Freddie Mercury

Freddie Mercury, alternatively known by his birth name Farrokh Bulsara, was a legendary British musician known as the lead vocalist, pianist, keyboardist, lyricist, record producer and leader of then four-piece rock band Queen. He is regarded as one of the greatest lead singers in the history of rock music, known for his flamboyant persona and four-octave vocal range.

He joined the band Queen, founded by guitarist Brian May and drummer Roger Taylor in 1970, where he is known to have written numerous worldwide hits including, "Killer Queen", "Bohemian Rhapsody", "[Somebody to Love](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Somebody_to_Love_(Queen_song)", "We Are the Champions", "Don't Stop Me Now", and "Crazy Little Thing Called Love". He is also known for his charismastic stage performances, which often saw him interact with the audience, as displayed at the 1985 Live Aid concert. Freddie is also known to have led a solo career and served as a producer and guest musician for other artists.

In 1991, at the age of 45, Freddie Mercury died to due to complications from AIDS. He confirmed the day before his death that he had contracted the disease, having been diagnosed back in 1987. His tribute concert was held at the Wembley Stadium in 1992.

As a member of the rock band Queen, Freddie was posthumously inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2001, the Songwriters Hall of Fame in 2003, and the UK Music Hall of Fame in 2004. In 1990, he and the other Queen members were awarded the Brit Award for Outstanding Contribution to British Music, and one year after his death Freddie was awarded for the same individually. In 2005, Queen were awarded the Ivor Novello Award for Outstanding Song Collection from the British Academy of Songwriters, Composers and Authors.