James William Somerville (born 22 June 1961) is a Scottish pop singer and songwriter. He sang in the 1980s with the pop groups Bronski Beat and The Communards, and has also had a solo career. He is known in particular for his powerful and soulful countertenor/falsetto singing voice. He is openly gay and many of his songs contain political commentary on gay-related issues such as "Smalltown Boy".\n', '

In 1983, Somerville co-founded the synthpop group Bronski Beat, which proceeded to have several hits in the British charts. Their biggest hit was "Smalltown Boy" which reached No. 3 in the UK charts. In the music video Somerville played the song\'s titular character who leaves his hostile hometown for the friendlier city. This was a reflection of Somerville\'s own experience when he came to London in about 1980, and was able to enjoy the gay scene and also attend the London Gay Teenage Group.\n', '

Somerville left Bronski Beat in 1985 and formed The Communards with classically trained pianist Richard Coles (now a Church of England vicar and broadcaster). They had several hits, including a cover version of Harold Melvin & the Blue Notes\' "Don\'t Leave Me This Way," which spent four weeks at No. 1 in the UK charts and became the biggest-selling single of 1986 in the UK. He also sang backing vocals on the Fine Young Cannibals\' version of "Suspicious Minds", which was a UK Top 10 hit.\n', '

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