C. C. Catch

Caroline Catherine Müller (born 31 July 1964), known professionally as C. C. Catch, is a Dutch and German singer. She is known for her collaboration with Dieter Bohlen (one half of Modern Talking) in the 1980s.

Early life

C. C. Catch was born Caroline Catherine Müller in the Netherlands to a Dutch mother and a German father and moved to West Germany with her family in the late 1970s. From an early age, she was supported by her parents, who recognised her talent and encouraged her dream of being a famous singer. Her father, Peter Müller, a musician himself, was especially supportive and played an important role in her career as her manager and tour-manager.

Still in her teens, she took part in talent contests and later joined the German girl quartet Optimal, who released their first single, "Er War Magnetisch", in 1983.

Musical career

While performing in Hamburg as part of Optimal, Müller was discovered by Dieter Bohlen. He signed her to BMG, effectively launching her solo career. Bohlen also gave her the stage name C. C. Catch, with the two "C"s standing for the initials of her first and middle names, and "Catch", which she thought was a good idea and looked good alongside the initials.

In the summer of 1985, C.C. Catch released her debut single, "I Can Lose My Heart Tonight". The single entered the top 20 in several European countries, including Germany and Switzerland.

Bohlen and Catch worked together until 1989, during which time they released twelve singles and four albums. Eight of those singles entered the top 20 while one of the albums entered the top 10. Catch wanted to have more creative input into her songs, but Bohlen refused. As a result, in 1989, she parted ways with him and BMG. However, she had to pursue legal action to secure the rights to her stage name.