Herbert Anton Hilger (born Bloeth; 3 February 1938 – 16 February 2023), known professionally as Tony Marshall, was a German schlager and opera singer. Famous since 1971 with his hit song "Schöne Maid", he also played in some comedies and was often seen on television.

Early life and education

Born in

Baden-Baden Baden-Baden () is a spa town in the states of Germany, state of Baden-Württemberg, south-western Germany, at the north-western border of the Black Forest mountain range on the small river Oos (river), Oos, ten kilometres (six miles) east of the ...

, Marshall trained as an opera singer in

Karlsruhe Karlsruhe ( ; ; ; South Franconian German, South Franconian: ''Kallsruh'') is the List of cities in Baden-Württemberg by population, third-largest city of the States of Germany, German state of Baden-Württemberg, after its capital Stuttgart a ...

, graduating in 1965.

Career

Rather than embarking on a career in

opera Opera is a form of History of theatre#European theatre, Western theatre in which music is a fundamental component and dramatic roles are taken by Singing, singers. Such a "work" (the literal translation of the Italian word "opera") is typically ...

, in 1971, Marshall had his first hit single with "Schöne Maid". A year later, an English-language version was also released, titled "Pretty Maid". "Pretty Maid" peaked at number 16 in Australia in 1971. In 1976, he won ''Ein Lied für Den Haag'' with the song "Der Star" but in less than 24 hours, he was disqualified because his song was previously sung in public in 1973 by Nizza Thobi causing his spot in Eurovision to be taken over by the

Les Humphries Singers The Les Humphries Singers was a Pop music, pop vocal group formed in Hamburg, West Germany by English singer Les Humphries. Active from 1969 until 1980, the group had several chart hits in Germany and in other European countries. The group, who ...

. In February 2009, he was appointed an Officer of the Order of Tahiti Nui.

Death

Marshall died in Baden-Baden on 16 February 2023, at the age of 85.

References

External links

* * * {{DEFAULTSORT:Marshall, Tony 1938 births 2023 deaths People from Baden-Baden German male singers German schlager musicians Recipients of the Cross of the Order of Merit of the Federal Republic of Germany Recipients of the Order of Merit of Baden-Württemberg