Austrian musician, born 19 February 1957 in Vienna, Austria and died 6 February 1998 near Puerto Plata, Dominican Republic (car accident).
The stage name "Falco" was derived from the East-German ski jumper Falko Weißpflog, who Hölzel had seen on TV in the 1978 Four-Hills-Tournament in Bischofshofen.
A pioneering Austrian singer and musician whose innovative blend of pop, rock, and rap left an indelible mark on the music industry, Falco is best known for his international hits “Der Kommissar” (1981) and “Rock Me Amadeus” (1985), the latter of which made him the only artist to achieve a number-one hit on the U.S. Billboard Hot 100 with a German-language song. His unique style and contributions have solidified his legacy as one of Austria’s most successful and influential artists.
From an early age, he demonstrated a profound interest in music, studying at the University of Music and Performing Arts in Vienna. His upbringing in a musically inclined family fostered his passion for the arts. He had a daughter, Katharina, with Isabella Vitković. Their relationship was tumultuous, and Falco believed Katharina was his biological daughter until a paternity test revealed otherwise when she was seven years old.
Falco’s musical journey began in the late 1970s when he played bass guitar in local bands such as Drahdiwaberl and The Hallucination Company. His early work laid the foundation for his unique style, blending pop, rock, and rap elements. In 1981, he achieved international success with “Der Kommissar,” a song that showcased his innovative approach to music. This track marked one of the earliest successful non-English language rap songs, setting the stage for his future hits.
The pinnacle of his career came in 1985 with “Rock Me Amadeus,” a tribute to Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart. The song topped the U.S. Billboard Hot 100, making Falco the only artist to achieve a number-one hit with a German-language song in the United States. This accomplishment solidified his status as an international music icon.
Throughout his career, Falco sold over 20 million albums and 40 million singles, making him the best-selling Austrian singer of all time. His innovative fusion of genres and his ability to cross cultural and linguistic barriers have left a lasting impact on the music industry.
Despite his untimely death in 1998, Falco’s legacy endures. His music continues to influence artists worldwide, and his songs remain popular on streaming platforms. In 2024, his villa in Gars am Kamp, Austria, was opened to the public, offering fans an intimate glimpse into his life and creative space. The villa, largely preserved as it was during his time, serves as a testament to his enduring influence and the lasting impact of his work.