Paul Rodgers

Paul Rodgers
Rodgers performing with Queen in 2005
Rodgers performing with Queen in 2005
Background information
Birth namePaul Bernard Rodgers
Born (1949-12-17) 17 December 1949 (age 74)
Middlesbrough, England
Genres
Occupation(s)Musician
Instrument(s)
  • Vocals
  • guitar
  • piano
Years active1968–present
Labels Sun Records
Formerly of
Spouse(s)
Machiko Shimizu
(m. 1971; div. 1996)
(m. 2007)
Websitepaulrodgers.com

Paul Bernard Rodgers (born 17 December 1949) is an English-Canadian singer, songwriter and musician. He was the lead vocalist of numerous rock bands, including Free, Bad Company, the Firm and the Law. He has also performed as a solo artist, and collaborated with the remaining active members of Queen under the moniker Queen + Paul Rodgers, from 2004 until both parties parted ways in 2009.[1][2] A poll in Rolling Stone magazine ranked him number 55 on its list of the "100 Greatest Singers of All Time".[3] In 2011 Rodgers received the British Academy's Ivor Novello Award for Outstanding Contribution to British Music.[4]

Rodgers has been cited as a significant influence on various rock singers. In 1991, John Mellencamp called Rodgers "the best rock singer ever".[5] Freddie Mercury in particular liked Rodgers and his aggressive style.[3]

  1. ^ "Discography". Paul Rodgers Official Site. Retrieved 28 September 2014.
  2. ^ "Queen and Paul Rodgers: The Cosmos Rocks". In the news. 10 September 2008. Archived from the original on 4 January 2014.
  3. ^ a b "100 Greatest Singers of All Time". Rolling Stone. 27 November 2008. Retrieved 9 November 2011.
  4. ^ Topping, Alexandra (19 May 2011). "Plan B aka Ben Drew takes top honours at Ivor Novello awards". The Guardian. London, England. Retrieved 25 June 2011.
  5. ^ "Soul Searching". Spin. August 1991. Retrieved 7 July 2012.