Helga Eichenberg, geb. Brauer

Helga Brauer’s melodic journey began unexpectedly. Imagine a young woman, training to be a dental technician, vacationing in Sellin on Rügen Island in 1954. There, she entered a singing contest, her voice carrying through the summer air. Little did she know, this seemingly small event would change the trajectory of her life forever. This victory caught the attention of orchestra leader Helmut Opel. He offered her a singing position, launching her into the world of music. Helga Eichenberg, geb. Brauer, quickly became a beloved schlager singer in East Germany. Her career blossomed in Leipzig, the city of her birth and where she spent her entire life. Helga’s early career saw her performing with Opel’s orchestra, even touring Switzerland. In 1956, she passed a microphone test with the Rundfunk der DDR and started performing with the Rundfunktanzorchester Leipzig. This led to her first radio recordings and a contract with Amiga, the East German record label, in 1957. Helga Eichenberg, geb. Brauer’s first number-one hit came just a year later with “Heute spielt der Konstantin Klavier.” Her popularity soared. She became a prominent voice in East German schlager music. In 1960, Helga married composer Walter Eichenberg, who later became the director of the Rundfunktanzorchester Leipzig. He composed many of her hit songs, including “Hör mein Herz,” “Das Tagebuch vom schönen Max,” “Mit dem strahlendsten Lächeln der Welt,” and “Einer ist für den andern da.” Helga Eichenberg, geb. Brauer’s talent took her on tours across the Eastern Bloc, to countries like the Soviet Union, Czechoslovakia, Hungary, as well as Austria, Sweden, Finland, and even Egypt. In 1966, she won the first Schlagerwettbewerb der DDR with the song “Schlaf, mein kleiner Johnny.” Her repertoire encompassed over 600 titles, reflecting her prolific career. She graced the stages of major East German television shows, including Amiga-Cocktail, Ein Kessel Buntes, and Da liegt Musike drin. Helga remained a beloved figure in East German entertainment throughout the 70s and 80s. Helga Eichenberg, geb. Brauer’s life was a testament to her love for family and music. Even with her demanding career, she always prioritized her family. She famously prepared and froze meals before going on tours, ensuring her family was well-cared for in her absence. Helga’s vibrant life was tragically cut short in 1991 when she succumbed to breast cancer at the age of 55. She rests in the Südfriedhof in Leipzig, reunited in 2018 with her husband Walter. Her music continues to resonate with audiences, a lasting legacy of a woman whose voice brought joy to many.