Divine is the stage name of Harris Glenn Milstead, a drag performer and singer from Baltimore, United States, born in 1945 and active until his death in 1988. He is associated with disco and hi-NRG, and is also described as part of the synth-pop/disco field.

Career and screen work

Milstead becomes known as Divine through his drag persona and appears in a series of films directed by John Waters, including Pink Flamingos, Female Trouble, Polyester, Hairspray, Lust in the Dust, Trouble in Mind and Out of the Dark. His public profile combines film work with a music career that gains visibility in the 1980s.

Music career

In the 1980s, Divine scores hit records in the United States, Europe and Australia. His music is identified with the hi-NRG style, a form of synthesizer-driven disco. In Britain, You Think You're a Man, produced by Stock Aitken Waterman, becomes his most successful hit and reaches number 16.

Death and legacy

Divine dies unexpectedly in Los Angeles in 1988, the day before he is due to begin filming a role on the television series Married With Children. He is buried in Towson, Maryland, and his funeral procession is attended by large numbers of well-wishers. His music remains popular within dance music circles.