Falco

Falco was the first artist to have a German-language single reach number one on the Billboard Hot 100 with 'Rock Me Amadeus' in 1986. He pioneered a unique fusion of rap, synth-pop, and European sophistication that had never been heard before. His ability to blend Viennese cultural references with American musical styles made him a genuine crossover artist decades before multilingual pop became common.

The best entry point is 'Falco 3' (1985), which contains his biggest international hits including 'Rock Me Amadeus,' 'Vienna Calling,' and 'Jeanny.' For a broader overview, compilation albums like 'Greatest Hits' provide a good survey of his career from the early 1980s through the late 1990s. His debut single 'Der Kommissar' (1981) is also essential listening.

Last reviewed: 2026-03

Falco died on February 6, 1998, in a car accident in the Dominican Republic at the age of 40. He was working on a comeback album at the time. The posthumously released single 'Out of the Dark' became a major hit across Europe, reaching number one in several countries and introducing his music to a new generation of listeners.