Famous gay singers

This article explores 20 of the greatest and the most famous gay male singers whose artistic expression changed the world for the better. Let’s get started. 1. Elton John. Born in a London suburb, Elton John is one of the most famous and influential rock musicians of the ’70s. Even in a career of over six decades, his popularity has not waned. Discover the best gay singers of all time in this article. 1. Freddie Mercury.

Image from Shutterstock. Freddie Mercury, the iconic lead vocalist of the rock and roll band Queen, was always open about his sexuality. “I’m as gay as a daffodil, my dear,” Mercury told Rolling Stone in a interview. Are you craving incredible tunes belted out by supremely talented gay male singers? Well today we bring you a list of the best gay male artists, all of whom have soared high in their musical journeys and championed LGBTQ+ representation.

From futuristic pop anthems to singer-songwriters forging a new canon, these are the queer artists to watch. Published on. June 20, By. Shelli Nicole. 5.

Halsey. Born in New Jersey, Halsey (Ashley Frangipane) first started writing music aged In , the electropop singer took to social media to share her songs and these soon caught the attention of other YouTube and Tumblr users – in particular, a parody of Taylor Swift’s song, ‘I Knew You Were Trouble’. Indeed, these famous gay musicians faced tremendous backlash and damage to their careers because of their honesty and openness.

As we explore queer performance art , we pay homage to those who came before us. However, it wasn't always this way, especially for musicians. Coming out as a gay musician in the 20th century was no small feat. It required immense courage and determination, especially when the music industry was predominantly hetero-normative. Sexuality was not only a taboo topic for public discussion but could also result in alienation from fans and even cause damage to one's career.

As such, many gay musicians chose to keep their sexual orientation hidden for fear of retribution. Take Bruce Wayne Campbell known by his stage name Jobriath , for example. He was not only one of the first openly gay rock musicians to get signed to a big record label, but tragically, he was also one of the first internationally famous musicians to die of AIDS. Despite tremendous talent, he also came up against severe backlash for his sexuality.

In the face of such challenges, many gay musicians turned to music activism to advocate for their rights and create change. Through their songs and performances, these courageous individuals were able to shed light on important issues and promote love, tolerance, and acceptance. They used their platforms to speak out against discrimination and fight for equal rights for all.

Now, let's turn our attention back to musicians like Jobriath, who are or were openly gay in the music industry. They serve as a reminder that it is possible to thrive as a musician while being true to oneself. Benjamin Britten is one of the greatest composers of the 20th century. He was also open about his homosexuality in a time and place where being gay was heavily stigmatized and illegal. In , Britten was among the signers of a letter to a newspaper called The Observer , which demanded decriminalizing homosexuality, which was then punishable by imprisonment in the UK.

Japanese cabaret performer, singer, actor, drag queen, and social activist Akihiro Miwa began his career as a cabaret performer in the s, quickly gaining notice for his androgynous appearance. Miwa's performances often included a mix of Japanese and English, along with extravagant costumes and makeup.

He has been a vocal proponent of same-sex marriage and has spoken out against discrimination and harassment. Richard Wayne Penniman was born in and began singing in church at an early age. In the early s, he began performing in clubs and bars, developing the stage persona Little Richard. Today, many artists and historians recognize Little Richard as a very influential figure in the rock and roll space.

He later returned to secular music but continued to draw on his religious beliefs in his music.

young gay singers

Little Richard passed away on May 9, , at the age of Singer, songwriter, and pianist Sir Elton John is one of the most successful and influential musicians ever, with over million records sold worldwide. Born Reginald Kenneth Dwight in , John began playing the piano at a young age. In the s, John established himself in London bars and clubs, eventually earning a record deal in Now, he is widely considered one of the most successful and influential gay musicians of all time, winning five Grammy Awards to date and an Academy Award for his work on the soundtrack for the film The Lion King.

His powerful vocals and eclectic stage style combined elements of rock, pop, opera, and even more esoteric styles. His death at age 45 in November shocked millions of fans.