Iggy Pop - Biography

Iggy Pop Biography

Iggy Pop (born James Jewell Osterberg, Jr) is an American singer, famous as the frontman of The Stooges and as a solo artist. He was born on April 21, 1947 in Muskegon, Michigan.

He began his musical career as a drummer in different high school bands. One band was The Iguanas, where he acquired the name Iggy. After exploring local blues-style bands he eventually dropped out of the University of Michigan and moved to Chicago to learn more about blues. Inspired by Chicago blues as well as bands like The Doors he formed The Stooges and adapted his name to Iggy Stooge. The band was comprised of Iggy on vocals, Ron Asheton on guitar, Ron's brother Scotty Asheton on drums, and Dave Alexander on bass. After almost two years they made their debut in 1967 in Ann Arbor, Michigan (where Iggy grew up).

One year after their debut The Stooges were signed to Elektra Records in 1968. The band recorded their first two albums and picked up three new members. The Stooges first two albums never sold exceptionally. In fact, Iggy Pop has never had a Top Ten album or a number one single but has still managed to influence a large number of other bands. Either way, shortly after the new members joined the band broke up because of Iggy's growing heroin addiction.

David Bowie was responsible for temporarily salvaging Iggy Pop's career. He helped Iggy record his next album with The Stooges' original lineup. After the release of the album a new member was added to the band and David Bowie continued his support, but Iggy's drug problem persisted. The Stooges' last show ended in a fight between the band and a group of bikers, documented on the album Metallic KO. Drug abuse was Iggy Pop's downfall and put his career on hold for a couple of years. Former members of The Stooges either died of drug and alcohol abuse or moved on to other bands.

Despite Iggy's lingering drug problems David Bowie continued his support. Bowie and Pop relocated to Berlin. Iggy signed to RCA and Bowie helped write and produce The Idiot and Lust for Life as well as playing keyboards live, some performances captured on the album TV Eye. Bowie apparently helped Iggy focus on his career - he was signed to Arista Records and released more solo albums.

Iggy took a three year break and got rid of his heroin addiction and was married. Along with his new solo career Iggy also became interested in acting. He actually had made his film debut the same year as the debut of The Stooges but had not pursued his acting career until now. To date Iggy has been in fifteen movies including Sid and Nancy, The Color of Money, The Rugrats Movie, Snow Day, Coffee and Cigarettes - Somewhere in California, and Dead Man. He has been featured in five television series, including Miami Vice, Tales from the Crypt, The Adventures of Pete & Pete, and Star Trek: Deep Space Nine. Iggy has been profiled in four rockumentaries and composed songs for eighteen soundtracks including Crocodile Dundee and Trainspotting.

Along with his numerous film appearances music was also on Iggy's side this time around. He released yet another album produced with David Bowie and produced an album with members of Guns n' Roses and The B-52's. After two more solo albums Iggy recently recorded his latest album which features compilations with Sum 41 and Green Day as well as two of the original members of The Stooges.

Contents

1 Discography

1.1 With The Stooges
1.2 Solo

2 External links