- Comeback for the 60th anniversary with new single
With her debut single "I Can Lose My Heart Tonight", produced by Dieter Bohlen, Dutch-German singer C. C. Catch (60) scored an international hit in 1985 and quickly rose to become one of the most famous synth-pop icons of the '80s. After ending her collaboration with the legendary producer in 1988, it became quieter around the artist known for her outrageous outfits and lavish hairstyles. However, C. C. Catch remained active as a live performer of her old hits in the following decades.
On her 60th birthday today, she returns with an extraordinary new single.
Dieter Bohlen (70) immediately knew that Caroline Catharina Müller, born on July 31, 1965, in the Dutch town of Oss, would not become a world star under her maiden name when he invited her to an audition at his studio in 1985 after seeing her then-girl group Optimal perform. In his autobiography "Nothing But the Truth", the pop titan revealed the clear message he had for her: "I said only: 'Listen up, lady! Never say you're Müller again!' Müller might sell sour milk and Ado curtains, but not pop stars."
Caroline Catharina Müller becomes C. C. Catch
Under Bohlen's wing, who had just celebrated his big breakthrough with "Modern Talking" the previous year, Caroline Catharina Müller launched her promised pop star career under the catchier name C. C. Catch. Her first single "I Can Lose My Heart Tonight" became a huge success and stayed in the top ranks of the German charts for 15 weeks.
With the next three singles "'Cause You're Young", "Strangers by Night", and "Heartbreak Hotel", the singer with a new look reliably entered the top 10. With the synth-pop anthem "Soul Survivor", C. C. Catch even landed a European hit in 1987. The song reached number one in Spain, number three in Yugoslavia, and became one of the few Bohlen productions to make it into the British charts. During this time, C. C. Catch built an international fan base that she can still rely on today.
Eccentric Style Icon of the Wild '80s
In her home country of Germany, C.C. Catch was a regular guest in music shows like Peters Pop Show, Formel Eins, and the Hitparade during this time. Thanks to her music videos, which were relatively expensive for the time, she quickly became one of the most eccentric style icons of the era with her look featuring studded leather jackets, extreme shoulder pads, and avant-garde hairspray hairstyles.
However, the fun was over after her fourth album "Big Fun". After demanding more say in the productions, C. C. Catch finally parted ways with Dieter Bohlen at the end of 1988. In an interview with Stern, she later described her collaboration with the star producer as "quite unpleasant". She added, "He produces songs like an assembly line. Dieter just wants to get in, get out, and be done."
Her Life After Dieter Bohlen
Before Caroline Müller could continue her musical career without Dieter Bohlen, she had to first resolve a lengthy naming rights dispute with the producer over the artist name C. C. Catch, which he claimed for himself. After the courts granted her the usage rights, she moved to England to produce her next album with Andy Taylor (63), the former guitarist of Duran Duran.
With the album "Hear What I Say" released in December 1989, the singer made a remarkable musical turn. Far from the previous Bohlen bombast, she presented herself in the new songs as much more multifaceted and sensitive. In line with the sound of the approaching nineties, she opted for funky house, swingbeat, and dreamy R&B with her new production team. However, this artistic breakthrough did not become a commercial success. To this day, "Hear What I Say" remains C. C. Catch's last studio album.
Short-term comeback for the new millennium
After a musical break, Caroline Müller returned to Germany and her musical roots in 1998. On the compilation album "Best of '98", she released several of her old party hits like "I Can Lose My Heart Tonight" and "Soul Survivor" in revamped "Megamix" versions. In 2003, her funky dance number "Shake Your Head" became a summer hit, particularly in Southern Europe. The following year, C. C. Catch appeared on the TV show "Comeback - Die große Chance" hosted by Arabella Kiesbauer (55).
Long-term job as a live performer
Although a comeback to former glory was not to be, the singer continued to enjoy great popularity as a live performer of her eighties classics, especially outside Germany. In recent years, she has had a loyal fan base, particularly in the states of the former Eastern Bloc, who enthusiastically cheer her on at Eurodance and eighties revival events. In 2015 and 2016, she performed numerous concerts in the USA and Canada, and in 2017, she led a South American tour to Argentina, Peru, Chile, Brazil, and Bolivia. As seen on her Instagram account, she has been busy in recent months, performing in Azerbaijan, Estonia, Latvia, Kazakhstan, Romania, and Cyprus.
Comeback for the 60th birthday with a moving single
On Instagram, C. C. Catch announced the release of a unique new single with a music video just before her 60th birthday. According to a press release for the new song "Heal Me", the song has a sad background. It is a "homage to her beloved father Peter Müller", who suddenly passed away in April 2024. Peter Müller had supported her not only as a father but also as a manager over the decades. However, the new song is not a sad ballad but a fresh electronic dance piece with a catchy refrain that has the potential to become a new hit.
"This song is something very special to me," C.C. Catch writes. "My dad was one of my greatest supporters in my life and career. He was also a great source of inspiration for me, my rock; he often gave me advice and always his support and love." Her father had heard the song while still alive, was deeply moved by it, and was happy that she would release it as a single. "Fulfilling his wish brings so much joy and healing to my heart, and I hope it does for my fans too," says the singer.
In her autobiography, Dieter Bohlen revealed his strong belief in Caroline Catharina Müller's potential and encouraged her to change her name to C. C. Catch for a more catchy and memorable stage name.
Under the name C. C. Catch, Müller released several successful singles, including "Soul Survivor," which became a European hit and gained her an international fan base.
