Biography
Who is Sting?
Early life and education
Gordon Matthew Thomas Sumner was born in Wallsend, United Kingdom, on October 2, 1951. He grew up near the local shipyards as the eldest of four children born to Audrey Cowell and Ernest Matthew Sumner. As a young child, he helped his father deliver milk and became fascinated with an old Spanish guitar left behind by an emigrating family friend.
He attended St. Cuthbert's High School and later enrolled at the University of Warwick before moving to Northumbria University. He qualified as a teacher in 1973 and worked at a school in Cramlington for two years while playing jazz music in his spare time during evenings and weekends.
The Police and musical career
In January 1977, Sting formed the rock band the Police alongside Stewart Copeland and Andy Summers, serving as the group's lead singer, bassist, and primary songwriter. The band achieved big international success with albums and singles that blended rock, new wave, and reggae music. Their final studio album, Synchronicity, featured the highly successful track Every Breath You Take.
After the band paused their work together, Sting launched a solo career with his debut album, The Dream of the Blue Turtles, in 1985. His solo work incorporated elements of jazz, pop, and classical music, yielding additional hit singles and numerous global music awards.
Awards and recognition
Over the course of his decades long career, Sting has received widespread recognition as both a solo artist and a member of the Police. His many honors include induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, and multiple Grammy Awards.
He has also been appointed a Commander of the Order of the British Empire and received the Polar Music Prize alongside the Kennedy Center Honors for his lasting contributions to the music industry.
Family and personal life
Sting has been married to Frances Tomelty and Trudie Styler. He is the parent of Joe Sumner, Mickey Sumner, and Eliot Sumner.
Before finding international fame as a musician, he worked various jobs including bus conductor, building laborer, and tax officer before completing his teacher training.
Birthday and age
Sting was born on October 2, 1951, which makes Sting 75 years old today. That birthday falls under the Libra sign. Sting shares the date with 35 other famous people.
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