Gus Backus

Gus Backus

Deceased · Born: Sep 12, 1937 · Died: Feb 21, 2019

Known For

Personal Details

BornSep 12, 1937 New York City, New York, USA
Spouse
  • Heidelore Backus

    ( Mar 1, 2002 to Feb 21, 2019 )
  • Heidelore Backus

    ( Dec 31, 1969 to Dec 31, 1969 )
  • Byra Lynn

    ( Dec 20, 2025 to Feb 12, 2001 )
  • Backus, Karin

    ( Dec 20, 2025 to Dec 20, 2025 )

Biography

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Donald "Gus" Backus, a renowned American singer and musician, was born on September 12, 1937, in the picturesque coastal town of Southampton, Long Island, New York. As the late 1950s and early 1960s unfolded, Backus's talent and charisma catapulted him to stardom in Germany, a feat that would prove to be a testament to his enduring appeal.

During his formative years in the United States, a young and aspiring musician, Paul Francis Backus, was introduced to the dynamic and energetic genres of rhythm & blues and rock & roll, which had a profound impact on his creative development.

As a teenager, Backus began to cultivate his own musical talents, inspired by the influential sounds of Fats Domino, Little Richard, and the legendary Chuck Berry, whose pioneering styles and performances would later shape his own artistic vision.

However, Backus's life took an unexpected turn when he was drafted into the United States Air Force in 1956, a decision that would significantly alter the course of his life.

Initially stationed in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, Backus's military service would eventually lead to a transfer to Germany, a move that would expose him to new experiences, cultures, and perspectives that would further broaden his musical horizons.

During his time stationed in Germany, a pivotal moment in his life, Backus made a brief foray into the music scene by joining the Del-Vikings, a singing group that was gaining popularity among the military personnel stationed in the country. Although his stint with the Del-Vikings was short-lived, it laid the groundwork for his subsequent formation of the Vidells, a group that, despite their limited success, managed to carve out a niche for themselves among the military audience.

Following his departure from the Vidells, Backus chose to remain in Germany, where he embarked on a new chapter in his life. He got married, and eventually settled down, leaving behind the fleeting world of music to focus on building a life with his new partner.

The illustrious career of Backus, which commenced with a life-changing offer to record with the renowned Polydor Records, marked a pivotal moment in his journey as a musician. This auspicious beginning led to his debut, which consisted of German-language interpretations of the iconic songs "Have You Ever Had the Blues" by Lloyd Price and "A Fool Such as I" by Elvis Presley. Although these initial releases failed to garner significant chart success, they laid the groundwork for Backus's subsequent triumphs with the German-speaking audience.

It was not until he released a series of colossal German-language hits that he truly resonated with the hearts and minds of his German fans. These chart-topping successes included the unforgettable "Brauner Bar und Weisse Taube," the captivating "Da Sprach der Alte Hauptling," and the hauntingly beautiful "Der Mann im Mond."

Notable music artist, John Backus, continued to produce and release an impressive array of music in Germany, showcasing his versatility by recording English-language singles such as "Priscilla" and "Queen of the Stars".

During this period, he solidified his status as a colossal recording star in Germany and the surrounding regions of central Europe, actively striving to expand his global fan base and create music that would resonate with international audiences.

To further his artistic endeavors, Backus ventured to the music hubs of New York and Nashville, where he recorded songs that showcased his unique talent and style.

Throughout the 1960s, John Backus underwent a significant transformation in his musical style, skillfully adjusting to the shifting landscape of rock music, crafting recordings that were not only authentic but also reflective of the era's prominent British Invasion-rock & roll, pop psychedelia, and folk-rock genres.

As the decade progressed, Backus's artistic trajectory took a distinct turn, marking a departure from his earlier work in the English language. By 1967, he had ceased recording in English, yet his popularity in Europe, particularly in Germany, continued to flourish, earning him a level of acclaim akin to that of Cliff Richard in England.

Career