Heinz Rudolf Kunze has been successful in the German pop business since the 1980s with poetic and melodic songs. The multi-talented artist is also a writer, lyricist and translator for musicals. His best-known work is the song "Dein ist mein ganzes Herz". His trademark: the dark horn-rimmed glasses.
The career foundation stone for Heinz Rudolf Kunze
The starting shot for the music career of Heinz Rudolf Kunze, born in 1956, was fired on 9 November 1980. The budding teacher won a pop young talent award at the Würzburg City Theatre in the "Folk, Lied and Song" category with "Bestandsaufnahme", later the title song of the festival LP. Shortly afterwards he signs a contract with Warner.
The debut album "Reine Nervensache" with pointed and satirical lyrics is released the following year. In 1982, "Eine Form von Gewalt" is released. The singer-songwriter, who stands in the tradition of US singer-songwriters, receives the German Record Prize for it.
In addition to his music career, he builds up a second mainstay and starts working as a journalist. On the radio, Heinz Rudolf Kunze has his own shows on NDR and SFB. With "Der Favorit" he produces a nine-part series on the life of David Bowie.
At the same time, things are looking up for the 28-year-old artistically. "Ausnahmezustand" is the name of his now third album. Experts recognise his potential and follow Heinz Rudolf Kunze's projects with interest. However, the breakthrough is yet to come.
Heinz Rudolf Kunze on the way to rock and pop
After Heinz Rudolf Kunze took the composer and guitarist Heiner Lürig into his band in 1985, his style continued to develop in the direction of rock and pop. The hit "Dein ist mein ganzes Herz" stays in the charts for 16 weeks. The sound becomes rockier, Kunze's lyrics remain sophisticated.
Just one year later, the singer followed up with the record "Wunderkinder" about the attitude to life in the Kohl era. It features songs like "Finden Sie Mabel" and "Der Schlaf der Vernunft", which land in the charts. In the same year, the intellectual rock poet releases "Mit Leib und Seele" and receives the Goldene Stimmgabel for the first time.
Regularly, Heinz Rudolf Kunze goes on tour. The guest appearances take him all over the Federal Republic, but also to the GDR. A special highlight is Heinz Rudolf Kunze's show at Rock am Ring 1987 as support act for David Bowie.
As productive as ever
The year 2016, in which the eloquent musician turns 60, is one of the most productive phases of his career: he releases two new albums and two books. Heinz Rudolf Kunze tickets are coveted, whether for his numerous concerts or his reading appearances. The 36th studio album entitled "Schöne Grüsse vom Schicksal" will be released in 2018. On it, the rock bard warns against the extreme currents on the fringes of society.
In 2020, Heinz Rudolf Kunze releases "Der Wahrheit die Ehre". The album immediately climbs up the charts. On it, the musician once again professes his political commitment, questions the zeitgeist and denounces mendacity. Werdegang" follows in 2021 - as an autobiography and album. With it, the artist provides very personal insights.
Heinz Rudolf Kunze's shows offer a colourful mix of his greatest hits, but also rarely played treasures. The artist also tells thought-provoking stories and makes his audience laugh with anecdotes.
Heinz Rudolf Kunze now lives near Hanover. He has two children from his first marriage. He married his second wife Gabriele, who works as a conflict trainer, in 2009.
