Peter Gabriel
Full Name and Common Aliases
Peter Brian Gabriel is a British musician, singer-songwriter, record producer, and humanitarian.
Birth and Death Dates
Born on February 13, 1950, in Woking, Surrey, England. No date of death available.
Nationality and Profession(s)
English; Musician, Singer-Songwriter, Record Producer
Early Life and Background
Growing up in a family of modest means, Peter Gabriel was exposed to music from an early age. His mother was a pianist and his father a civil engineer. Gabriel attended Charterhouse School, where he began playing piano and developed an interest in classical music.
As a teenager, Gabriel formed his first band, The Fool, with his friends. This initial experience set him on the path towards a successful music career. After completing his education at Charterhouse, Gabriel went to the University of Surrey for a year before leaving to pursue music full-time.
Major Accomplishments
Gabriel's most notable accomplishment is his work as the lead vocalist and co-founder of the iconic rock band Genesis. He also had an illustrious solo career, releasing several critically acclaimed albums that showcased his unique blend of world music and pop sensibilities.
Some of Gabriel's most significant achievements include:
Winning numerous awards for his solo work, including six Grammy Awards
Collaborating with artists such as Kate Bush, Sting, and Phil Collins (his former Genesis bandmate)
Developing innovative live performances, incorporating elaborate stage sets and masks to create an immersive experience for his audienceNotable Works or Actions
Gabriel's music has been a staple of popular culture since the 1970s. Some of his most notable works include:
The iconic song "Solsbury Hill," which marked Gabriel's departure from Genesis
The critically acclaimed album "So" (1986), featuring hits like "Don't Give Up" and "Big Time"
His work on the soundtrack for Martin Scorsese's film "The Last Temptation of Christ"
Gabriel has also been recognized for his humanitarian efforts, particularly in the areas of children's rights and environmental protection. He co-founded the Witness human rights organization and has worked with organizations like Amnesty International and Oxfam.
Impact and Legacy
Peter Gabriel's influence on popular music is immeasurable. His innovative approach to songwriting and production has inspired generations of musicians. His commitment to social justice and human rights has raised awareness about critical issues affecting marginalized communities worldwide.
Gabriel's legacy extends beyond his own work as a musician. He has paved the way for future generations of artists, encouraging experimentation and pushing the boundaries of what is possible in music.
Why They Are Widely Quoted or Remembered
Peter Gabriel's enduring popularity stems from his unique ability to craft songs that are both deeply personal and universally relatable. His commitment to innovation and social responsibility has made him a respected figure in the music industry and beyond.
As a musician, producer, and humanitarian, Gabriel continues to inspire audiences around the world with his thought-provoking lyrics and boundary-pushing creative endeavors.
Quotes by Peter Gabriel
Peter Gabriel's insights on:
I've talked to a lot of artists - painters, writers, musicians - many of whom have had great ideas on trains. The only explanation I have is all that stuff is coming at you while you're relaxed, so somehow it kicks you into hyperspace in terms of brain function.
Studios always seem to be in basements without natural light and with black everything.
I really wanted the first record to be different from what I'd done with Genesis, so we were trying to do things in different styles.
It took me three albums to get the confidence and to find out what I could do that made me different from other people. And the first record, really, was a process of trying.
I'm often guilty of overcooking and too much arrangement and throwing too much at it. But I think as I get older, I'm learning better when to be empty and when to be full.
As you get older, some top notes drop off and bottom notes appear, which I quite like. You listen to Leonard Cohen or Johnny Cash, and you see the advantage of the lower end.
I was very happy to learn Oliver Stone had decided to make a film about Edward Snowden and believe this is a powerful and inspiring film.
I think the rhythm is like the spine of the piece. If you change that, then the body that forms around it is changed as well.
