Bursting onto the music scene in the 1980s, Jimmy started his music career by co-founding Bronski Beat. A synthpop group consisting of members Larry Steinbachek and Steve Bronski, Bronski Beat’s biggest success was the song Smalltown Boy, released in 1984 and peaking at No.3 on the UK charts. Jimmy is also widely known for founding The Communards, a synth-pop duo that saw him joined by now vicar Richard Coles. Having also enjoyed a solo career, Jimmy continues to perform well into the 21st century and is now booked to perform at a variety of corporate, public and private events on a global scale.
Back in 1983, Jimmy formed Bronski Beat, enjoying two successful years with the band before forming synth-pop duo The Communards. Immensely successful with The Communards, Jimmy and Richard produced a cover of Don’t Leave Me This Way that saw them peak at No.1 on the UK charts for four weeks and was named as 1986s biggest-selling single. Releasing two albums, Red and Communards, the duo became known for songs such as Disenchanted, Don’t Slip Away, Tomorrow and There’s More to Love Than Girl Meets Boy.
After The Communards split in 1988, Jimmy began performing as a solo artist, releasing his debut album Read My Lips in 1989. Within this album, three of Jimmy’s debut songs reach the Top 30 of the UK Charts. He has also since sung on Band Aid project and peaked at No.1 on the US Dance Charts, releasing other albums such as Dare to Love, Manage the Damage, Home Again, Suddenly Last Summer and Homage. Most recently, in 2021, Jimmy teamed up with the producer Sally Herbert, who was formerly a member of Banderas, to create a charity record for End Youth Homelessness. Covering the song Everything Must Change by Nina Simone, the cover kickstarted a network of projects involving Centrepoint.
Having enjoyed a highly successful career, Jimmy has also claimed the British Film Institutes Grierson Award for Framed Youth and the RSH Gold Awards Power Groove of the Year Award. Now booked to perform his powerful and soulful vocals at a range of corporate, public and private events worldwide. Having performed at events such as Rewind Festival North and South, Jimmy continues to be a popular addition to festival lineups. When looking for a famous vocalist to entertain your audience at your next event, make sure you book Jimmy Somerville for a soulful and powerful performance.
