Biography
Who is Nina Hagen?
Early life and background
Born in East Berlin, East Germany, Catharina Hagen grew up as the daughter of scriptwriter Hans Oliva-Hagen and actress Eva-Maria Hagen. Her parents separated when she was a toddler, and she had limited contact with her father during her youth. By age four, she started practicing ballet, and she was identified as an opera prodigy by the time she reached nine years old.
When she was eleven, her mother began a relationship with Wolf Biermann, an anti-establishment musician whose political opinions eventually influenced the young performer. In the early part of the 1970s, she joined a group called Fritzens Dampferband, where she performed songs by artists like Tina Turner and Janis Joplin. Between 1972 and 1973, she took classes in a performance program at The Central Studio for Light Music in East Berlin before joining the band Automobil.
Rise to fame and musical career
While living in East Germany, she became a well-known young star through her work with the band Automobil. Her 1974 track, Du hast den Farbfilm vergessen, became a significant hit, serving as a subtle critique of life in the Communist state. Her career in the country ended in 1976 after she and her mother left following the expulsion of her stepfather, Wolf Biermann.
After relocating to Hamburg, she secured a deal with CBS Records and established the Nina Hagen Band in West Berlin. Their self-titled debut record arrived in 1978 and earned attention for its hard rock sound and her distinct operatic delivery. The band released one additional album, Unbehagen, before splitting up in 1979.
Personal life and activism
Throughout her career, Nina Hagen has been vocal about her beliefs, frequently discussing topics like animal rights, human rights, and social issues. Her public persona often drew media attention, including a well-known 1979 appearance on an Austrian talk show that sparked significant debate. She has also authored three autobiographical books detailing her life and experiences.
She is a mother of two children, Cosma Shiva Hagen and Otis Hagen. In her personal life, she maintained a significant relationship with Dutch musician Herman Brood, whom she acted alongside in the 1979 motion picture titled Cha Cha. Beyond music, she has worked as a voice actor and television presenter.
Birthday and age
Nina Hagen was born on March 11, 1955, which makes Nina 71 years old today. That birthday falls under the Pisces sign. Nina shares the date with 34 other famous people.
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