Udo Jürgens, one of the most famous German-speaking entertainers, has written over 1,000 songs and sung his way into the hearts of an audience of millions. He fell silent ten years ago. Three months before his sudden death in 2014, SRF conducted one of the last major interviews with the Swiss citizen.
Udo Jürgens (1934–2014)
Entertainer
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Udo Jürgens was born on September 24, 1934 as Jürgen Udo Bockelmann in Klagenfurt, Austria. Jürgens grew up in his parents' castle Ottmanach Magdalensberg in Carinthia with his two brothers John (1931–2006) and Manfred (*1943).
With over 105 million records sold, he was one of the most successful entertainers in German-speaking countries. He has written countless hits, including: “Seventeen years old, blonde hair”, “But please with cream”, “I have never been to New York”, “Greek wine” or “An honorable house”.
What is little known is that he also wrote English songs. For example, “If I Never Sing Another Song,” his bandmate Peppe Lienhard’s favorite song. But Shirley Bassey and Sammy Davis also had a Udo Jürgens song “Reach For The Stars” in their program.
Udo Jürgens died unexpectedly of heart failure in Münsterlingen on Lake Constance on December 21, 2014.
SRF: How do you feel when you turn 80?
Udo Jürgens: I feel good, otherwise I wouldn't be able to sit here right now. At the moment it's a bit too much that's coming down on me in the year of my big birthday. The fact that I am who I am makes me experience my age in a completely different way. On the one hand, the incredible recognition and affection, which I naturally enjoy, but on the other hand, a lot is expected of me. I still have a lot to give and do. This is sometimes a bit borderline.
Do you notice a difference whether you live to be 80 or 70?
It may be that at 70 the fears were greater than they are now. I've had ten years to get used to the idea that I'm getting old now. But I also wondered how clearly I can still recognize and see these things and how my voice still works when I sing. She is at least as good as she was twenty years ago. This is crucial and makes my life a lot easier.
Udo Jürgens gave a concert in the Hallenstadion in Zurich on December 7, 2014 as part of his “Mitte des Leben” tour. He died less than two weeks later.
Keystone / Steffen Schmidt
What connection do you have to the word “still”?
The worst “yet” is when they say: Man, he still looks good – for his age. First you're happy about the first part of the sentence and then you collapse a little. It's a difficult word.
How do you deal with the topic of death? Are you indifferent because he's coming anyway, or are you afraid? Or are you even optimistic?
I'm trying to find answers, like other 80-year-olds. We have never learned about these things in our culture. Being old has always been perceived as an illness by society. You don't show how old you are, you just have to be young and not be a bother. For this reason it is difficult to answer these questions.
Your tour and your CD are called “Mitten im Leben”. Is this how you feel or wish you were?
I live like that and I think like that. I can still do things I used to do with the same strength and energy: singing and performing. When I visit my brother on the farm in Carinthia, I often sit next to a farmer who sees his life through completely different eyes than I do. He doesn't get around in the world. But he is at peace with himself.
It's exciting when you, as an older person, are still in the league of those who have fire in their heads.
I'm not at peace with myself because I live a completely different life. Do you believe that a person who writes books until old age and has a storm in his brain to write sentences that millions of people then read in shock or excitement – that such a person lives in peace? The farmer or the fisherman who has done his day's work in the evening and knows what was good or bad lives in peace. It's exciting when you, as an older person, are still in the league of those who have fire in their heads. But this is not a quiet life.
Udo Jürgens on TV and on Play SRF
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Tribute-Show «Udo Jürgens Forever»
On the 90th birthday and 10th anniversary of Udo Jürgens' death, stars such as Conchita Wurst, Wencke Myrhe, Adel Tawil, Vanessa Mai and Howard Carpendale interpret evergreens such as “Greek wine” or “I have never been to New York”. The tribute show is hosted by Sasha and Michelle Hunziker.
With Udo Jürgens' original orchestra under the direction of his long-time bandleader Pepe Lienhard and in the presence of Udo Jürgens' children Jenny and John, the ARD presents the tribute show “Udo Jürgens Forever” in collaboration with ORF and SRF
Monday, December 23rd, 2024 at 8:05 p.m. on SRF 1.
“UDO!” – the documentation
Udo Jürgens and the long path to oneself – “UDO!” draws the gripping psychogram of the musical genius who dedicated his life to the stage and applause.
His children and closest friends talk about the breathtaking career, the restlessness and the dark sides of the musician of the century
Monday, December 23rd, 2024 at 10:55 p.m. on SRF 1.
Both programs can also be found on Play SRF after they have been broadcast.
Do you wish you could find this peace at some point?
The beautiful thing is that you want peace, and you also want restlessness of heart and mind. Knowing that you can't have both. Creative power is only born in this field of tension. Even if I pay the price of not being as relaxed as the farmer in front of the house and the fisherman when he comes home.
The interview was conducted by Stefan Siegenthaler at the time.
