Jimmy Somerville rose to fame in the sweltering summer of 1984 as the distinctive voice behind the iconic band Bronski Beat, whose chart-topping single "Smalltown Boy" proudly reached number three in the UK singles chart, shattering conventions with its bold lyrics and music video that unapologetically tackled the sensitive topics of gay life and homophobic violence.
As the band's fame grew, so did Somerville's notoriety for his unwavering openness about his sexuality, courageously addressing issues like AIDS at a time when other prominent gay pop stars, such as Elton John, Freddie Mercury, and George Michael, were either ambiguous or secretive about their personal lives.
Bronski Beat went on to enjoy a string of top ten singles in the UK, and their 1984 album "The Age of Consent", a powerful statement against discrimination against gay people, spent an impressive 53 weeks on the album chart.
In 1986, Somerville achieved his first number one single as a member of The Communards, with a heartfelt cover of "Don't Leave Me This Way", a testament to his remarkable vocal range and emotional delivery.
Two years later, in 1988, The Communards scored a top-thirty hit with the poignant "For a Friend", a moving tribute to a dear friend of Somerville's who had tragically succumbed to AIDS, further solidifying his reputation as a trailblazing artist unafraid to confront the harsh realities of the AIDS epidemic.
