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Jürgen Hart, born during the tumultuous times of World War II on September 20, 1942, in Treuen, a small industrial town south of Leipzig, became a beloved figure in the world of cabaret and music. His life was a remarkable journey from the backdrop of post-war Germany to the bright lights of the cabaret stage.
Early Years
Jürgen Hart’s early life was set against the backdrop of a world recovering from the horrors of war. Treuen, where he spent his childhood, was liberated from National Socialism by U.S. troops in April 1945. Hart grew up in the Soviet occupation zone, which later became the German Democratic Republic (East Germany) after October 1949.
Even as a young student, Hart’s talent for cabaret shone through. He began his cabaret performances while still in school, captivating audiences in Auerbach, not far from his hometown. His path took an interesting turn when he served in the National People’s Army from 1961 to 1963, continuing to perform on stage during his military service.
Education and Career
Between 1963 and 1967, Hart pursued his education at the prestigious Karl Marx University in Leipzig, earning a secondary school teaching qualification in German and Music. This provided him with a strong foundation for his future career as both a musician and educator.
While still a university student, Hart became one of the founding members of the “academixer,” a student cabaret group established in September 1966. He later took on the role of its leader, a position he held until 1990. This cabaret group played a significant role in his life, and he remained closely associated with it until his passing.
Hart worked as a school teacher from 1967 to 1970, but his heart remained in the world of cabaret. He also headed up the university’s “Poetic Theatre” until 1975 or 1976. Despite no longer being students, the “Poetic Theatre” enjoyed the status of a student theater company due to its university affiliation.
In 1977, “academixer” transitioned from a student cabaret to a professional cabaret, with Jürgen Hart becoming its principal director. This marked a turning point in the cabaret’s history, making it one of East Germany’s most beloved cabaret companies.
What was Jürgen Hart’s Cause of Death?
Tragically, it was revealed in October 2001 that Jürgen Hart was seriously ill, and he succumbed to bone cancer half a year later. His final resting place, by his wishes, is beside the grave of the Upper Saxon dialect poet Lene Voigt in Leipzig’s Südfriedhof (South Cemetery). This is a fitting tribute to a man who brought joy and laughter to countless lives through his cabaret performances and music.
Personal Life and Legacy
In 1969, Katrin Bremer joined “academixer,” where she and Jürgen Hart first crossed paths. They eventually married, and their union resulted in the birth of two daughters, one of whom, Elisabeth Hart, would follow in her parents’ footsteps onto the cabaret stage.
After 1990, Jürgen Hart’s involvement with “academixer” lessened as he explored solo and two-person programs with Katrin Hart. He also ventured into stage acting, making appearances in various productions. He authored a detective novel titled “Die Oma im Kühlschrank” (“Granny in the Fridge”) in 1999 and “Aus der Wichtelrepublik. Märchen ohne Grimm und Groll” in 1996.
Throughout his career, Jürgen Hart authored more than 40 cabaret programs, many of which were recorded and released. Elements from his programs were reenacted by other cabaret companies, further solidifying his legacy.
In March 2002, shortly before his passing, Jürgen Hart was honored with the Saxon Order of Merit. His song “Sing, mei Sachse, sing,” co-written with Arndt Bause, became a cherished folk song and was widely recognized. It was published in 1979, and nearly 200,000 copies of the recording were sold at the time.
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