LGBTQ+ Artists Who Changed Music History

 

 

Loud and proud! The contribution of the LGTBQ+ community to music can never be underestimated. From huge pop phenomenon to leftfield queer agitators; the sound of everything from pop to rock, classical and hip-hop has been shaped by bold and daring gay innovators. Gigantic stands by the community during Pride Month, and we celebrate the talent and achievements of some of the greatest LGTBQ+ artists who changed musical history.  🏳️‍🌈 🏳️‍🌈 

 

 

Elton John

The glittering career of celebrated songwriter Elton John has seen the bespectacled piano player collect five Grammy Awards, plus many more accolades and has been received into the Rock And Roll Hall of Fame. He has sold over 300 million records worldwide thanks to such incredible songs as “I’m Still Standing”, “Don’t Go Breaking My Heart”, “Candle In The Wind” and “Tiny Dancer”. His road to success has been immortalised in the recent hit biographical film Rocketman. In 1992, He founded the Elton John AIDS Foundation, raising awareness and more than £300 million.

Elton has been announced as the headliner for the final night of Glastonbury 2023 where he is expected to perform a career-defining show. This takes place amidst Farewell Yellow Brick Road – The Final Tour which sees the acclaimed songwriter play to the public for the last time – CLICK HERE for tickets.

 

 

Freddie Mercury

Freddie Mercury is one of the undisputed greatest rock icons of all time. Leading the band Queen, his flamboyant onstage antics and unparalleled four-octave vocal range captivated packed-out arenas around the world, whilst he dared to take rock to truly epic levels on songs "We Are the Champions", "Don't Stop Me Now", "Somebody to Love" and (of course) "Bohemian Rhapsody".

Freddie would tragically lose his battle with AIDS in 1991 and has been posthumously inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, the Songwriters Hall of Fame, and the Ivor Novello Award for Outstanding Song Collection. His life and work are celebrated in the critically acclaimed and commercially successful biopic film Bohemian Rhapsody.

 

 

David Bowie

Arguably one of the most influential songwriters of all time, David Bowie was always eager to defy convention, courting controversy and curiosity when he openly discussed being bisexual at a time when homophobia could still immediately ruin careers.

Constantly pursuing new avenues of inspiration, he tapped into the fascination caused with the dawning of the space age and first found success with the single "Space Oddity" which established his first alter-ego Major Tom who would return right through his career. He would continue to work under various other guises, including queer icon Ziggy Stardust, Aladdin Sane, The Thin White Duke before returning to his original stage name and developing everything from glam rock to pop, art rock and electronica along the way.

Ever the creative, Bowie would continue to dazzle and amaze right up until his death, writing and recording his final album Blackstar, which was filled with cryptic references to his own career, and released just two days before his demise due to liver cancer.

 

 

Lady Gaga

Lady Gaga (AKA Stefani Joanne Angelina Germanotta) had already enjoyed her status as a gay icon ever before she revealed her bisexuality in a 20/20 interview with Barbara Walters, thanks to such high energy electro-pop songs as "Just Dance", "Poker Face" and her wildly idiosyncratic wardrobe selection.

She proudly placed her sexuality in the fore, titling her second album Born This Way which earned her three Grammy nominations. It would also inspire the title of the Born This Way Foundation which she launched to support young people, aiming to "make the world kinder and braver".

Today, she amassed 3 Grammy Awards, two Golden Globe Awards and record sales of 170 million.

 

 

Boy George

Ultimate 80s icon Boy George exploded into the public consciousness as the androgynous leader of pop group Culture Club, thrusting the underground Blitz Kids queer scene right into the heart of the mainstream and kick-starting the worldwide New Romantic revolution. His huge smash hits singles include "Karma Chameleon", "Victims", "Church of the Poison Mind" and "Do You Really Want to Hurt Me".

George has also carved out a career as a solo artist and prominent DJ, receiving an Ivor Novello Award from the British Academy of Songwriters, Composers and Authors for Outstanding Services to British Music in 2015. CLICK HERE for tickets.

 

 

George Michael

After becoming an international pin-up as one-half of Wham! – best-selling pop star George Michael struck out as a solo artist, earning himself two Grammy Awards, three Brit Awards and many more trophies.

Ruthlessly pursued by the more callous elements of the media, his sexuality had been the subject of many vicious articles from the reactionary press despite wishing to keep his homosexuality private. Outed after a police sting operation in Beverley Hills, he chose to flaunt the revelation with the release of the single "Outside" poking fun at the stigma surrounding him. His other gay anthems include “Freedom ‘90” and “Fastlove”.

George is estimated to have sold well over 100 million records before his untimely death due to dilated cardiomyopathy.

 

 

Lil Nas X

Rapper and songwriter Lil Nas X (AKA Montero Lamar Hill) topped the U.S. Billboard Hot 100 with country rap hit "Old Town Road" which sat aloft the chart for 19 weeks – the longest reigning single since the 1950s. It was at this time he announced to the world he was gay, making him the only artist ever to come out whilst having a No. 1 record.

The trailblazer leads the way for the Gen X LGBTQ+ community, with a massive online presence and staggering social media support, drawn to his outspoken opinions and ever more outlandish videos, with Time magazine naming him in their 2021 list of the 100 most influential people in the world.

 

 

Miley Cyrus

Sick of being in the shadow of her former role as Hannah Montana, wild child Miley Cyrus came of age with the release of third album Can’t Be Tamed which saw her shed the squeaky-clean Disney Channel image of her youth. Three years later, she smashed any lingering vestige with colossal hit single "Wrecking Ball", ushering in a rude girl era sending reverberations around the world with her signature twerking.

Cyrus went on to declare herself as pansexual in Times magazine and is a passionate supporter of the entire LGBT+ community, penning song "My Heart Beats for Love" in honour of a gay friend and stating London is her favourite city to play owing to the vitality of the queer scene there. Founder of the Happy Hippie Foundation which supports young homeless, particularly LGBT+, she also has an equals sign tattooed on her finger to promote gay marriage.