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Jimmy Somerville’s raw journey from Glasgow to synth-pop stardom revealed in new doc

From Glasgow’s streets to global stages, his voice became a revolution. This film uncovers the untold battles behind the music—and why his story still matters today.

This image is clicked in a concert. There are four people performing music on the dais. In the...
This image is clicked in a concert. There are four people performing music on the dais. In the middle, the women wearing white dress is singing. To the left and right, the man standing are playing guitars. At the bottom, there is crowd. In the background there is a wall and speakers.

Cheerleader and Diva - Jimmy Somerville’s raw journey from Glasgow to synth-pop stardom revealed in new doc

ARTE is set to air a new documentary, 'Jimmy Somerville – Smalltown Boy', on Fri, Nov 14 at 11:05 PM. The film delves into the life and career of the fearless rebel and synth-pop diva, Jimmy Somerville.

Somerville, who rose from a working-class childhood in Glasgow, gained fame as the frontman of Bronski Beat and The Communards, and as a solo artist. His biggest hit, 'Smalltown Boy', tells his own story of leaving a small town, reflecting his struggle for acceptance. His mission was to bring joy to his fans through his music, even amidst the HIV epidemic of the 1980s.

The documentary, directed by Olivier Simonnet, explores Somerville's journey from his humble beginnings to becoming a prominent figure in Britain's gay and minority rights movement. Despite his success, Somerville never forgot his roots or his sexuality, fighting for freedom and equality throughout his career.

Jimmy Somerville's story, as told in 'Jimmy Somerville – Smalltown Boy', is one of resilience, acceptance, and the power of music. Catch the documentary on ARTE this Friday to learn more about this influential figure in the LGBTQ+ community.

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