Nick Kamen
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Nick Kamen (born Nicholas Ivor Kamen, 15 April 1962, in Harlow, Essex, England) is a British male model, songwriter and musician.
He is most famous for his 1985 beefcake performance in Levi's "Launderette" TV commercial where he strips down in order to stone-wash his blue jeans in a 1950s style public laundromat while he waits clad only in his boxer shorts, which dramatically increased their popularity. It was selected for "The 100 Greatest TV Ads" in 2000.
He appeared on television as himself in "Top of the Pops" (12 March 1987 and 18 October 1990), "This Morning" (9 April 1990), "Night Network" (15 April 1987, 19 August 1987 and 1988) and "The Tube" (31 October 1986 and 21 November 1986 (1986).
He has also recorded six music albums: Nick Kamen in 1987, Us and Loving You in 1988, Move Until We Fly (which featured "I Promised Myself") in 1990, Each Time You Break My Heart in 1991, concluded by Whatever, Whenever in 1992.
Notable was his minor 1986 hit "Each Time You Break My Heart" from his self titled debut album. Written and produced by Madonna and Stephen Bray, it cracked both the U.S. dance chart (remix by Shep Pettibone) and the UK Singles Chart, and even hit the Top 40 in Canada. Madonna also sang on the backing vocals. Her original demo remains one of many Unreleased Madonna Songs.
His second album Us, 1989 was produced by Patrick Leonard. Madonna again made an appearance as a guest backing vocalist on the song "Tell Me", this time without contributing to the songwriting or production. He performed the song "Turn It Up" on the soundtrack to Walt Disney's film, Honey, I Shrunk the Kids (1989).
A new updated mix of his 1990 song "I Promised Myself", is featured on a 2004 various artists collection in Europe.
