German musicians who were born in 1927
Here are 11 famous musicians from Germany were born in 1927:
Pope Benedict XVI
Pope Benedict XVI (April 16, 1927 Marktl-) a.k.a. Joseph Ratzinger, Joseph Cardinal Ratzinger, Joseph Alois Ratzinger, Benedict Pope, Benedict, Joseph Aloisius Ratzinger, Benet XVI, Cardinal Josef Ratzinger, Joseph Kardinal Ratzinger, The Enforcer, The Watchdog, God's Rottweiler, The Pope's Enforcer, Bene, The German Shepherd, Benedict XVI, Benedictus PP. XVI, Benedetto XVI, Benedikt XVI, Cardinal Joseph Ratzinger or Benedictus XVI is a German professor, pianist, author, theologian and priest.
He served as Pope from 2005 to 2013, when he became the first pope in nearly 600 years to resign from the position. Prior to his papacy, he was a highly respected Catholic theologian and served as the Prefect of the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith, one of the most powerful positions in the Catholic Church. As pope, he was known for his conservative views and efforts to reinvigorate traditional practices within the Church. He has also been a prolific author, writing extensively on topics such as Jesus Christ, the Church, and the sacraments. Since his retirement, he has largely withdrawn from public life, living a quiet and secluded existence in a monastery in the Vatican.
During his time as pope, Benedict XVI faced controversy and criticism over the handling of sexual abuse cases within the Catholic Church, particularly his decision to lift the excommunication of a bishop who had denied the Holocaust. He also made efforts to improve relations with other religious groups, including Islam and Judaism. Additionally, he was a proponent of interfaith dialogue and environmentalism, frequently speaking out on these issues. Before entering the priesthood, he was briefly a member of the Hitler Youth and then the German army during World War II, an experience that has influenced his views on war and peace. Despite his resignation, Benedict XVI continues to be seen as a significant figure in the Catholic Church and the wider world, with many considering his legacy as both a theologian and a pope.
During his time as pope, Benedict XVI also encouraged the use of the Latin language in Catholic liturgy, sparking controversy among some who saw it as a return to outdated traditions. In 2007, he also issued a document stating that the Catholic Church was the only true church of Christ, causing concern among leaders of other Christian denominations. Benedict XVI has been praised for his efforts to promote Catholic doctrine and preserve the Church's traditions, as well as for his ecumenical and interfaith work. However, he has also been criticized for his handling of the sexual abuse scandals within the Church and his perceived lack of action to address the issue. Despite his resignation, he has continued to play a role in the Church, offering occasional writings and commentary on issues of faith and morals.
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Kurt Masur
Kurt Masur (July 18, 1927 Brzeg-) is a German conductor, composer, film score composer and music director. He has one child, Ken-David Masur.
His albums include Ein deutsches Requiem (Czecho-Slovak Radio Symphony Orchestra feat. conductor: Alexander Rahbari), , Flute Concertos, Triple Concerto / Choral Fantasy, , Violin Concertos, , Brahms: Violin Concerto in D major, Op. 77 / Schumann: Fantasy for Violin and Orchestra in C major, Op. 131, Concertos From the New World and Violin Concertos.
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Martin Böttcher
Martin Böttcher (June 17, 1927 Berlin-) a.k.a. Martin Bottcher, Martin Bötcher, Martin Boettcher, Martin Hermann Böttcher or Michael Thomas is a German conductor, film score composer, music arranger and guitarist.
His albums: Kriminalfilmmusik, Winnetou Melodien, Das Beste aus den Original Karl-May-Filmmelodien, Deutsche Filmkomponisten, Folge 1 and Kriminalfilmmusik, Volume 2.
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Wilhelm Killmayer
Wilhelm Killmayer (August 21, 1927 Munich-) is a German composer.
Genres he performed include 20th-century classical music, Ballet, Opera and Chamber music.
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Rolf Schult
Rolf Schult (March 13, 1927 Berlin-March 17, 2013) was a German , .
Rolf Schult was a German actor, director, and voice actor. He started his career in radio dramas in the 1950s and soon transitioned to television and film acting. He is mostly known for his voice acting work in dubbed versions of foreign films and television shows, with his most famous role being the German voice of Hercule Poirot in the television series "Agatha Christie's Poirot". Schult also directed several episodes of the series. He was highly regarded for his voice acting work and received numerous awards throughout his career. In addition to his work in the entertainment industry, Schult was also active in politics and served as a member of the Berlin State Parliament from 1975 to 1981.
During his long and successful career, Rolf Schult lent his voice to many popular characters in German versions of foreign films and TV shows, such as C-3PO in Star Wars, Fozzie Bear in The Muppet Show, and Inspector Clouseau in The Pink Panther. He also dubbed famous actors including Peter Ustinov, Charlton Heston, and Jack Lemmon. Outside of his voice work, Schult acted in several films and TV shows, including the Austrian drama series "Die Unseligen" and the German comedy film "Ödipussi". He also directed several TV movies and theater productions. Schult was widely recognized for his contributions to the performing arts, and was awarded the Order of Merit of Berlin and the Cross of Merit of the Federal Republic of Germany, among other honors.
In addition to his acting and voice work, Rolf Schult was also known for his passion for literature and poetry. He frequently performed readings of famous works by authors such as Johann Wolfgang von Goethe, Friedrich Schiller, and Heinrich Heine. Schult was also a published author himself, having written several books on poetry and theater. He was a member of the German Academy of Performing Arts and the German Academy of Poetry, and was highly respected among his peers in the industry. Schult passed away in 2013 at the age of 86, leaving behind a legacy as one of Germany's most prominent voice actors and performers.
