Biography
Who is Iggy Pop?
Early life and real name
Iggy Pop was born James Newell Osterberg on April 21, 1947, in Muskegon, United States. His parents provided strong support for his musical interests during his childhood in Michigan. They even gave up their own master bedroom so he could set up a drum kit.
He attended Pioneer High School and the University of Michigan before leaving to pursue music full-time. During his early years in Ann Arbor, he played drums in high school bands such as the Iguanas. He later joined the Prime Movers, where bandmates gave him the nickname Iggy due to his time with his previous group.
Musical career and the Stooges
Iggy Pop formed the Psychedelic Stooges with guitarist Ron Asheton, drummer Scott Asheton, and bass player Dave Alexander. The group played their first show at a Halloween party in Detroit, Michigan. They eventually signed with Elektra Records in 1968 and released music featuring a raw, primitive style of rock and roll.
The band became well known for confrontational performances and stage theatrics. Iggy Pop gained a reputation for outrageous stage antics, including stage-diving and rolling around in broken glass. The Stooges released well-known songs such as Search and Destroy and I Wanna Be Your Dog.
Solo career and collaborations
After his time with the Stooges, Iggy Pop began a solo career and developed a long collaborative relationship with musician David Bowie. He moved to West Berlin and collaborated with Bowie on the 1977 albums The Idiot and Lust for Life, typically contributing the lyrics for the tracks.
His solo work produced several well-known songs, including Lust for Life, The Passenger, and Real Wild Child (Wild One). In 1990, he recorded the Top 40 United States hit Candy, which was a duet with Kate Pierson from the B-52s. Over the decades, his music incorporated genres such as garage rock, hard rock, and proto-punk.
Family and personal life
Iggy Pop has been married to Wendy Weissberg, Suchi Asano, and Nina Alu during his life. He has one child named Eric Benson. His family background includes diverse European heritage on both his mother and father's sides.
Throughout his career as a recording artist, singer, and actor, he received recognition such as the Polar Music Prize and multiple honors from the Chevalier des Arts et des Lettres. His work influenced numerous musicians across various genres of rock and alternative music.
Birthday and age
Iggy Pop was born on April 21, 1947, which makes Iggy 79 years old today. That birthday falls under the Taurus sign. Iggy shares the date with 49 other famous people.
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