Singer, Songwriter, Entertainer. A veteran of the musical "Hair," Jobriath was discovered by a savvy manager, Jerry Brandt, who landed him a 1973 recording contract for $300,000, an amount unheard of at the time (particularly for an unknown). Jobriath shook the foundations of the pop world by boldly declaring his homosexuality, referring to himself as "a true fairy." An elaborate debut was staged at a Parisian opera house, with enormous props, stages, and of course Jobriath in outrageous costumes, singing and dancing wildly, then performing mime in a lucite cube. Unfortunately, sagging record sales caused the cancellation of the extravaganza. Many people within the industry began to accuse Jobriath of being nothing more than hype. This did much to hold him back in terms of credibility, and stalled his airplay. In the eye of this storm, he made two albums: 1973's self-titled debut and 1974's "Creatures of the Street." Chaotic management, coupled with the usual rock star excesses, stalled Jobriath's career. He was dropped by Elektra Records shortly thereafter. He later made something of a name for himself as a cabaret performer in the Manhattan club scene under the pseudonym of Cole Berlin.
Singer, Songwriter, Entertainer. A veteran of the musical "Hair," Jobriath was discovered by a savvy manager, Jerry Brandt, who landed him a 1973 recording contract for $300,000, an amount unheard of at the time (particularly for an unknown). Jobriath shook the foundations of the pop world by boldly declaring his homosexuality, referring to himself as "a true fairy." An elaborate debut was staged at a Parisian opera house, with enormous props, stages, and of course Jobriath in outrageous costumes, singing and dancing wildly, then performing mime in a lucite cube. Unfortunately, sagging record sales caused the cancellation of the extravaganza. Many people within the industry began to accuse Jobriath of being nothing more than hype. This did much to hold him back in terms of credibility, and stalled his airplay. In the eye of this storm, he made two albums: 1973's self-titled debut and 1974's "Creatures of the Street." Chaotic management, coupled with the usual rock star excesses, stalled Jobriath's career. He was dropped by Elektra Records shortly thereafter. He later made something of a name for himself as a cabaret performer in the Manhattan club scene under the pseudonym of Cole Berlin.
Bio by: John Southern
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