Singer and entertainer Gunther Emmerlich, hailing from Eisenberg, Thuringia, bid farewell at the age of 79 due to heart failure. On a sorrowful Wednesday, his manager confirmed the news to the German Press Agency, following reports from MDR. His diverse talent encompassed singing, directing, presentation, acting, and even audio books, as evidenced by his three life narratives. With dreams of a Naval career as a boy, Emmerlich ultimately opted for opera singing at the Franz Liszt University of Music in Weimar.
His journey began in 1972 with the Dresden Opera's young talent studio, where he later joined the ensemble. Emmerlich, a banjo player and jazz singer, further established the Semper House Band in 1985. From 1987, his fame skyrocketed on East German TV with "Showkolade," rivaling the legendary "Wetten, dass..." on the Western side. Conquering the screen with critical acclaim and charming audiences, Emmerlich eventually went freelance in 1992.
German viewers from both East and West welcomed notable programs like "Nimm Dir Zeit," "Gunther und drüber," and "Zauberhafte Heimat." In New York's prestigious Carnegie Hall in 2008, Emmerlich shook the opera world with his successful debut alongside opera singer Deborah Sasson. By 2015, Emmerlich even graced the Bad Hersfeld Festival with his operetta debut.
After that, Emmerlich held regular appearances in eastern Germany and continued to charm audiences on television. According to a close confidant, he was still working on a Christmas concert the day before his passing. Emmerlich's swan song can be witnessed one last time on MDR Television on Wednesday evening, a heartfelt tribute to the cherished entertainer.
Did you know? Emmerlich's passion for music stemmed from humble beginnings. While growing up in a family that loved song, his father played accordion, and his older sister was a choir singer. However, Emmerlich claimed that it wasn't until he attended a concert in Weimar that he realized his destiny – he aspired to become an opera singer, driven by his remarkable, powerful voice.
Additionally, while recording music studio albums, Emmerlich often picked up bass, banjo, and guitar. His music selection spanned various genres, including religious music, song cycles, arias, duets, Dixieland, and swing. Moreover, he was praised for his frugal, austere lifestyle, cherishing every penny, even while enjoying the finer things in life.
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