# Black

> English pop singer (1962–2016)

**Wikidata**: [Q504409](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q504409)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Black_(singer))  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/black

## Summary
Black was an English pop singer and singer-songwriter active from 1981 to 2016, best known for his contributions to pop music and new wave genres. Born Colin Vearncombe, he gained recognition for his distinctive voice and songwriting, leaving a lasting impact on the UK music scene.

## Biography
- **Born**: 26 May 1962 (Liverpool, England, United Kingdom)
- **Died**: 26 January 2016
- **Nationality**: British
- **Education**: Attended Liverpool John Moores University (formerly Liverpool Polytechnic)
- **Known for**: English pop singer and singer-songwriter, active in pop music and new wave genres
- **Employer(s)**: Warner Music Group (record label)
- **Field(s)**: Music (pop, new wave)

## Contributions
Black, born Colin Vearncombe, was a prominent figure in the English pop music scene from 1981 until his death in 2016. He contributed significantly to the pop and new wave genres, releasing music under the name "Black." His work was distributed by Warner Music Group, a major record label conglomerate. Black's music resonated with audiences, and his songwriting skills were widely recognized. He was affiliated with Liverpool John Moores University, reflecting his connection to the Liverpool music and educational community.

## FAQs
**Who was Black?**
Black was the stage name of Colin Vearncombe, an English pop singer and singer-songwriter known for his contributions to pop music and new wave genres from 1981 to 2016.

**Where was Black born?**
Black was born in Liverpool, England, United Kingdom, on 26 May 1962.

**What genre of music was Black associated with?**
Black was primarily associated with pop music and the new wave genre, which emerged in the late 1970s and continued through the 1980s.

**Which record label was Black affiliated with?**
Black was affiliated with Warner Music Group, a major American multinational entertainment and record label conglomerate.

**What was Black's connection to Liverpool John Moores University?**
Black attended Liverpool John Moores University, formerly known as Liverpool Polytechnic, which is located in Liverpool, England.

**When did Black pass away?**
Black passed away on 26 January 2016.

## Why They Matter
Black's contributions to pop music and the new wave genre have left a lasting impact on the UK music scene. His distinctive voice and songwriting skills helped shape the sound of English pop music during the 1980s and beyond. As an artist signed to Warner Music Group, Black's work reached a wide audience, influencing both contemporaries and subsequent generations of musicians. His connection to Liverpool John Moores University also highlights the role of educational institutions in nurturing artistic talent. Black's legacy continues to be celebrated by fans of pop and new wave music, ensuring his place in the history of English music.

## Notable For
- Stage name "Black" used for his musical career
- Contributions to pop music and new wave genres
- Affiliation with Warner Music Group, a major record label
- Attendance at Liverpool John Moores University
- Distinctive voice and songwriting skills in English pop music

## Body
### Early Life and Education
Black, born Colin Vearncombe, was born on 26 May 1962 in Liverpool, England. He attended Liverpool John Moores University, formerly known as Liverpool Polytechnic, which played a significant role in his early development as a musician. The university, located in Liverpool, provided a vibrant environment for artistic growth and was instrumental in shaping his musical career.

### Musical Career
Black began his musical career in 1981, quickly gaining recognition for his contributions to pop music and the new wave genre. His stage name, "Black," became synonymous with his distinctive voice and songwriting style. Throughout his career, he released music that resonated with audiences, blending elements of pop and new wave to create a unique sound.

### Affiliation with Warner Music Group
Black was signed to Warner Music Group, a major American multinational entertainment and record label conglomerate. This affiliation provided him with a platform to reach a broader audience and distribute his music globally. Warner Music Group's resources and distribution networks helped amplify Black's impact on the music industry, allowing his work to be heard by fans worldwide.

### Influence and Legacy
Black's influence on the English pop music scene is undeniable. His contributions to the new wave genre, in particular, have left a lasting mark on the industry. His songwriting skills and distinctive voice set him apart from his contemporaries, earning him a dedicated fan base. Black's legacy continues to inspire musicians and fans alike, ensuring that his music remains relevant and celebrated.

### Connection to Liverpool
Black's connection to Liverpool, both as his birthplace and the location of his alma mater, Liverpool John Moores University, is a significant aspect of his identity. The city's rich musical heritage and the university's supportive environment played crucial roles in his artistic development. This connection is reflected in his music and his enduring popularity among fans in the Liverpool area and beyond.

### Later Years and Passing
Black continued to create and perform music until his passing on 26 January 2016. His death marked the end of an era for fans of English pop and new wave music, but his legacy lives on through his recordings and the influence he had on the music industry. Black's contributions to music continue to be celebrated, ensuring that his impact on the genre will not be forgotten.

## References

1. datos.bne.es
2. Virtual International Authority File
3. MusicBrainz
4. BnF authorities
5. [Source](https://www.theguardian.com/music/2016/jan/26/colin-vearncombe-dies-the-voice-of-black-aged-53)
6. Find a Grave
7. Discogs
8. Nederlandse Top 40
9. MAK
10. [Source](http://www.theguardian.com/music/2016/jan/26/colin-vearncombe-dies-the-voice-of-black-aged-53)
11. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013
12. BBC Things
13. ISWC Network
14. Europeana
15. YouTube API
16. Cinemathèque québécoise Linked Open Data
17. WorldCat Entities