Sting's biography. Sting's personal life and other achievements
Sting- a popular British performer, actor, singer, who has become a classic of modern rock culture, a former member of the group "The Police", winner of 16 Grammy awards and one Oscar award.
Childhood and youth of Sting / Sting
Sting(whose real name is Gordon Matthew Sumner) was born in a large industrial city in the north of England. His father worked as an installer, his mother worked as a hairdresser, but, having a classic musical education, she instilled in her son a love of music from childhood. However, Gordon did not particularly like these home piano lessons, guitar and jazz attracted him much more.
“I dreamed of becoming a famous football player. I also dreamed of being famous singer and a musician. And for some reason I got the second one. I am very happy that my dream came true. I still feel like I'm dreaming, that it's all my dream."
Since his parents were staunch Catholics, he received his secondary education at St. Cuthbert's Grammar School (Newcastle). After leaving school, he could not decide on a future specialty, therefore, having settled on linguistics and programming, he entered ... two colleges at once: the University of Warwick at the Faculty of English and Lanchester Polytechnic University at the Faculty of Computer Technology. Unfortunately, such a burden turned out to be unbearable, and both establishments had to be left.
At the age of 20 Gordon Enters the Northern Counties Teachers College. Simultaneously with his studies, he moonlights as a small employee in a bank, a road worker, and even a conductor in public transport. In 1974 he received a diploma in the specialty "Teacher of English and Music" and worked as a teacher of elementary grades for two years.
The creative path of Sting / Sting
In college, Gordon even stood at the piano during breaks or played the guitar in the assembly hall, and in free time was the guitarist of several bands at once - The Phoenix Jazzmen, Earthrise And last exit. Around this time, Gordon gets a pseudonym Sting.
“My children call me Sting, my mother calls me Sting, but what kind of person is this Gordon?”
After saving enough money, he moves to London, where he catches the eye of an American drummer Stuart Copeland which convinces Sting do rock.
Already in 1977, having met the guitarist Andy Summers, they form a group called The Police. The first songs of the group - " fall out" And " Roxanne” - caught by Stewart's older brother, an entrepreneur Miles Copeland and he becomes the band's manager. Thanks to his efforts and a contract with a major recording studio A&M, The Police hits the charts. The group's debut album Outlandos D'Amour"ranks sixth in England in November 1978, and " Roxanne" becomes a European hit, climbing to number 12 in 1979.
There is a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in honor of Sting for achievements and contributions to the field of music.
In 2010 Sting presented the Broadcast Music, Inc (BMI) Achievement Award to music industry USA. Composition according to BMI statistics The Police « Every Breath You Take"Since the premiere in 1983, it has been on the air of American radio stations more than ten million times.
Sting takes part in the Olivier Show TV program in 2010, where he sang songs Roxanne, Russians And Englishman in New York, also gives concerts in Moscow 2 times. IN famous song"Russians" about Russians and the Cold War period Sting used the melody of "Romance" from the suite "Lieutenant Kizhe" by the composer Sergei Prokofiev. Such musical move was bold and cheeky, but Sting I am sure that "in that context it was correct." Love for classical music was also expressed in concert program: Sting He has performed all over the world with a symphony orchestra.
“I think when you change the context of a song, the meaning expands, it changes a bit. Perhaps the song becomes more romantic, richer, more textured, it doesn't stay the same. Songs generally have to evolve, otherwise they will die, you need to carefully update them. Symphony Orchestra for my songs - it's like a new dress for my wife. It is fantastic!"
Sting's personal life / Sting
Sting with his second wife Trudy Styler and six children lives in a large estate of the XVI century, which is located in Lake House.At the wedding Sting and Trudy were also old friends of Gordon - members of the group The Police Andy Summers And Stuart Copeland, at the request of the guests they performed several songs from the group's repertoire. In 2007, the group came together to participate in a world tour.
“I want to age gracefully. So that I have good posture, that I am healthy and that I am an example for my children. My main achievement is my six children, happy and healthy. Compared to that, everything else seems unimportant.
Sting has its own wine production, the quality of its wines was highly appreciated by world-famous experts. Sting is a fan of the club Newcastle United».
Sting very actively engaged in social activities, being the founder Brazilian Defense Fund rainforest (one of the subspecies of the frog, the Brazilian tree frog, was even named after him), as well as helping many charitable organizations: Nordoff Robbins, Walden Woods, Live Aid/Band Aid/Sport Aid, Elton John's Aids Charity, The Rainforest Foundation, Amnesty International and others.
