Nomi moved from Germany to New York City in the mid-1970s. He began his involvement with the art scene based in the East Village. After a chance meeting in a nightclub, David Bowie hired him and Joey Arias as back-up singers for a performance on Saturday Night Live on December 14, 1979. Nomi also collaborated with famed producer Man Parrish.
Nomi is remembered for his bizarrely theatrical live performances, sporting heavy make-up, unusual costumes, and highly-stylized hairdos. His songs were just as unusual, ranging from synthesizer-laden interpretations of classic opera to covers of songs like Chubby Checker's The Twist.
In the 1990s, Nomi was frequently mentioned in Dennis Miller's monologues as one of his favorite obscure references.
Talk radio host Rush Limbaugh will often play Nomi's cover of Lesley Gore's You Don't Own Me on his program (as introductory music for news items regarding homosexuality).
A cartoon called "The Venture Brothers" had Klaus with David Bowie.
Episode 213 26 "Showdown at Cremation Creek (Part II)"
Aired October 15, 2006 (2006-10-15)
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Showdown_at_Cremation_Creek_%28Part_II%29
Born: January 24, 1944; Immenstadt, Germany
Died: August 6, 1983 (aged 39); New York, NY, U.S.
Years active: 1977-1983
Nomi Song
Klaus Nomi Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Could I still take a bow?
Will they know me
Know me, know me now?
Though I know my place
If science will allow
Will they know me
Now I'm all alone
It's like some kind of test
My, how I have grown
Will they know me now?
Will the human race
With their collective brow
Will they know me
Know me, know me now?
The lyrics to Klaus Nomi's song Nomi Song are deeply reflective and introspective. It appears that Nomi is questioning the legacy he will leave behind and whether he will be remembered by his audience. The lines "If they saw my face, could I still take a bow?" suggest that perhaps he fears his appearance might have a negative impact on the way he is remembered, but he is still hoping to be recognized for his contributions. Nomi's fears are evident in lines such as "Though I know my place, if science will allow," suggesting that maybe he is uncertain if his art will be appreciated by future generations due to its unconventional and experimental nature.
The second verse deepens the sense of isolation and uncertainty as he sings "Now I'm all alone, it's like some kind of test, my, how I have grown, will they know me now?" Nomi seems to be stating that he has grown and evolved as an artist and that he hopes to be recognized and understood for his growth. However, he is questioning and uncertain whether the human race will be able to recognize and appreciate his contributions despite his uniqueness. Ultimately, the song is poignantly reflective, offering insights into the artist's fears and desires.
Line by Line Meaning
If they saw my face
If others were to see my true self
Could I still take a bow?
Would I still be accepted and celebrated?
Will they know me Know me, know me now?
Will people finally see and understand who I am?
Though I know my place
Even though I understand my role and position in society
If science will allow
If scientific advancements enable me to transcend my limitations
Will they know me Know me, know me?
Will others finally recognize my true self?
Now I'm all alone
I am isolated and disconnected from others
It's like some kind of test
My current situation feels like a challenge or trial
My, how I have grown
I have undergone significant personal growth and transformation
Will they know me now?
Will others recognize and appreciate the changes I have undergone?
Will the human race
Will humanity as a whole be able to recognize my worth?
With their collective brow
Through their collective understanding and knowledge
Will they know me Know me, know me now?
Will humanity finally see and appreciate my true worth?
Contributed by Stella A. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
Jesse D
I hope he's doing good back on his home planet. Thanks for stopping by and giving us a short visit.
A burning landfill of bad movies
Update: MUFON announced recently that they have 'possibly' located Klaus Nomi's home planet as of earlier this year.
Brian Ellis
Unfortunately, he's not doing well. I promise.
Roger Barrett
The video quality is awesome! It's just as great as Klaus' songs and voice. So powerful, even today. Klaus Nomi was one of those singers who didn't come along every day. So rare and incomparable. He is a true legend.
Brandi
Another video I watched of his, Lightning Strikes, well, I had never heard of him before so I actually thought it had to be new artist trying to recreate the 1980's look and sound because the quality was so good. I was surprised to find out he was actually an artist that passed in 1983. I just discovered him today and it always bums me out to discover someone and find out they have passed away. This song right here is really catchy. I love this type of music though
Roger Barrett
@Brandi I finally discovered him in autumn 2018 before Thanksgiving. After listening to a few of his songs I became an instant fan. I couldn't believe how much I'd missed until then. He wasn't around very long. I believe that had he not died of that terrible disease, AIDS, he could've been the next big thing since Elvis Presley.
Andy M
Thank you for starting this channel and putting up these hi-def versions of Klaus's videos. Pure genius. Hopefully you have more content we haven't seen for some time.
Guitarist TAKASHi
やっと公式のチャンネルが出たんですね！人々が忘れないようにノミを語り継ぎましょう！
Melissa Wolfe Mahler
This song and performance made me very emotional. 😢 It was beautiful.
newwavepop
i always wanted to hear a Klaus Nomi and Nico duet, with his wonderful joyous high voice and her haunted deep voice. may they both be at peace.