Sting

Biography

Gordon Matthew Thomas Sumner, known professionally as Sting, is an English musician, singer, songwriter, and actor. He was born on October 2, 1951, in Wallsend, Northumberland, England. His father was a milkman and his mother was a hairdresser. He developed an interest in music at a young age, with a particular fondness for the Beatles and jazz. After working various jobs, including as a bus conductor and a teacher, he pursued a career in music. He earned the nickname "Sting" while playing in the Phoenix Jazzmen due to his habit of wearing a black and yellow striped sweater.

The Police

In 1977, Sting moved to London and formed the rock band The Police with Stewart Copeland and Henry Padovani, who was later replaced by Andy Summers. Sting was the principal songwriter, lead singer, and bassist for the band. The Police's sound was a blend of punk, reggae, and jazz. They achieved global popularity with their debut album "Outlandos d'Amour" in 1978, which featured the hit single "Roxanne". The band released five studio albums between 1978 and 1983, winning six Grammy Awards and two Brit Awards. Their final album, "Synchronicity" (1983), included the iconic song "Every Breath You Take" and was nominated for five Grammy Awards. The Police disbanded at the peak of their success in 1984.

Solo Career

Sting launched his solo career in 1985 with the album "The Dream of the Blue Turtles," which featured jazz musicians and earned him a Grammy nomination for Album of the Year. He continued to release a string of successful solo albums, incorporating elements of rock, jazz, reggae, classical, and worldbeat into his music. His notable solo albums include "...Nothing Like the Sun" (1987), "The Soul Cages" (1991), the triple-platinum "Ten Summoner's Tales" (1993), and "Brand New Day" (1999), which won a Grammy Award for Best Pop Vocal Album. He has sold over 100 million records worldwide as a solo artist and a member of The Police.

Notable songs from his solo career include:

• "If You Love Somebody Set Them Free"
• "Fields of Gold"
• "Shape of My Heart"
• "Englishman in New York"
• "Desert Rose"

Acting and Philanthropy

Alongside his music career, Sting has appeared in several films, including "Dune" (1984) and "Lock, Stock, and Two Smoking Barrels" (1998). He has also been a dedicated activist, supporting organizations like Amnesty International. In 1989, he co-founded the Rainforest Foundation with his wife, Trudie Styler, to help preserve rainforests and protect the rights of indigenous peoples.

Awards and Recognition

Throughout his career, Sting has received numerous awards. As a solo artist and member of The Police, he has won 17 Grammy Awards. He has also received three Brit Awards, a Golden Globe, an Emmy, and four Academy Award nominations. He was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame as a member of The Police in 2003 and the Songwriters Hall of Fame in 2002. In 2003, he was made a Commander of the Order of the British Empire (CBE) by Queen Elizabeth II. He is also a recipient of the Kennedy Center Honors and the Polar Music Prize.