In 2010 Sting proposed to legalize the process of consumption and sale of marijuana. The singer considers it pointless to fight against light drug lovers and prosecute the distributors of the substance. In the program of Vladimir Pozner Sting explained his position, specifying that he supports the global significance of the problem of drug use, but suggests looking for new ways to solve it. Sting I am sure that it is necessary to educate society about drug addiction and its destructive properties for health.
The first glory to Gordon Matthew Sumner (born October 2, 1951 in Newcastle-on-Tyne, UK), better known under the pseudonym Sting (from the English “sting” - sting), came in 1970-80 . with participation in legendary rock band"The Police". Later, he will make a name for himself successful solo career. He got his unusual nickname from the black and yellow sweater he wore while taking his first steps in the musical field.
"The Police"
Having been a member of several musical groups, in 1977 Sting founded The Police with drummer Sturd Copeland and guitarist Henry Padovani. Padovani will soon be replaced by guitarist Andy Summers. In the spring of 1978, the newly minted trio released the single "Roxanne", which at first did not receive public recognition. In the same year, Sting, Copeland and Summers travel around the United States, driving a truck through cities and towns and giving concerts in small clubs like "CBGB", a haven for representatives of punk rock culture. Interest in their first album "Outlandos d'Amour" (1978) began to grow, and soon the record soared to the first lines of the British, and after the American charts. The re-released single "Roxanne", as well as "So Lonely" and "Can't Stand Losing You" become hits. The lyrics of most of the songs on this, as well as on subsequent albums, were written by Sting himself. At the same time, he makes his film debut in musical drama"Quadrofenia" (1978).
Although "The Police" is often referred to as punk and new wave music, the band's sound, with strong jazz and progressive rock influences, is hard to define. The unique, unique sound of the group's second album "Regatta de Blanc" (1979) attracts more and more new fans. Despite the fact that for this album, Sting wrote two of the most significant singles “Message in a Bottle” and “Walking on the Moon”, the Grammy Award (in the category “Best Rock Instrumental Performance”) in 1980. “ The Police” brings the instrumental composition “Regatta de Blanc”.
The next album only strengthens the group's position as leaders in the rock scene. The album "Zenyatta Mondatta" (1980) has such hits as "Don't Stay So Close to Me" and "De Do Do Do, De Da Da Da". Despite the busy touring schedule, the band manages to release another album next year. The song "Every Little Thing She Does Is Magic" from the album "Ghost in the Machine" (1981) soared to the top of the charts.
At the same time, Sting takes on his first leading role in the cinema in the 1982 film "Brimstone and Oil". He writes the song "Spread a Little Happiness", which became the soundtrack to the film and his first solo hit. In 1983 "The Police" is going to record another album "Synchronicity".
The song "Every Breath You Take" takes first place in the US and UK charts. Although the song was perceived by many as romantic, in fact it is a story about a love obsession. In 1984, after a tour in support of this album, Sting decides to take a break from the band.
Successful solo career
Sting began his solo career with his first album after the dissolution of the group, "Dream of the Blue Turtles", which was released in 1985. Sting collaborated with several jazz musicians, including Brandford Marsalis, on the record. After that, Sting releases more whole line successful solo albums: “Nothing Like the Sun” (1987), “The Soul Cages” (1991), “Ten Summoner’s Tales” (1993) and “Mercury Falling” (1996). At the same time, Sting writes the music of the most various directions, from soulful ballads to breathtaking instrumental compositions with unprecedented success. The songs "Englishman in New York", "If I Ever Lose My Faith in You" and "Fields of Gold" hit all the charts.
In addition to his musical research and experiments, Sting finds time for filming. He appears in several films, including the sci-fi drama Dune (1984) and the popular British detective story Cards, Money, Two Smoking Barrels (1998). His songs become soundtracks for the films The Giant (1998), The Thomas Crown Case (1999) and The Emperor's Adventures (2000).
In 1999, Sting releases his most popular to date solo album Brand New Day. The optimistic name resonates in the hearts of listeners and in 2000 brings the singer the Grammy Award for Best Male Vocal in Pop Music. Later, his new albums “All This Time” (2001), “Sacred Love” (2003) and “Songs from Labyrinth” (2006) will appear, which is a collection of English music XVII century.
In 2007, Sting surprises enthusiastic fans of "The Police" unexpected performance bands at the Grammy Awards. The team announces the start of its first tour in the last two decades.3 points. Total ratings received: 1.
