Zarah Leander

Zarah Leander (15 March 1907 – 23 June 1981) was a Swedish singer and actress whose greatest success was in Germany during the 1930s and 1940s.
Zarah Leander: From Cabaret Star to Swedish Icon
Zarah Leander is a name that might not be well-known to the younger generation, but to those who know her, she is a cabaret star and a Swedish icon. Born in Sweden in 1907, her career spanned over three decades, during which she achieved fame as an actress, singer, and performer. Her musical biography is marked by her captivating voice and her ability to connect with her audience. Zarah Leander was a star of her time, and her legacy still lives on through her music.
Zarah Leander’s music genre was primarily Schlager, which is a genre that has its roots in Germany and Austria. It is characterized by catchy melodies, simple lyrics, and upbeat rhythms. Zarah's music resonated with people beyond the German-speaking countries and became popular among Swedish audiences as well. Her voice was deep and rich, giving her a unique presence on stage. Her music was a mix of light and dramatic, playful and melancholic, which made her an ideal performer for cabaret shows.
Among her best songs, there are a few that stand out. Ich weiss, es wird einmal ein Wunder geschehen (I know that one day a miracle will happen) is one of her most well-known songs. It is a moving ballad about hope, longing, and love, which has become a standard for any singer who wants to perform a song in German from that era. Another one of her famous songs is Nur nicht aus Liebe weinen (Just don't cry out of love), which is a classic piece of Schlager music about a woman who knows what she wants and is not afraid to speak her mind. These songs showcase Leander's ability to convey emotions through music.
Moreover, Zarah Leander was known for her live concerts, where she would often perform in front of a packed audience. One of her most famous concerts was in Stockholm in 1946, where she performed for the first time after nine years of absence. The concert was a huge success, and it marked her return to the spotlight. She continued to perform live and record music until 1964.
Critics often compared Leander's music with that of Marlene Dietrich, as they both were icons of the cabaret era. However, while Dietrich was known for her sultry voice, Leander's voice was deeper, richer, and more powerful. Zarah Leander was not only an excellent singer but also a talented actress. Her performances in movies such as La Habanera and The Blue Fox cemented her place as a popular artist of her time.
Zarah Leander was a woman ahead of her time. Her music was timeless and embraced by audiences of all ages even today. She had a unique voice and a captivating presence on stage that made her one of the most memorable cabaret stars in history. Her legacy still lives on, and her music continues to inspire new generations of artists. Listening to Zarah Leander’s music is a way to travel back in time and experience a world filled with love, longing, and hope.