Johann “Hans” Hölzel, known by his stage name Falco, is a famous Austrian singer and musician known for his international success in the 1980s And famous.
His music, which combines pop, rock and electronic elements, has earned him widespread recognition, including hits such as “Der Kommissar”, “Rock Me Amadeus” and “Vienna Calling”.
His single “Rock Me Amadeus”, a tribute to composer Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, became a global chart success and remains his most iconic track.
contour
- Full name: Johann “Hans” Holzer
- Stage name: Falco
- Date of birth: February 19, 1957
- Date of death: February 6, 1998 (Age: 40 years old)
- Place of birth: Vienna, Austria.
- Nationality: Austria
- Occupation: Singer and musician
- Height: 1.75m
- Parents: Maria Holzer, Alois Holzer
- Brothers and sisters: none
- Spouse: Isabella Vitković (married 1988–1989)
- Children: None
- Relationship: Divorced
- Net worth: $10 million
early life and education
Johann “Hans” Hölzel was born on February 19, 1957 in Vienna, Austria.
He was the sole survivor of a triplet pregnancy. Falco’s father, Alois Hölzel, left the family when he was young and he was raised by his mother, Maria Hölzel. Falco’s early life was filled with challenge.
He attended Catholic school, where he showed an early interest in music, but eventually gave up formal education to pursue his passion for music.
Falco was Austrian and practiced Roman Catholicism, which influenced every aspect of his upbringing and artistic expression.
Profession
Falco began his musical journey in the late 1970s, initially as bassist in various bands, including Drahdiwaberl.
His breakthrough came in 1981 with the release of “Der Kommissar,” a song that blended pop and rap and established him as a trailblazer.
The success of the single led to his debut solo album, Einzelhaft, which sold over 7 million copies worldwide and established Falco as a prominent figure in the global music industry.
His innovative style and eclectic sound attracted attention and he quickly became a household name in Europe.
Falco’s most notable success came in 1986 with the release of “Rock Me Amadeus”, which topped the Billboard Hot 100 and made history as the first German-language song to reach this milestone.
The track’s success further cemented his status as an international star, with hits such as “Vienna Calling” and “Jeanny” following.
While Falco continued to dominate the European charts, he found it difficult to replicate his success in the American market despite the global recognition he gained in the 1990s.
Throughout his career, Falco experienced great commercial success and personal struggles. He remained active in the music industry until the late 1990s, although he was unable to reach the heights of his earlier hits.
Unfortunately, Falco passed away in a car accident on February 6, 1998. Despite his untimely death, his legacy lives on and Falco remains one of Austria’s best-selling artists, having sold over 20 million albums worldwide and influencing generations of musicians to come.
Awards and nominations
- Echo Lifetime Achievement Award (1999)
- Amadeus Austrian Music Award
- Gold and Platinum Certification
social media
- Instagram account: @falco.official
personal life
Falco is married to Isabella Vitkovic, with whom he has a daughter, Katharina Bianca Vitkovic, born in 1986. The couple married in 1988, but their relationship ran into problems and ended in divorce shortly after.
Falco initially believed that Katharina was his biological daughter, but a paternity test when she was seven revealed otherwise, causing tension in their relationship.
Despite this, they remained in contact until Falco’s death in 1998.
discography
- Einzel Haft(1982)
- Jung Roemer(1984)
- Falcon 3 (1985)
- Emotion(1986)
- Wiener Brut(1988)
- Rhythm Data(1990)
- Night Flight(1992)
- Out of the Dark (Toward the Light) (1998)
- Verdammt wir leben noch (1999)
net worth
At the time of his death in 1998, Falco had an estimated net worth of $10 million.
He achieved great commercial success with hits such as “Rock Me Amadeus”, “Der Kommissar” and “Jeanny”, cementing his status as one of Austria’s most successful international music stars.