Musician Gordon Sumner is best known as Sting, the nickname he chose to use on stage. Vocalist and multi-instrumentalist achieved worldwide recognition as a frontman British group The police. After its collapse, the musician began a solo career. In addition, behind him there are several serious roles in big movies.
early years
Gordon Sumner was born on October 2, 1951 in Wallsend, an important industrial center of Great Britain. Through years of hard work, his father was able to afford to buy the store. Mother was a hairdresser and a nurse. The family raised Gordon in the Catholic tradition. He even served as a servant at the local temple for some time. However, in his youth, the musician moved away from Christian traditions - his lifestyle had little in common with the church.
After graduating from school, the young man entered the Pedagogical College. He didn't have a scholarship so young man I had to work in different places. He was both a bus conductor and a petty clerk. public institution. After receiving her education, Gordon Sumner began teaching at the school. Such a measured life lasted for only two years.
First appearances
Gordon Sumner became interested in music during his college years. He did not have a favorite instrument - he played the piano and the guitar with equal pleasure. The future Sting did not give up music at the time when he taught at school. The famous performer even recalled that he often rehearsed in the assembly hall during breaks, when he had the opportunity to leave the office.
His first participation in local groups belongs to the same period. These were short-lived groups that played in pubs and other places of entertainment. In them, Sumner gained experience and honed his skills. From the very beginning of his career, he declared himself as a leader. In order to become one, the musician had only to create his own group.
The appearance of The Police
In the second half of the 70s, the world rock scene experienced a period of stagnation. Recognized leaders ran out of steam, and new bands still existed in the underground. Against this background, the trio The Police appeared, in which Gordon Sumner became the vocalist. As a singer, he established himself in numerous jazz and rock bands in the early years of his career.
The Police was born after a fateful meeting between Gordon and drummer Stuart Copland. They immediately agreed on a common musical tastes. The entrepreneurial spirit of youth told them that it was time to think about creating their own group (before that they played as guest performers). It remains only to find a guitarist. They became their good friend Henry Podovani. Sumner Gordon himself became the bassist and part-time vocalist.
The band's musical roots
The trio's first recorded song was Fall Out. She immediately became popular in English clubs, where local youth reacted vividly to any interesting novelty.
In the late 70s, punk rock was flourishing in the UK. This style originated in the deep underground, but by the time The Police appeared, it had become a popular and sought-after genre. The Sex Pistols were considered a style icon. Her work from the very beginning had a noticeable influence on the music that Gordon Matthew Sumner wrote.
Punk rock turned out to be the most successful choice that young and ambitious guys could make. By the time play the music in the spirit Led Zeppelin, Genesis, Pink Floyd or any other cult group it was already too late. It was impossible to become famous in this niche. But punk rock was on the crest of a wave. However, even then Gordon Matthew Thomas Sumner added other genres to his works, such as reggae or new wave.
Group success
A few months after starting vigorous activity Padovani decided to leave the project. In his place was Andy Summers. In this composition, the trio recorded their debut album Outlandos d "Amour. It was 1978 in the yard. Several songs from this disc immediately became international hits. The nationwide fame of new and long-awaited rock stars fell on young guys.
In subsequent years, the team recorded four more studio albums. Sting became the main composer in the group (it was then that he got into the habit of using his stage name). With each new record, his music moved further and further away from the original punk rock. In the early 80s, The Police released softer sounding albums that can be attributed to the genre new war(or in other words, new wave). Each release was successful, the group went on world tours year after year, having one of the most recognizable and sought-after signs.
Last album Police - Synchronicity - appeared on store shelves in 1983. Then the group went on tour, after which they suddenly ceased activities. And although over the next few decades, the eminent group periodically gathered again to give several concerts, the creative paths of the three musicians finally diverged.
Solo albums
The history of rock music knows many examples when famous group disintegrated, and its members were taken for solo performances. Sumner Gordon was no exception. Musical works, written by him when he was the frontman of The Police, were performed by the vocalist in the 80s and 90s. However, a solo career could not be complete without his own albums.
Therefore, it is not surprising that relatively quickly after the collapse of the former band, Sting in 1985 released his first disc, The Dream of the Blue Turtles. The album appeared on sale not under the real name of the artist, but with his pseudonym.
Of the songs recorded in 1985, the single Russians stands out in particular. Sting wrote this composition, dedicating it to the Russian people, the fear of nuclear war and the tension in the world. Indeed, in the mid-1980s cold war reached its peak. Songs about the threat of application nuclear weapons were written by many rock bands (for example Iron Maiden). So Sumner's creative impulse in this direction is not surprising.
Nickname history
From then until today Sting regularly releases new albums and continues to perform live. It is difficult to say what his name is more associated with today - with The Police or with a solo career. One way or another, but both creative way turned out to be successful.
