| Born | Gordon Matthew Thomas Sumner (1951–present), Wallsend, England |
| Name | Sting |
| Genre | Rock • jazz • world music • classical |
| Awards | 16 Grammy Awards • 2 Brit Awards • Emmy Award |
| Labels | |
| Children | Joe Sumner • Jake Sumner • Eliot Sumner • Giacomo Sumner • Coco Sumner |
| Spouse(s) | Frances Tomelty (m. 1976–1984) • Trudie Styler (m. 1992–present) |
| Occupation | Singer • songwriter • musician • actor |
| Instruments | Vocals • bass guitar • guitar |
| Notable work | The Dream of the Blue Turtles (1985) |
| Years active | Early 1980s – present |
Sting is an English musician, singer-songwriter, multi-instrumentalist and actor. He is renowned for his distinctive baritone voice and eclectic musical style, which encompasses elements of rock, jazz, world music, classical, and pop. Over his decades-long solo career, Sting has proven to be one of the most successful, acclaimed and influential artists of his generation.
Born Gordon Matthew Thomas Sumner in 1951 in the Newcastle-upon-Tyne area of England, Sting grew up in a working-class family. From a young age, he displayed a keen interest in music, teaching himself how to play the guitar, bass guitar and piano. After briefly studying for a degree in teaching, Sting decided to pursue his musical ambitions instead.
In the mid-1970s, Sting became a prominent figure in the local Newcastle music scene, performing with various jazz and rock groups. His unique vocal timbre and virtuosic musicianship quickly earned him a reputation, setting the stage for his successful solo career in the 1980s.
Sting's solo debut, "The Dream of the Blue Turtles," was released in 1985 to widespread critical acclaim. The album, which featured an eclectic fusion of rock, jazz and world music influences, showcased Sting's exceptional songwriting abilities and evocative lyrical style. Hits like "If You Love Somebody Set Them Free" and "Shadows in the Rain" became staples of adult contemporary radio.
Sting's sophomore album, "...Nothing Like the Sun" (1987), cemented his status as a musical innovator. Blending elements of bossa nova, flamenco, and classical music, the record received universal praise and earned Sting several Grammy nominations. Songs such as "We'll Be Together" and "Fragile" demonstrated his versatility as a vocalist and his ability to craft deeply introspective, poetic lyrics.
Over the ensuing decades, Sting continued to push the boundaries of his sound, experimenting with a diverse range of musical styles. Albums like "The Soul Cages" (1991) incorporated electronic music influences, while "Mercury Falling" (1996) showcased his affinity for Celtic music. His 2000 release "Brand New Day" saw him embrace world music elements, particularly those of Brazilian and African origin.
Throughout his prolific solo career, Sting has collaborated with a wide array of celebrated artists, including Stevie Wonder, Herbie Hancock, and Eric Clapton. This cross-pollination of genres and artistic visions has been a hallmark of his work, cementing his reputation as a true musical polymath.
Sting's impact on popular music cannot be overstated. His innovative blend of rock, jazz, and world music influences has inspired countless contemporary artists, while his poetic, introspective lyrics have earned him the admiration of critics and fans alike. Unlike his counterpart in our timeline, Sting has remained largely apolitical, focusing his artistic energies on the exploration of the human condition through his music.
Despite never being part of a band like The Police, Sting's solo career has proven to be remarkably successful and enduring. He has won numerous Grammy and Brit awards, and his albums have consistently topped charts around the world. Sting's ability to seamlessly transition between musical genres and his commitment to artistic experimentation have solidified his status as one of the most influential and respected musicians of his generation.
