Iggy Pop

Biography

James Newell Osterberg Jr., known professionally as Iggy Pop, is an American singer, songwriter, musician, and actor. He was born on April 21, 1947, in Muskegon, Michigan. Pop is considered an influential figure in the invention of punk rock and related styles. He began calling himself "Iggy" after his first high school band, The Iguanas, in which he was the drummer.

The Stooges

In 1967, in Ann Arbor, Michigan, Iggy Pop formed the Psychedelic Stooges with guitarist Ron Asheton, his brother Scott Asheton on drums, and bassist Dave Alexander. Inspired by blues music and bands like The Sonics and The Doors, Pop developed a confrontational and energetic stage presence. He was one of the first performers to do a stage-dive. The band, later renamed The Stooges, signed with Elektra Records in 1968. Their first two albums, "The Stooges" (1969) and "Fun House" (1970), initially sold poorly but are now considered highly influential proto-punk classics. After a period of disbandment due to Pop's struggles with drug addiction, the band reunited as Iggy and the Stooges with James Williamson on guitar. They released the album "Raw Power" in 1973, which was co-produced by David Bowie and is seen as a cornerstone of punk rock. The Stooges disbanded again in 1974 but reunited in 2003 and were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2010.

Solo Career and Collaboration with David Bowie

Iggy Pop's solo career was significantly boosted by his collaboration with David Bowie. In 1977, Bowie helped write and produce Pop's first two solo albums, "The Idiot" and "Lust for Life". These albums were recorded in West Berlin and produced some of Pop's most famous songs, including "The Passenger" and "Lust for Life". The song "China Girl," co-written by Pop and Bowie, later became a major hit for Bowie. Their collaboration continued over the years, with Bowie co-writing and producing Pop's 1986 album "Blah-Blah-Blah" and covering several of their co-written songs. This creative partnership was pivotal for Pop, providing him with critical acclaim and financial stability.

Notable Solo Albums

Throughout his extensive solo career, Iggy Pop has released numerous albums showcasing his diverse musical style, which ranges from hard rock and punk to new wave, jazz, and blues. After his initial work with Bowie, he released "New Values" in 1979, reuniting with former Stooges guitarist James Williamson. The 1980s saw him experiment with a more new wave sound on albums like "Soldier" (1980) and "Party" (1981). In 1990, he achieved commercial success with the album "Brick by Brick," which featured the hit single "Candy," a duet with Kate Pierson of The B-52's. In 2016, he collaborated with Josh Homme of Queens of the Stone Age on the album "Post Pop Depression," which became his highest-charting album in the US.

Legacy and Influence

Often referred to as the "Godfather of Punk," Iggy Pop's influence on rock music is immense. His raw energy, unpredictable stage antics, and minimalist, aggressive sound with The Stooges laid the groundwork for punk, post-punk, and alternative rock. Bands such as the Sex Pistols, Nirvana, Joy Division, and the Red Hot Chili Peppers have cited him as a major influence. His music has been featured in numerous films, most notably "Trainspotting," which brought his song "Lust for Life" to a new generation. In recognition of his contributions, Pop received a Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award in 2020. He continues to record and perform, maintaining his status as a vital and uncompromising artist.