Reinhard Friedrich Michael Mey, born on December 21, 1942, in Berlin, Germany, is a renowned German Liedermacher, which translates to 'songmaker' or singer-songwriter. Known in France as Frédérik Mey, he has had a prolific career in music, releasing 27 German albums by 2009, with a new album typically every two years. His first album, "Ich wollte wie Orpheus singen," was released in 1967, and his most recent studio work is "Das Haus an der Ampel" from 2020. Among his numerous songs, "Über den Wolken" (1974) stands out as his most famous, having been covered by many German artists.

Mey's musical journey began in his childhood in Berlin, where he started piano lessons at age 12 and picked up the guitar at 14. He also taught himself the trumpet. His early performance experiences included playing Skiffle music with friends. In 1965, Mey's career took a significant turn when he performed at a Liedermacher festival at Waldeck Castle, leading to his first recording contract. He was also part of the group Les Trois Affamés in 1961.

Mey's education includes graduating from the French Gymnasium in Berlin in 1963, where he earned both the German Abitur and the French Baccalauréat. He initially pursued vocational training as an industrial trader and studied economics before dedicating himself fully to music. Mey has achieved success in Germany, France, and the Netherlands, writing songs in multiple languages, including German, French, Dutch, and English.

In his personal life, Mey married a French woman named Christine in 1967, but the marriage ended in 1976. He later married Hella Hennies in 1977, with whom he has three children: Frederik, Maximilian, and Victoria-Luise. Tragically, his son Maximilian passed away in May 2014 after a prolonged illness.

Reinhard Mey continues to be a significant figure in the music world, known for his extensive concert tours and live albums, contributing richly to the folk, chanson, and skiffle genres.