Biography
Who is Ian Anderson?
Early life and education
Ian Anderson Scott Anderson was born in Dunfermline, Scotland. His father, James Anderson, ran the RSA Boiler Fluid Company. His mother was English. He moved to Edinburgh when he was three years old. At age 12, his family moved to Blackpool in England.
He attended Blackpool Grammar School. Ian left the school because he refused to accept corporal punishment. Between 1964 and 1966, he studied fine art at Blackpool College of Art. He lived in Lytham St Annes during this time.
Musical beginnings and Jethro Tull
As a teenager, Ian worked as a news stand vendor. He also held a job as a sales assistant at Lewis's department store. In 1963, he formed a soul and blues band called The Blades with school friends. These friends included Michael Stephens, John Evan, Jeffrey Hammond, and Barriemore Barlow.
In late 1967, Ian worked as a cleaner at the Ritz Cinema in Luton. He spent his mornings cleaning the building and the toilets. He once took a chipped urinal from the cinema store. The Blades became Jethro Tull in 1967.
Solo career and other works
Ian started his official solo career in 1983 with the album Walk Into Light. He released Divinities: Twelve Dances with God in 1995. This instrumental album featured flute pieces. Other solo records include The Secret Language of Birds in 2000 and Rupi's Dance in 2003.
During the 1990s, Ian began using bamboo flutes. He used hole-shading and over-blowing to create new sounds. His daughter noticed his fingering was wrong during her own lessons. This led Ian to relearn his music with the correct technique.
Achievements and personal life
Ian is a multi-instrumentalist who plays the mandolin, bouzouki, and saxophone. He also plays the balalaika and various whistles. He plays the harmonica and keyboards as well. He was influenced by jazz and big band records from his father. From the 1980s to the early 2000s, he owned several salmon farms.
He joined the Order of the British Empire in 2008 for his music services. He also received an honorary doctorate from Heriot-Watt University. He appeared on the cover of Time magazine in 1973.
Birthday and age
Ian Anderson was born on August 10, 1947, which makes Ian 79 years old today. That birthday falls under the Leo sign. Ian shares the date with 33 other famous people.
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