Roger Marcel Cicero Ciceu (6 July 1970 – 24 March 2016) was a notable German vocalist who brought elements of swing and big-band jazz into mainstream pop. Singing primarily in German, he became known for a warm baritone delivery, accessible arrangements and a stage persona that bridged traditional jazz phrasing with modern pop songwriting.
Musically he drew on a strong jazz tradition while embracing contemporary production and catchy melodies. Cicero often performed with larger ensembles and a swinging rhythm section, making classic forms such as the jazz standard and the big-band number feel immediate to a younger audience. Critics and listeners alike noticed his ability to present sophisticated harmonies and brass textures within radio-friendly songs.
Career highlights
Cicero was born in Berlin and rose to national prominence in the mid-2000s. He represented his country at the Eurovision Song Contest 2007 in Helsinki with the song "Frauen regier'n die Welt" ("Women Rule the World"), finishing in the middle ranks of the final. Beyond Eurovision he maintained a steady recording and touring career and appeared on television and radio programs across German-speaking Europe.
In addition to his recordings, Cicero made a film appearance in the biographical film Hilde (2009), portraying the musician Ricci Blum. His discography includes albums that brought jazz-tinged songs to wider audiences and earned him a reputation as a charismatic live performer.
- Breakthrough recordings that mixed swing and pop
- Notable live performances with big-band lineups
- Film appearance in a mainstream German biopic
Roger Cicero's life was cut short when he died of a stroke in Hamburg on 24 March 2016 at the age of 45. He is remembered for bringing jazz idioms into contemporary German pop and for helping to keep swing-oriented music visible on modern stages and radio playlists.