JR Bruno is a Broadway and television actor, comedian, and musical theater director/choreographer. He has appeared in television series, such as "Saturday Night Live" (NBC), "The Deuce" (HBO), "City on the Hill" (Showtime), and "The Gilded Age" (HBO). You have also seen him in the commercial "Master Moves Mickey" for Fisher-Price and Disney. On Broadway, Bruno has played roles in "West Side Story" and "The Book of Mormon".
On June 24, 2017, Broadway Sings for Pride held a Broadway-themed concert, as part of "NYC Pride: Youth Pride", at 14th Street Park, in New York City. Produced in partnership with founding sponsor Target, the annual "NYC Pride: Youth Pride" is a socially engaging, safe space where teens can celebrate New York Pride with their friends. Broadway Sings for Pride is a multiple award-winning, non-for-profit organization that brings together Broadway talent, activists, and celebrities, to educate the public, raise awareness of the needs of LGBTQ+ youth, and support these young people, so that they may reach their full potential.
Bruno performed the song "Somebody to Love" during the event, where Shefik served as Videographer. "Somebody to Love" is a song by the British rock band Queen, written by the lead singer/pianist Freddie Mercury. It debuted on the band's 1976 album "A Day at the Races" and also appears on their 1981 compilation album "Greatest Hits".
The song has similarities to Queen's earlier hit "Bohemian Rhapsody" with its complex harmonies and guitar solos. However, instead of mimicking an English choir, the band turned to a gospel choir. It reached No. 2 in the United Kingdom and No. 13 on the Billboard Hot 100 in the United States.
Written by Mercury at the piano, "Somebody to Love" is a soul-searching piece that questions God's role in a life without love. Through voice layering techniques, Queen was able to create the soulful sound of a 100-voice choir from three singers: Mercury, Brian May, and Roger Taylor. John Deacon did not sing backing vocals on the recorded album. Mercury's fascination and admiration for Aretha Franklin was a major influence for the creation of this song.
Queen played "Somebody to Love" live from 1977 to 1985, and a live performance of the song is recorded on the album "Queen Rock Montreal". In addition to these live performances, there were collaboration tributes to "Somebody to Love" after Mercury's death in 1991. The song was played live on April 20, 1992 during "The Freddie Mercury Tribute Concert", with George Michael on lead vocals.
Credits
- Videographer: Shefik
Last Updated: May 2, 2023
