Ernst Hugo Neger, born on January 14, 1909, in Bretzenheim, Germany, was a singer known for his contributions to German pop music and the traditional carnival celebration Mainzer Fastnacht. He grew up in middle-class surroundings and initially trained as a roofer. In the 1930s, Neger began performing as a singer in local pubs in Mainz, which led to his discovery by the fastnacht scene. His breakthrough came in 1952 with the song "Heile, heile Gänsje", which propelled him to stardom under the moniker "singender Dachdeckermeister" (the singing roofer). Neger's career flourished through the 1950s and 1960s, marked by notable collaborations with composer Toni Hämmerle. His hit "Humba Täterä" in 1964 became a sensation, extending his popularity nationwide. Neger also ventured into television, becoming a regular on Fastnachtsveranstaltungen broadcasts starting in 1955. In addition to his musical career, he founded the Pony-Station Toni Hämmerle in Ahlen, Westfalen, a facility for children with physical disabilities. Neger received several awards, including the Bundesverdienstkreuz am Bande (1975) and the Verdienstorden des Landes Rheinland-Pfalz (1988). He passed away on January 15, 1989, in Mainz.