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Laya Raki
Laya Raki (July 27, 1927 Hamburg-) also known as Brunhilde Marie Alma Herta Jörns, Brunhilde Marie Jörns, Laja Raky or Raki, Laya is a German actor and dancer.
She began dancing at a young age and eventually became a member of the famous dance troupe, the Bluebell Girls. Raki later moved on to acting and became a notable figure in German cinema during the 1950s and 60s. She appeared in a variety of films, including comedies, musicals, and dramas. Some of her most well-known roles include "The Model and the Marriage Broker" (1951) and "Ingrid - Die Geschichte eines Fotomodells" (1955). Raki also made a name for herself as a cabaret performer and was known for her lively and captivating stage presence. Despite retiring from the entertainment industry in the 1970s, her contributions to German film and dance continue to be remembered and celebrated.
In addition to her successful career in entertainment, Laya Raki was also known for her philanthropic work. She was actively involved in several charity organizations and often performed in benefit shows to raise funds for various causes. Despite facing some personal difficulties in her life, including a battle with alcoholism and the tragic loss of her son, Raki remained resilient and continued to inspire others with her talents and contributions to society. She also wrote a memoir titled "Ich bin eine Bluebell" (I am a Bluebell) in 2014, detailing her life and experiences in the entertainment industry. Today, Laya Raki is remembered as one of Germany's most iconic performers and her legacy continues to live on.
In addition to her entertainment and philanthropic work, Laya Raki was also a polyglot and spoke several languages fluently, including German, English, French, and Spanish. She even recorded songs in multiple languages throughout her career. Raki was also known for her fashion sense and often appeared in stylish outfits both on and off stage, inspiring many fans with her elegant and glamorous looks. In later years, she lived a more reclusive life but still maintained close relationships with friends and family. Despite her passing in 2017, Laya Raki's impact on German culture and entertainment industry continues to be celebrated through various commemorations, including a special tribute in the 2021 Berlinale film festival.
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Hans-Dietrich Genscher
Hans-Dietrich Genscher (March 21, 1927 Halle-) is a German politician.
He served as the Foreign Minister of West Germany (and later of the reunified Germany) from 1974 to 1992, making him the longest-serving Foreign Minister in German history. Genscher is known for his efforts in promoting diplomacy and peaceful resolution of conflicts during the Cold War era. He is also credited for his role in the reunification of Germany in 1990, which he worked towards during his tenure as Foreign Minister. In addition to his political career, Genscher was also a lawyer and served as a member of the German Bundestag for over 35 years.
During his time as Foreign Minister, Genscher played a key role in negotiating the Helsinki Accords in 1975, which established guidelines for cooperation and human rights in Europe during the Cold War. He also helped establish the European Political Cooperation (EPC) in 1970, later the European Union's Common Foreign and Security Policy (CFSP), which helped to coordinate the foreign policy of the member states.
Genscher was born in Halle in 1927 and grew up in a family of refugees from Silesia. He studied law and political science at the Universities of Halle, Leipzig and Jena. In 1952, he joined the liberal Free Democratic Party (FDP) and became a member of the German Bundestag in 1965, representing the state of Lower Saxony.
After retiring from politics in 1992, Genscher continued to be active in public life and was widely respected in Germany and internationally for his diplomatic skills and contributions to world peace. He was awarded numerous honors, including the Order of Merit of the Federal Republic of Germany, the Legion of Honor in France, and the Grand Cross of the Order of St. Gregory the Great in Italy. Genscher passed away on March 31, 2016 at the age of 89.
During his time as Foreign Minister, Genscher also played a pivotal role in negotiating arms control agreements between East and West, including the signing of the Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces Treaty (INF) in 1987. He was known for his close relationships with leaders in both the East and West, including Soviet Foreign Ministers Andrei Gromyko and Eduard Shevardnadze, as well as US Secretary of State Henry Kissinger.
Genscher was also instrumental in shaping Germany's relationships with its European neighbors. He was a strong advocate for European integration and worked to strengthen Germany's ties with countries such as France, Italy, and the United Kingdom. In 1979, he helped establish the European Monetary System, which laid the groundwork for the creation of the Euro currency.
After retiring from politics, Genscher remained active in international affairs as a consultant and mediator. He was involved in numerous international organizations, including the International Crisis Group and the Club of Madrid. In 2005, he was awarded the Truman-Reagan Medal of Freedom for his contributions to peace and freedom.
Genscher was widely admired for his diplomatic skills, intelligence, and dedication to public service. He was known for his trademark yellow sweater, which he often wore during public appearances. Upon his death in 2016, German Chancellor Angela Merkel praised Genscher as "one of the fathers of German reunification" and a "great European."
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Erika Köth
Erika Köth (September 15, 1927 Germany-February 28, 1989) also known as Köth, Erika was a German , .
Discography: .
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Siegfried Palm
Siegfried Palm (April 25, 1927 Barmen-June 6, 2005 Frechen) a.k.a. Palm, Siegfried was a German , .
Discography: Turangalîla-symphonie / Quatuor pour la fin du temps, and .
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Dieter Hildebrandt
Dieter Hildebrandt (May 23, 1927 Bolesławiec-November 20, 2013 Munich) also known as Hildebrandt, Dieter was a German , .
His most well known albums: and .
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Arik Lavie
Arik Lavie (March 9, 1927 Leipzig-June 29, 2004 Tel Aviv) also known as Lavie, Arik, Arich Lavi or Leo Alexander Inselsbacher was a German actor.
His albums: .
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