Jonathan Paul Hellyer known as Jonathan Hellyer (born 1967) is an English singer, theatre director and drag actor. He is best known for his time as the lead singer of Bronski Beat and collaborations with Wayne G.
Early life
Hellyer was born on 27 September 1967 and began his career as a drag queen and playing roles in theatrical productions in the 1980s.
Hellyer in 1989 as the lead singer of Bronski Beat
Music career
Joining Bronski Beat
Hellyer joined the band, Bronski Beat following the departure of John Jon Foster and toured the U.S. and Europe with back-up vocalist Annie Conway, primarily touring nightclubs and LGBTQ festivals/events. They released the album, One More Chance and covered the songs, "I Love the Nightlife" by Alicia Bridges and "I'm Gonna Run Away from You" by Tami Lynn.
In 1989, Bronski Beat wrote and collaborated with American-singer Eartha Kitt, on the song "Cha Cha Heels" which was written for Divine but following her death, Bronski Beat and Kitt performed the song with Hellyer on backing vocals. Despite making it to the charts, it was only a minor hit reaching #34 on the charts.[1] The song was Hellyer's only big hit throughout his career.
Steve Bronski (left) and Jonathan Hellyer (right) in 1989
Hellyer recorded additional material with Bronski Beat for the next few years and performed at events around Europe and America.[2][3][4]
Later work and first departure
After working with Eartha Kitt, Hellyer and Bronski Beat continued to collaborate until 1994.[5][6][7] Hellyer provided the lead and backing vocals on the album Rainbow Nation which was a collection of both old and new songs. The songs that Hellyer provided lead vocals on included covers of "Hit That Perfect Beat" and "Why" from the Age of Consent album and the songs including "Kickin' up the Rain", "No Difference" and "Tell Me Your Name".[8] Hellyer recorded a few more minor songs before departing the band in 1994.
Hellyer in 1994, performing with Bronski Beat
Brief return and disbandment of Bronski Beat
Following Hellyer's departure in 1994, John Jon Foster was brought back briefly as the lead singer of Bronski Beat but ultimately dropped out in 1995 and was once more replaced by Hellyer but not long after, Steve Bronski decided to fold the band overall following the lack of success with newer material.
Recent works
Hellyer has performed and composed with artists including Trish O'Brien and the KBL Band.[9][10] Hellyer appeared in productions of the Dame Edna Experience[11] based on the television show.[12][13] Hellyer has worked with Australian DJ Wayne G.[14][15]
Additionally, Hellyer has also performed in a variety of shows around London since 2013, mostly doing live performances or drag shows while also singing cover songs and his own.[16][17]
Vocal style and praise
Hellyer has a keening, falsetto like Jimmy Somerville, can hold notes and has a strong vocal range when singing.[18] In an interview, Steve Bronski praised Hellyer's vocal style and said that he "was a perfect imitator. He could imitate Jimmy, he could imitate Jon Jon. He could intimidate you."[19] Hellyer has been praised for his work in the drag show industry.[20][21]
Personal life
Hellyer is openly gay and produces, directs and stars in drag shows and songs with lesser-known artists/bands.[22][23]
