JOBRIATH
Bruce Wayne Campbel, AKA Jobriath, was the first ever openly gay rock star. Jobraith was a veteran member of the original cast of Hair in Los Angeles. In the 1970's he moved to New York City where he was soon picked up by Elektra Records. The label believed so adamantly in his self titled debut record they spent $80,000 in its production and promotion. There were full page ads taken out in Vogue and The New York Times along with a 50 foot billboard in Times Square. According to Dave Thompson, All Media Guide journalist, the promotion was so huge that by the time the record hit the street it could not live up to the hype. Jobriath, has been cited as an influence by many artists such as, The Pet Shop Boys and Morrissey. In 1983 Jobriath met an untimely demise due to an AIDS related illness.
Bruce Wayne Campbel, AKA Jobriath, was the first ever openly gay rock star. Jobraith was a veteran member of the original cast of Hair in Los Angeles. In the 1970's he moved to New York City where he was soon picked up by Elektra Records. The label believed so adamantly in his self titled debut record they spent $80,000 in its production and promotion. There were full page ads taken out in Vogue and The New York Times along with a 50 foot billboard in Times Square. According to Dave Thompson, All Media Guide journalist, the promotion was so huge that by the time the record hit the street it could not live up to the hype. Jobriath, has been cited as an influence by many artists such as, The Pet Shop Boys and Morrissey. In 1983 Jobriath met an untimely demise due to an AIDS related illness.
