He left a legacy of incredible music and was one of the biggest music stars the world has ever seen.
Growing up, he was described as a happy and energetic child — but his parents’ divorce would later lead him down a much darker path.
This is the story of how an ordinary blonde boy went on to conquer the world and is now considered one of the greatest voices in music.
On February 20, 1967, a baby boy was born at Grays Harbor Hospital in Aberdeen, Washington. He came from a true working-class family; his mother worked as a waitress, while his father was a car mechanic. Beyond their hard work, music also ran through the family. Several relatives had played in bands, giving his upbringing a quiet but constant connection to music, sound, and rhythm.
From an early age, his creative talent was already showing. The future rock star would spend time drawing characters from films and cartoons, and according to his aunt Mari, “he began singing at the age of two.”
By the time he was four, he was already playing piano, singing, and even writing his own small songs, including one inspired by a family trip.
Felt “ashamed” of his parents
His early musical influences were wide-ranging. He listened to artists such as Electric Light Orchestra (ELO), and from a young age he would sing along to songs like Arlo Guthrie’s “Motorcycle Song”, the Beatles’ “Hey Jude”, and Terry Jacks’ “Seasons in the Sun”.
Those who knew him described him in childhood as a happy, energetic, and highly excitable boy, but also someone with a noticeable sensitivity and kindness.
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