Lale Andersen German singer and songwriter, performer of the famous song "Lili Marlene". Date of Birth: 23.03.1905 Country: Germany

1. Lale Andersen: German Singer and Songwriter
2. Early Career and Friendship with Rolf Liebermann
3. Rise to Popularity and Controversy
4. Disappearance and Comeback
5. Later Years and Literary Works

Lale Andersen: German Singer and Songwriter

Lale Andersen was a German singer and songwriter, best known for her iconic song "Lili Marleen." Born in Bremerhaven, Germany, Andersen began her musical career in the late 1920s. In October 1929, she left her husband and three children with relatives and moved to Berlin to pursue her passion for music. She trained at a theater studio and performed in cabarets.

Early Career and Friendship with Rolf Liebermann

From 1933 to 1937, Andersen acted in a theater in Zurich. It was during this time that she struck up a lifelong friendship with composer Rolf Liebermann. In 1938, Andersen joined the "Simpl" cabaret in Munich and, in 1939, moved to the prestigious "Kabarett der Komiker" in Berlin. It was here that she met composer Norbert Schulze and began performing his new song, "Lili Marleen."

Rise to Popularity and Controversy

With the outbreak of World War II, "Lili Marleen" gained immense popularity among soldiers, not only in Germany but also among the Allied forces. However, the official German propaganda viewed Andersen negatively due to the perceived lack of patriotic fervor in her masterpiece and her association with Liebermann and other German and Swiss musicians of Jewish origin. At one point, the song was even officially banned in Germany, leading Andersen to contemplate suicide.

Disappearance and Comeback

After the end of World War II, Andersen disappeared from the music scene for several years. It was not until 1952 that she made a triumphant comeback with her self-penned song, "Die blaue Nacht am Hafen" (The Blue Night at the Harbor), which became a gold record in Germany. From 1952 to 1967, Andersen actively toured in Europe, the United States, and Canada.

Later Years and Literary Works

After retiring from performing, Andersen published two memoirs: "Wie werde ich Haifisch? – Ein heiterer Ratgeber für alle, die Schlager singen, texten oder komponieren wollen" (How to Become a Shark? A Cheerful Guide for Everyone Who Wants to Sing, Write Lyrics, or Compose Schlager Music; 1969) and "Der Himmel hat viele Farben" (The Sky Has Many Colors; 1972). These books provided insights into her life as an artist and offered advice for aspiring musicians.

Lale Andersen's contribution to music, particularly with her timeless song "Lili Marleen," has left an indelible mark on German music history. Her unique voice and captivating performances continue to be celebrated and remembered.