Sting first became known as the lead singer of the immensely popular pop/rock/punk group The Police, but he's maintained success throughout his ever-evolving solo career, which began after the band broke up at the height of its popularity in 1984.
As a solo artist, Sting's influences remain broad; his lyrics are serious and poetic, and he's inclined to draw from jazz, classical and world musicians and instruments. That diversity has helped earn him nine Grammy wins and success both critically and commercially, especially for albums such as The Soul Cages and Brand New Day. His latest disc, Songs from the Labyrinth, features the music of John Dowland, a songwriter from the Elizabethan era. The album was released in October on a classical-music label.
Copyright 2006 XPN
