The song had become an unofficial theme song for the AIDS epidemic.īandmate Coles later wrote an autobiography (“Fathomless Riches”) where he described their high-rolling lifestyle while touring. It became the biggest-selling single of 1986 in the UK. One of their biggest hits was a cover of “Don’t Leave Me This Way”. Two years later Somerville left Bronski and formed The Communards with pianist Richard Coles. Their debut single, “Smalltown Boy” is partly based on Somerville’s youth, about a gay teenager fleeing his home town and heading to London. The band was signed by a record label after only doing nine live gigs. He met Steve Bronski and Larry Steinbachek and together they formed the SynthPop band Bronski Beat. There he could immerse himself in gay culture. When he was 19, he knew his heart was elsewhere and decided to move to London. With posters of all four plastered on his bedroom walls, he may have confused his parents. Jimmy Somerville topped the UK music charts in the 1980s with his powerful soulful singing (described a countertenor/falsetto).Īs a boy in Glasgow, Scotland, he enjoyed a variety of music styles, from Donny Osmond to Donna Summer, from David Bowie to Connie Francis. His wife added that she thought of him as “two-spirited”.Ī month later in an interview with the New York Post Jason confirmed he identifies as bisexual.īi, straight, or gay, I think we could all benefit from being more like Jason Mraz.
In 2019, in another Billboard article Mraz revealed he had had experiences with men, even while dating Carano. This immediately raised assumptions that Mraz was coming out as bisexual. In 2018, as part of Billboard Magazine’s tribute for Gay Pride Month, Mraz penned a poem which included the line: “I am bi your side. In 2015 he married longtime girlfriend Christina Carano. Jason Mraz was engaged to singer Tristan Prettyman in 2010 but it was called off. Mraz is a vegan and owns a 5.5 acre avocado farm in California. Headlining a concert in Myanmar to raise awareness of human trafficking.Raising awareness of the need to support saving the world’s oceans.A rescue mission to Ghana to raise awareness of children sold into slavery.Recognized by Instinct Magazine for his support of LGBT Rights.In addition, Mraz has supported, campaigned for, and raised money for multiple charities. Teen Choice (twice) & People’s Choice (once).Surf Industry Manufacturers Association Humanitarian of the Year 2010.Surfrider Foundation Clean Water Award (2010).ASCAP Song of the Year 2010 (“I’m Yours”).Since then he’s released 5 more albums, receiving multiple awards for his efforts including: It reached #3 on the Billboard 100, and “The Matrix” became a #1 single. In 2001 he was signed by Electra Records, and in 2002 released his first studio album, “Waiting for My Rocket to Come”. Together with newfound friend Toca Rivera, he performed regularly at Java Joe’s.
Originally from Virginia, Mraz moved to San Diego in 1999. I must have seen him perform live over a dozen times (perhaps two dozen). And he always looks so happy performing before a crowd. I once saw him do a 30-minute extemporaneous riff with his guitar which was absolutely amazing. He writes, he sings, and he’s a guitar virtuoso. In 2003 I drove 450 miles to see him perform the first time at the Del Mar Race Track near San Diego. I’ve been a fan of Jason Mraz’s music for some time.