Jobriath
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Try to follow this: Bruce Wayne Campbell was born in Pennsylvania. He was deemed a child prodigy and was a classical pianist. He was drafted by the Army, went AWOL and changed his name to Jobriath. He starred in the original production of Hair. Caught by the Military Police, he had a nervous breakdown and went to jail for six months. Big wig music manager, Jerry Brandt, hears a demo and wants to sign Jobriath, who is now a prostitute. Jobriath was paid $500,000 in 1972 to sign with Elektra Records, the most money paid to a signee up to that point. His first album and the promotions around it were the most expensive release in history. The record came out in 1973 and was declared "Album of the Year."It bombed. So did his second record. Elektra cancelled his tours. He went back to prostitution and moved to the Chelsea Hotel. He is considered the first "openly" gay rock star for referring to himself as a "fairy." Since his death, his popularity and artistic visions are highly respected. His albums have been reissued, and Morrissey adores him. He died of AIDS in 1983 at the Chelsea Hotel, broke and alone. Performance Center Cambridge, MA Concert Poster - 1974 – David Bieber Archives |
