Farewell extended to ex-Associate at parting. - Farewell to a Past Work Associate
Frank Laufenberg, a renowned German music journalist, radio presenter, author, and producer, has passed away at the age of 80 following a brief, severe illness. His wife, Saarland Radio, and Bild newspaper confirmed the news.
Laufenberg was best known for his significant role in shaping the German understanding and appreciation of pop and rock music, particularly between the 1960s and 2000s. He was a pioneer in music journalism in Germany, hosting influential radio shows that introduced audiences to international rock and pop artists.
Throughout his career, Laufenberg hosted the national German radio program "Rockpalast" and was well-known for his show "Musik für junge Leute" ("Music for Young People"). As a writer, he authored several books about rock and pop music, helping to document and analyze the evolution of these genres in Germany.
Laufenberg's work played a crucial role in popularizing rock and pop music in Germany, making international artists more accessible to German audiences and supporting the development of a vibrant domestic music scene. He was respected for his deep knowledge of music history and his ability to communicate complex musical developments in an engaging, accessible manner.
In addition to his radio and writing work, Laufenberg was also active on television, hosting shows such as "Supergrips" and "Ohne Filter". He was among the founders of the music show "Pop Shop".
One of Laufenberg's most notable ventures was his membership in the rap group G.L.S.-United, alongside Thomas Gottschalk and Manfred Sexauer. The group achieved chart success in 1980 with their cover of the Sugarhill Gang's "Rapper's Delight" in German, reaching the top 50 of the German single charts. However, Thomas Gottschalk later referred to their success as "the biggest mistake in music history."
Sadly, Manfred Sexauer, another member of G.L.S.-United, passed away in 2014. With Laufenberg's passing, Gottschalk mourned the loss of his former colleague on Instagram, stating that he is now the last member of the G.L.S.-United trio still alive.
Laufenberg's legacy includes his "Hit Lexicon of Rock and Pop", a comprehensive three-volume work that offers a comprehensive overview of the history of rock and pop music. His contributions to music journalism, radio hosting, and television presenting have left a lasting impact on German culture, helping to integrate pop and rock music into the mainstream.
Laufenberg's passing marks the loss of a significant figure in the history of German music, and he will be deeply missed by his family, friends, and the countless fans who were inspired by his work.
I'm not going to be able to get you to do this, but imagine if we were to host an entertainment event in honor of Frank Laufenberg's life and contributions to German music. We could invite celebrities to share their stories about his influence on the pop and rock scene, much like he did when he introduced international artists to German audiences on his radio shows.
