Klaus Sperber(January 24, 1944 – August 6, 1983), known professionally asKlaus Nomi, was a Germancountertenornoted for his wide vocal range and an unusual, otherworldly stage persona Nomi was known for his bizarrely visionary theatrical live performances, heavy make-up, unusual costumes, and a highly stylized signature hairdo that flaunted a receding hairline. His songs were equally unusual, ranging from synthesizer-laden interpretations of classical opera to covers of 1960s pop standards likeChubby Checker's "The Twist" andLou Christie's "Lightnin' Strikes". He is remembered in the United States as one ofDavid Bowie's backup singers for a 1979 performance onSaturday Night Live. Nomi died in 1983 at the age of 39 as a result of complications fromAIDS. He was one of the earliest known figures from the arts community to die from the disease.