Biography

Bryan Ferry

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Son of a coal miner, Bryan Ferry cultivated his musical abilities while studying art at the University of Newcastle. In 1971, Ferry founded Roxy Music with, among others, composer and synthesizer player Brian Eno, who left in 1973. Ferry was Roxy's front man until its demise in 1983, but as Eno was leaving the band, Ferry released his first solo album, "These Foolish Things", which demonstrates a different approach of what he was doing at that time with Roxy Music: while the band jumped on the Glam Rock bandwagon, Ferry, in his solo efforts, showed a cool crooning style. But as Roxy Music evolved by the years, it became clear that Ferry's career with the band or as a solo artist was a whole. Although Roxy was very popular in UK, they had little impact in America: their best known hits on this side of the Atlantic were "Love Is the Drug" (1975), "Avalon" and "More Than This" (both in 1982). After Roxy Music disbanded, Ferry put emphasis on his solo career, releasing five albums after the Roxy years and keeping the same crooning style which became his trademark. His biggest solo hits include "Don't Stop The Dance" (1985) and "Kiss and Tell" (1988), which was featured in the motion picture Bright Lights, Big City (1988). Ferry's solo albums contain self-penned songs (Boys & Girls, Bête Noire, Mamouna) or covers (These Foolish Things, Taxi and As Time Goes By, his latest release).
- IMDb mini biography by: a.trempe@polyinter.com

He was one of David Bowie's favorite songwriters. Bowie described Ferry as one of the best lyricists in British music.
He was the lead singer, songwriter and keyboardist of Roxy Music, who were one of Britain's most popular bands from the early 1970s until the early 1980s. Primarily associated with the glam rock movement, they outlived it and actually peaked in popularity with their final album, "Avalon", which was released in 1982 and was their biggest success in the United States.
He was romantically attached to model Jerry Hall in the 1970s, which explains her appearance on the cover of Roxy Music's 1975 album "Siren". Hall apparently provided the frantic "yelping" backing vocals on "Let's Stick Together" heard about 2 minutes into the track. Ferry and Hall were still involved in the late '70s when Hall met Mick Jagger for the first time, eventually leading to their long relationship and four children together.
His children are Otis (born 1 November 1982), Isaac (16 May 1985), Tara and Merlin.
Ferry was frequently ridiculed in issues of the New Musical Express in the 1970s. This came about after Ferry reportedly took exception to the manner in which he was interviewed by journalists from the magazine. In return, variations on the spelling of Ferry's name became a commonplace joke in articles. Ironically, Roxy Music was one of the most popular bands with NME journalists.

The older I get the less I know about women. They are completely infallible and totally impossible.
[on playing Live Aid (1985)] I have terrible memories of it all going wrong. I'd put together an all-star band and the set was fraught with problems. We had David Gilmour on guitar and, poor David, his guitar wasn't working for the first couple of songs. With his first hit, the drummer put his stick through the drum skin. And then my microphone wasn't working, which for a singer is a bit of a handicap. A roadie ran on with another mic so then I was holding two mics taped together and I wasn't really sure which one to sing into. It was a great day though.
[on recording Bob Dylan songs] As far as the words are concerned it's a bit like an actor tackling Shakespeare (William Shakespeare). I like finding the melodies that Dylan's hidden away in there.
[on Brian Eno] I'm much more serious than him. He loves to talk! He has to talk the talk. And I tend to rather sit and watch more. That's where the main difference is. But we're both self-centered. I think we both think the world revolves around us.
[on Jimi Hendrix] He was the best guitar player and had a great look and a great attitude. I saw him play when I was a student. I was very impressed. Very influenced.

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