The Weeknd: A Bio

#### Full Name and Common Aliases
The Weeknd is the stage name of Abel Makkonen Tesfaye, a Canadian singer, songwriter, record producer, and actor.

#### Birth and Death Dates
Born on February 16, 1990, in Scarborough, Toronto, Canada. As of this writing, there is no reported date of death for The Weeknd.

#### Nationality and Profession(s)
Abel Tesfaye's nationality is Canadian. His profession encompasses music, acting, and songwriting, with primary focus on the former two areas within his career as an artist.

#### Early Life and Background
The Weeknd grew up in a household where he was exposed to R&B, hip-hop, and electronic music from a young age. He began singing in church choirs at 11 years old but had little formal training before focusing on music production and songwriting later on. His parents divorced when he was two years old; his mother remarried shortly after.

#### Major Accomplishments
The Weeknd's breakthrough came with the mixtape trilogy _House of Balloons_, _Thursday_, and _Echoes of Silence_ in 2011, which garnered a significant following online before traditional release. His debut studio album, _Kiss Land_ (2013), was well-received by critics but not commercially as expected.

His breakthrough single "The Hills" from his third mixtape _Thursday_ earned him multiple Grammy nominations, including Record of the Year and Best New Artist in 2016. He has released several critically acclaimed albums since then: _Beauty Behind the Madness_ (2015), _Starboy_ (2016), and _My Dear Melancholy,_ (2018).

#### Notable Works or Actions
Some notable songs by The Weeknd include:

- "The Hills", which topped multiple Billboard charts in 2015.
- "Can't Feel My Face" from the album _Beauty Behind the Madness_.
- "Starboy" and "Party Monster" from his self-titled third studio album.

He has also collaborated with notable artists such as Daft Punk, Ariana Grande, and Kendrick Lamar. His work often incorporates themes of love, relationships, heartbreak, fame, mental health, and existential crises, reflecting his personal experiences and observations on the world around him.

#### Impact and Legacy
The Weeknd's impact on contemporary music is significant, particularly within the R&B genre. He has been credited with helping to shift the landscape towards more experimental and darker sounds in popular music. His influence can be seen in artists who follow a similar path of blending genres and experimenting with soundscapes.

His legacy as an artist extends beyond his musical contributions. He has also made headlines for various reasons, including a highly publicized romance with model Bella Hadid and criticisms regarding his treatment of women on stage.

#### Why They Are Widely Quoted or Remembered
The Weeknd's influence in the music industry is undeniable, given the numerous awards he has received, including multiple Grammy Awards. His unique blend of dark R&B soundscapes, introspective lyrics, and captivating live performances have earned him a loyal fan base worldwide.

Beyond his professional accomplishments, The Weeknd represents a generation's expression of vulnerability through art, often tackling heavy themes with unflinching honesty in his music. This aspect of his work has made him a source of inspiration for many, particularly those who resonate with the emotional depth and raw energy he brings to his craft.

His ability to evolve as an artist while maintaining a consistent level of quality in his output is another factor contributing to his enduring impact on popular culture.