Sting's nickname dates back to the 70s when he played in one of his first little-known bands Phoenix Jazzmen. There was a tradition in the team, according to which each of its members had to receive a stage name. Sumner was called Sting because of his black and yellow striped sweater (he looked like a bee). Sting is translated from English as "sting". From that moment on, Gordon Sumner began to wear this pseudonym. A photo with a musician is often signed with both a real name and a fictitious one.
Film career
Sting, like many others creative personalities never settled on one art form. The popularity of The Police allowed him to make a good career in cinema. Sumner has appeared in over ten films. For many of them, he wrote the soundtracks himself, thus combining two favorite things.
Among the most famous roles Sting on the big screen can be attributed to his appearance in Lynch's Dune.
This picture appeared in cinemas in 1984. The film was based on the cult science fiction novel of the same name. significant event. In it, the audience could for the first time see the most modern special effects at that time. Sting played one of the antagonists - Na-Baron from the Harkonnen family.
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His composition became the decoration of the romantic comedy "Kate and Leo" and received the "Golden Globe". Together with two of his colleagues, he recorded another hit - for the next film adaptation of The Three Musketeers. He appeared in the cult film "Cards, Money, Two Smoking Barrels", and his wife sponsored this project by Guy Ritchie.
Biography of Sting
fell in love with the guitar
Sir Gordon Matthew Thomas Sumner we know by short alias"Sting" (meaning "sting"). He was born in the small English port town of Wallsend on October 2, 1951.
His parents were simple workers: his mother was a nurse, his father was an installer. They managed to save a small amount and buy a dairy shop. The family was large: four children: two boys and two girls, and Gordon Matthew is the eldest. It was he who had to help dad in the delivery of milk to regular customers.
The love of music was instilled in the boy by his mother. She herself played the piano well (she graduated music school), taught to master the instrument and son.
And for a decade, the boy received a wonderful gift - acoustic guitar. He spent a lot of time learning simple compositions and chords, disappeared in clubs where rock musicians performed. The idol of the young man was Jimi Hendrix.
From jazz to rock
Sumner received higher education by specialization " English language and worked briefly as a teacher. But the love of music won. The group in which Gordon made his debut (as a bassist) was the jazz band Newcastle big band". But with light hand the leader of the next group in the biography of the guitarist (“Phoenix Jazzmen”) began to call him Sting. Sumner bought the right to this pseudonym from the wrestler Borden (he used to enter the ring under this nickname).
In 1977, Sting became a rock musician and, together with two friends, created his own band, The Police. Their first singles became hits within a year, and the next four albums (including Zenyatta Mondatta, Synchronicity) were also successful. The triumphal tour of 1984 was the final chord in the life of the group.
After 13 years, the musicians reconvened for several concerts (they dedicated the tour to the 30th anniversary of the hit "Roxanne").
British solo career
Already the first independent disc of Sting went platinum. One of the songs on it is dedicated to the Russians (“the cold war” was still in force at that time, and the singer, like many, was afraid nuclear war). In the fall of 1987, an album was released, the name of which was borrowed from Shakespeare (“Nothing like the Sun”), and together with the author, rock legends worked on the disc - the brilliant Eric Clapton, virtuoso Mark Knopfler and former colleague from The Police Andy Summers.
The composition included in the Three Musketeers soundtrack (it was performed by Sting, Rod Stewart and Bryan Adams), "All for Love", is now on everyone's lips. And at the end of 1993, the single just blew up the American charts.
The tragedy that occurred on September 11, 2001 made a strong impression on the British. On the wave of those feelings, the album "Sacred Love" was born. Thoughts about war, religion, love were clear to everyone, one of the songs on the disc was nominated for a Grammy.
The musician returned to studio work only years later - in the fall of 2013, the disc "The Last Ship" had already set sail.
Sting's personal life
Father of many children
Sting lives in New York, he has a huge Friendly family: Trudy Styler, actress and producer, bore him six children.
The Briton is an active defender environment and a philanthropist, advocates for the legalization of marijuana (he believes that the prohibitions of "soft" drugs lead to much more sad consequences than if they were allowed) he has his own star on the Walk of Fame.
He sometimes acts in films - rather for his own pleasure. Another hobby of his is winemaking. The musician visited Russia several times - during world tours, as well as for recording New Year's show in 2010.
