Jobriath

Jobriath was a glam rock musician and singer-songwriter who gained notoriety in the early 1970s for both his theatrical style and his distinction as the first openly gay rock artist signed to a major label. Born Bruce Wayne Campbell, he adopted the stage name Jobriath and was signed to Elektra Records, which launched an ambitious promotional campaign for his self-titled debut album in 1973. With his operatic voice, theatrical performances, and dramatic fusion of glam and cabaret, Jobriath drew comparisons to David Bowie and was hailed by some as a groundbreaking artist.

Despite the hype, Jobriath's music failed to find commercial success at the time, and he eventually retreated from the spotlight, performing under a different persona in New York cabarets. After his death in 1983, Jobriath’s work experienced a revival, gaining cult status among fans and being reappraised by newer generations of musicians and critics who recognized his ahead-of-his-time artistry and significance as a LGBTQ+ trailblazer in rock music history.