Falco

Johann Hölzel, born on February 19, 1957, and famously known as Falco, was a prominent Austrian singer and musician who left an indelible mark on the music industry before his untimely death on February 6, 1998. Renowned for his distinctive style, Falco achieved international fame with a string of hits including "Der Kommissar" (1981), "Rock Me Amadeus," "Vienna Calling," "Jeanny," and "The Sound of Musik." His most significant achievement came in 1986 when "Rock Me Amadeus" topped the Billboard charts, a remarkable feat that made him the first artist to have a German-language song reach number one in the United States.

Falco's innovative approach to music also positioned him as a pioneer in the genre of non-English language rap, with "Der Kommissar" being one of the earliest successful examples. This track was later covered by British band After the Fire, further cementing its legacy in pop culture. With an impressive sales record of 20 million albums and 40 million singles, he holds the title of the best-selling Austrian artist in history.

Tragically, Falco's life was cut short in a car accident in the Dominican Republic at the age of 40. At the time, he was working on a comeback project, which culminated in the posthumous release of his album "Out of the Dark (Into the Light)." His remains were returned to Austria, where he was laid to rest in the Vienna Central Cemetery, leaving behind a lasting musical legacy.