STING - ETERNAL CHALLENGE
For some reason, many are convinced that one in a million is able to break through the web of poverty and get to the top of fame. On the one hand, yes, because the possibilities of the family are not enough for the full development of even a very gifted child. But there is another side. Children from low-income families understand what they want very early. If we add to this strong spirit, the desire to win and the ability to find development for your hobby, then a very high result is obtained. Gordon Matthew Thomas Sumner is simply one of them. Once he admitted that for nothing in the world he would not want to return his childhood and become little Gordon Sumner again. And now he is a world-class star, a couple of tracks of which are known to any radio listener.
Why "sting"?
The alias in translation from English means "to sting". Perhaps this is a necessary quality for those who want to break out of the very bottom. The origin of the stage name of this British rock musician has not been fully explained. Most 
cases, when choosing a stage name, artists care about euphony. But sometimes a stage name comes up by chance, like a randomly attached nickname.
In translation from English, sting is a sting. Some believe that the nickname Gordon given for the fact that all rehearsals and performances at the beginning of their musical career he came in a yellow-and-black-striped sweater. It reminded everyone of a wasp. And supposedly this is where the nickname was born. Others say that this "name" is not new at all, but borrowed or repurchased. In general ... the main thing is that it is fully consistent with this person. Why?
Gordon Sumner had to be, so to speak, a real drill to achieve what he now has. Perhaps because of everything he experienced, he developed such an unbearable, according to many, character. At the same time, he is intolerant not only in relation to others, but also to his beloved.
Sting. The start of the fight
with wife Trudy
In 1987, after touring with the Blue Turtles, he recorded the album Nothing Like The Sun (the title was inspired by a line from Shakespeare's 130th sonnet). The disc was released in the fall and immediately found itself on the top lines of the charts around the world. The song "They Dance Alone (Gueca Solo)", written in memory of the victims of repression in Chile, received particular popularity. In 1988, the musician begins to support the activities of the Amnesty International organization, and also takes care of the fate of the Brazilian forests and the Indians living there.
In 1991, he released the autobiographical album The Soul Cages, the single from which "All This Time" peaked at number five on the Billboard Top 100. Two years later, the single "All For Love", released on the soundtrack to the film "Three Musketeers", topped the US charts, and in December 1994 reached number two in the UK. The "Fields Of Gold" compilation proves to be one of the most talented authors of the second British " new wave(after 1977).
Sting is just a man
with family on the Hollywood Walk of Fame
With his education and requirements, it was very difficult to find a girl. He eventually met Trudie Styler. With his companion of many years, six children and dogs famous artist lives in New York.
All family, friends and colleagues continue to admire his close relationship with Trudy. Even when they sometimes exchange isolated angry words, they soon start stroking each other again, kissing, hugging and cooing in some manner, as only fairly drunk people or those who love each other very much can behave. states: “We are similar to each other in many ways. We were both born in the early fifties, both went to classical school, we are both from a relatively low income family. We feel nostalgic for the same things, we remember the same commercials. She makes me laugh and cheers me up. She is mine best friend, my love, my companion, and indeed I don't want to think about life without her." 
In one of the newspaper articles Gordon Sting confesses that she makes love with Trudy so vigorously that her head flies off to the side. In this, as in no other activity, the passionate nature of this person is manifested.
P.S. Many friends and acquaintances in their memoirs and interviews admit that they have become different: more tolerant of people, not so “prickly” in statements and criticism.
You can take your hat off to him, because Gordon does not stop working on himself and realizing conquers his mistakes. can serve as a standard of eternal struggle.
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In the summer of 1995, he testified in court against his accountant, whom the singer accused of stealing income. As a result of the proceedings, accountant Keith Moore was sentenced to six years in prison.
with daughter Kate
The events of September 11, 2001 had a profound effect on - not only as a person, but also as an artist. “I had to seriously think about what I should write about as a musician.”
After traveling through the Brazilian rainforest, he became an ardent conservationist and established the Rainforest Protection Fund with his wife. For special merits, one of the subspecies of the frog, the Brazilian tree frog (en: Dendropsophus stingi), was named after him.
In April 2010, he called for the "decriminalization" of marijuana use. In his opinion, the persecution, the detention of marijuana lovers in prisons and the fight against this soft drug in general are senseless and harmful to society. In December 2010, in an interview with Vladimir 
Pozner, the singer explained his point of view on this problem. Far from diminishing the importance of the drug problem, he proposes to find new ways to solve it. First of all, by educating society about the high dangers of narcotic drugs.
It is said that he left The Police because of a dream. He dreamed that in an immaculate English garden with beautiful pink flower beds, blue turtles suddenly crawled out of nowhere and began to destroy it. accepted blooming garden behind The group Police, and turtles - for new team which he was to create.
Updated: November 26, 2017 by: Elena
