Role

:

Composer Performer

Country

:

United Kingdom

Birth

:

October 2, 1951 in Wallsend, Tyne and Ware, England

 

Sting, born Gordon Matthew Thomas Sumner on October 2, 1951, is a British musician, singer, songwriter, and actor. He is best known as the lead vocalist and bassist of the rock band The Police, which was formed in 1977 and disbanded in 1986. After the band's breakup, Sting embarked on a successful solo career, releasing numerous albums and collaborating with other artists. Sting was born in Wallsend, Northumberland, England, to Audrey and Ernest Sumner. His father was a milkman and his mother was a hairdresser. Sting grew up in a working-class family and attended St. Cuthbert's Grammar School in Newcastle upon Tyne. He was interested in music from a young age and played in various bands while in school. After graduating from school, Sting worked as a teacher for two years before deciding to pursue a career in music full-time. In 1977, he formed The Police with drummer Stewart Copeland and guitarist Henry Padovani. The band's first single, "Fall Out," was released in May 1977, but it was their second single, "Roxanne," that brought them international success. The song, which was released in April 1978, reached the top 40 in the UK and the US. The Police released their debut album, "Outlandos d'Amour," in November 1978. The album was a commercial success, reaching the top 10 in the UK and the US. The band's second album, "Reggatta de Blanc," was released in 1979 and won the Grammy Award for Best Rock Instrumental Performance. The Police continued to release successful albums throughout the 1980s, including "Zenyatta Mondatta" (1980), "Ghost in the Machine" (1981), and "Synchronicity" (1983). In 1985, The Police announced that they would be taking a break from touring and recording. The band played their final concert on March 4, 1986, at the Adelaide Entertainment Centre in Australia. Sting then embarked on a solo career, releasing his debut album, "The Dream of the Blue Turtles," in 1985. The album was a departure from The Police's sound, incorporating elements of jazz and world music. The album was a commercial success, reaching the top 3 in the UK and the US. Sting continued to release successful albums throughout the 1980s and 1990s, including "Nothing Like the Sun" (1987), "The Soul Cages" (1991), and "Ten Summoner's Tales" (1993). He also collaborated with other artists, including Eric Clapton, Bryan Adams, and Dire Straits. In 1994, Sting released "Fields of Gold: The Best of Sting 1984–1994," a compilation album that included some of his most popular songs. In addition to his music career, Sting has also acted in films and on television. He made his film debut in the 1984 movie "Dune" and has since appeared in several other films, including "Quadrophenia" (1979), "The Adventures of Baron Munchausen" (1988), and "Lock, Stock and Two Smoking Barrels" (1998). He has also appeared on television, including in the series "The Simpsons" and "Ally McBeal." Sting has been recognized for his contributions to music with numerous awards and honors. He has won 16 Grammy Awards, including Best Rock Song for "Sting" (1992) and Best Male Pop Vocal Performance for "If I Ever Lose My Faith in You" (1993).

More....