyEQBAHM
Ecubyan
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YRHZKJU4is8
Cool clips. Just been watching them!
Article by Marc Almond about Jobriath:
http://www.theguardian.com/music/201...th-marc-almond
Documentary about Jobriath:
A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another: just as I have loved you, you also are to love one another.