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German pop and Schlager artist, presenter, and actor Frank Kurt Adolf Zander better known by his stage name Frank Zander was born on February 4, 1942, in Berlin-Neukölln. Due to untreated tonsillitis in the early 1970s, Zander developed a scratchy voice that has been his defining characteristic since the beginning of his career.
Career
Zander began his career in the music industry in the Neukölln district of Berlin. After training as a graphic artist, he started his career as a guitarist and vocalist for the Gloomy Moon Singers, later known as the Gloomys. Amid the 1970s, he began his solo career and rose to fame with hits like “Oh, Susi (The Censored Song),” “I Drink to Your Well-Being, Marie,” and “The Great-Great-Grandson of Frankenstein.”
He showed his flexibility by releasing both original compositions and covers throughout the years. Among their notable releases is the cover of Trio’s popular song “Da, da, da, I know about it, you know about it” (1982) and the spoof “Jeannie (The Pure Truth)” (1986) based on Falco’s “Jeanny.”
Zander’s participation in the music industry extended beyond his performances when he established Zett Records Production & Publishing GmbH in 1989.
Under the pseudonym Fred Sonnenschein, Zander made his Broadway debut in 1978 with the endearing and humorous “Der kleine Finkenhahn,” with golden hamsters Fritz, Rudi, Walter, and Max.
In his latter efforts, Zander funnily mimicked big tunes, a la Rammstein, with albums like “Rabenschwarz” (2004). His track “Sommer in Berlin” was released in 2023 alongside DJ Tomekk.
In August 2023, Zander announced the end of his singing career, making his final appearance as a singer in Schlagerolymp on August 11, 2023.
Apart from his musical career, Zander also pursued acting, hosting shows on television like “Plattenküche” and “Frankobella,” and making appearances in movies like “Neues vom Wixxer” (2007) and “Didi – The Subtenant” (1986) alongside Dieter Hallervorden.
Zander has demonstrated a strong social conscience by planning a Christmas feast for Berlin’s impoverished and homeless since 1995. For his efforts, he was awarded the Cross of Merit First Class of the Order of Merit of the Federal Republic of Germany in 2022.
Is Frank Zander Married?
Yes. Frank has been married to Evi since 1968. They share one child.
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