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| Freddie Mercury |
| Freddie Mercury |
| Born: September 5-1946 Died: November 24-1991 of A.I.D.S. at age 45. |
| Freddie Mercury was born Farrokh Bulsara on September 5th 1946 in Zanzibar, to parents Bomi & Jer Bulsara. Freddie moved to India in 1947. He attended boarding school in Panchgani, just outside Bombay. Whilst there he began his piano lessons, reaching Grade 4 in practical and theory. The family, with the addition now of younger sister Kashmira, moved to England in 1963.
Freddie left Isleworth school in 1964 with three "O" levels and one "A" level in Art. He went to Ealing College of Art to study Graphic Illustration. He left college in 1969 with a Diploma in Graphic Art & Design (the equivalent of a Degree). Freddie joined his first serious band in 1969, the were called "IBEX." After "Ibex" decided to split up, Freddie became the lead singer of "Sour Milk Sea." After "Sour Milk Sea" came to an end, Freddie decided to start a band of his own. The result was "Wreckage." In March 1970, Freddie realized that "Wreckage" seemed to be heading nowhere, so he decided to call it quits and leave. Tim Staffell, a fellow student at Ealing College of Art, had introduced Freddie Bulsara to "Smile" in 1969. "Smile" is the band which included Brian May, Tim Staffell, and Roger Taylor. Freddie soon became a keen fan of the band. In 1970, "Smile" decided to call it a day because nothing seemed to be happening for them. Tim went his own way and joined a band called "Humpy Bong," and Freddie remained friends with Brian and Roger. In April 1970, Freddie, Brian, and Roger decided to hook up and form a band. Freddie changed his name by deed poll to Mercury and the band's name was changed to "Queen." In February 1971, John Deacon was taken on as the fourth member of "Queen," after three temporary bassists had been and gone. That is how "Queen" began! The group enjoyed enourmous success in the 1970's on both sides of the continent. Early in the 1980's Freddie decided to also pursue a solo career. Cashing in on the pop/dance sounds Freddie scored several club hits most notably "Love Kills" and "I Was Born To Love You" all while still performing with his band mates. Freddie remained single and shared his large house and garden with several cats, creatures he adored. He loved opera and ballet. Marilyn Monroe was his favorite actress and Aretha Franklin was just one of his favorite singers. He also liked to drink Cristal champagne or iced vodka and loved Italian food. On November 23, 1991, Freddie announced to the world that he had aids. He sadly passed away the next day (November 24, 1991) at his London home peacefully surrounded by close friends and family. Freddie Mercury will never be forgotten! |
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