Sting

Sting is a British singer, songwriter and bassist, born Gordon Sumner in Wallsend in 1951. He played in several bands in the Newcastle area and worked as a teacher before moving to London. In 1977 he helped form the Police, whose established line-up paired him with guitarist Andy Summers and drummer Stewart Copeland.

The group combined rock, reggae and new-wave influences. Sting’s solo recording career began with The Dream of the Blue Turtles (1985), made with musicians including Branford Marsalis and Kenny Kirkland. Later albums include Ten Summoner’s Tales and Brand New Day. His memoir Broken Music recounts his upbringing and early musical life.