Nick Kamen death: Levi’s model and singer dies, aged 59
He famously stripped in laundrette for 1985 jeans campaign
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Model and singer Nick Kamen has died, aged 59.
A cause of death is yet to be announced, but the news was confirmed by singer Boy George on Instagram. The pair were friends.
Kamen famously appeared in a 1985 Levis 501 commercial that saw him strip in a launderette to Marvin Gaye’s “I Heard It Through the Grapevine”.
Following the success of the advert, he collaborated with Madonna on the song “Each Time You Break My Heart”.
Madonna co-wrote the song with Stephen Bray and, in 1986, told BBC radio she had requested the duet after being inspired by the model’s “charisma” and “beautiful voice”.
Kamen – born Ivor Neville Kamen – went on to release four LPs between 1987 and 1992.
His other songs include Honey, I Shrunk the Kids soundtrack song “Turn It Up” (1989) and 1990’s “I Promised Myself”.
Boy George led the tributes to Kamen.
He wrote: “R.I.P to the most beautiful and sweetest man Nick Kamen!”
Clothing label owner Susie Cave, the wife of musician Nick Cave, also paid tribute, calling Kamen “a dear friend”.
Nineties pop star Kavana added: “R.I.P Nick Kamen beautiful inside and out.”
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments