Reinhard Mey: The Storyteller of German Chanson

Reinhard Mey is a prolific German singer-songwriter and a defining voice in the genre of Liedermacher, a tradition of poetic, socially conscious German-language music. Hailing from Berlin, his career spans over six decades, marked by a vast catalog of albums and a loyal fanbase that has secured him numerous gold and platinum certifications for his enduring work.

Early career

Born in 1942 in Berlin, Reinhard Mey began his musical journey in the late 1950s, initially performing American folk songs before turning to writing his own material in German. His first professional steps came with the release of the single "Ich wollte wie Orpheus singen" in 1967, which led to his debut album of the same name on the Philips label, establishing his thoughtful, narrative-driven style.

Breakthrough

Mey's national breakthrough in Germany arrived in 1974 with the album "Wie vor Jahr und Tag" and its poignant single "Gute Nacht, Freunde". The album's success solidified his position as a leading Liedermacher, connecting deeply with audiences through its reflective themes. This period began a long and successful relationship with the Intercord record label, resulting in a consistent string of charting albums throughout the 1970s and beyond.

Key tracks

Über den Wolken — This 1974 song became an unofficial anthem for pilots and travelers, achieving legendary status far beyond the folk scene.

Mein Berlin — A heartfelt homage to his divided hometown, showcasing his deep connection to Berlin and its history.

Diplomatenjäger — A witty and critical satire from 1980 that exemplifies his sharp, observant songwriting on social and political topics.

Alle Soldaten woll'n nach Haus — An anti-war ballad that remains one of his most powerful and frequently performed pieces.

Throughout the 1980s and 1990s, Reinhard Mey maintained a remarkable output, releasing an album almost every year and regularly filling large concert halls. His work has been recognized with multiple gold and platinum awards, including platinum for the live album "Unterwegs" and gold for several studio albums like "Frei!" and "Bunter Hund". While collaborations are not a central feature of his career, he has occasionally worked with artists like Belgian Liedermacher Ferre Grignard.

Artists exploring a similar vein of lyrical, German-language music include Hannes Wader, a fellow key figure in the political Liedermacher movement. Konstantin Wekker shares Mey's focus on melodic, story-driven songs for a broad audience. For a more contemporary take, Wirtz continues the tradition of intelligent German pop with a modern twist.

Reinhard Mey's rich discography is a staple on German adult contemporary and cultural radio stations, as well as specialized online streams dedicated to singer-songwriter and chanson music. His timeless songs are regularly featured in daytime rotations and special thematic programs celebrating lyrical craftsmanship.

The music of Reinhard Mey, a cornerstone of German chanson, can be heard on various radio stations featured on our website. Listeners can discover his extensive body of work by tuning into the radio stations available on onairium.com.