Jonathan Hellyer

Jonathan Paul Hellyer or known as 'just as Jonathan Hellyer is an English singer, theatre director and drag actor best known for his time as the lead singer of Bronski Beat.

Jonathan Hellyer
Birth nameJonathan Paul Hellyer
Born(1967-09-27)27 September 1967
England
Occupation(s)Singer, director and drag queen
Instrument(s)Vocals

Early life

Hellyer was born on the 27th of September 1967 under his real name, Jonathan Paul Hellyer and began his career as a drag queen and playing roles in theatrical productions in the 1980s.

Music career
Eartha Kitt who Hellyer worked with alongside Bronski Beat on Cha Cha Heels and I Love Men

Joining Bronski Beat

Hellyer joined the band, Bronski Beat following the departure of John Foster and recorded numerous songs and albums with Steve Bronski and Larry Steinbachek. He and the band extensively toured the U.S. and Europe with back-up vocalist Annie Conway. His most notable work with the band was the song, Cha Cha Heels. Which he performed the backing vocals on with Eartha Kitt in 1989, this was his only minor big hit song with the band reaching #34 on the charts.[1] He also recorded additional material with Bronski Beat which included cover versions of I Love the Nightlife (by Alicia Keys) and I'm Gonna Run Away from You (by Tami Lynn). As well as the songs, Better Times and One More Chance.[2][3][4] He and Bronski Beat also composed the song. I Love Men with Kitt but this didn't make it to the charts. Following the end of their working relationship with Eartha Kitt. Hellyer and Bronski continued to collaborate following the departure of Steinbachek, who was then replaced by Ian Donaldson. [5][6][7]

Departure from Bronski Beat and brief return

Hellyer departed the band following the work with Kitt and Steinbachek's departure. John Foster returned to Bronski Beat briefly with Bronski and Donaldson but soon dropped out and Hellyer briefly returned as lead singer. He was involved in the "Rainbow Nation" album and provided the lead and backing vocals on the album. The songs that he sung on the album included covers of Hit That Perfect Beat and Why from the Age of Consent album. As well as the songs including Kickin' up the Rain, No Difference and Tell Me Your Name. The band disbanded fully in 1995.[8]

Recent works

Hellyer has since performed and composed with artists including Trish O'Brien and the KBL Band.[9][10] Hellyer also starred in a few productions of the Dame Edna Experience[11] which is based on the The Dame Edna Experience television show.[12][13] Bronski reformed the band briefly in 2016 with Donaldson but Hellyer did not return or collaborate with them during the brief reunion which ended following Bronski suffering a stroke in 2018.

Vocal style and praise

Hellyer has a keening falsetto and just like Jimmy Somerville. He can hold notes and has a strong vocal range when singing.[14] In an interview, Steve Bronski praised Hellyer's vocal style and said about Hellyer that he"was a perfect imitator. He could imitate Jimmy, he could imitate Jon Jon. He could intimidate you."[15] Hellyer has also been praised for his work in the drag show industry.

Personal life

Hellyer is also openly gay and does produce, direct and star in drag shows and certain songs with lesser-known artists/bands.[16][17]

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. 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.
  15. "STEVE BRONSKI [80's Bronksi Beat Band] NEW LIVE INTERVIEW - Man Parrish Studio". Retrieved 14 May 2023.
  16. Staff, Legacy (17 January 2011). "Eartha Kitt: The Most Exciting Woman in the World". Legacy.com. Retrieved 10 March 2023.
  17. 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.
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