Nena

Early Life

Gabriele Susanne Kerner, known artistically as Nena, was born on March 24, 1960, in Hagen, West Germany. Growing up as the eldest of three children in a family where her father was a teacher, she spent her early years in Breckerfeld before moving to Hagen. Nena acquired her nickname during a family vacation in Mallorca, Spain, where the Catalan word for "baby girl" resonated with her. After leaving high school without completing her Abitur, she briefly trained as a goldsmith but left before obtaining her journeyman's license.

Musical Career

Nena's musical journey began in 1979 when she joined the band Stripes, which disbanded in 1982. Shortly after, she formed the band Nena with her boyfriend and other musicians, leading to their breakout single "Nur geträumt" in 1982. The band's 1983 hit "99 Luftballons" catapulted them to international fame, with the English version "99 Red Balloons" achieving significant chart success. Nena's solo career took off in 2002 when she re-recorded some of her classic hits, contributing to her status as one of the most successful German pop singers, with over 25 million records sold.

Other Ventures

Beyond music, Nena has acted in films and voiced characters in animated features. She has also participated in various television shows, including as a coach on "The Voice of Germany" and "Dein Song." Nena is known for her philanthropic efforts, supporting various causes and charities, and she authored an autobiographical book titled "Willst du mit mir gehn." A vegetarian and advocate for several social issues, Nena continues to influence the music scene and inspire fans worldwide.