Born

October 2, 1951 in Wallsend, England

In January 1977, Sting joined Stewart Copeland and Henry Padovani (who was soon replaced by Andy Summers) to form the New Wave band The Police. Between 1978 and 1983, they released five chart-topping albums and won six Grammy Awards.

 In September 1981, Sting made his first live solo appearance, performing on all four nights of the fourth Amnesty International benefit The Secret Policeman's Other Ball at the invitation of producer Martin Lewis. He performed solo versions of "Roxanne" and "Message in a Bottle", playing the guitar.

He also led an all-star band (dubbed "The Secret Police") on his own arrangement of Bob Dylan’s, "I Shall Be Released". The band and chorus included Eric Clapton, Jeff Beck, Phil Collins, Bob Geldof and Midge Ure, all of whom (except Beck) later worked together on Live Aid.

His performances were featured prominently in the album and movie of the show and drew Sting major critical attention. Sumner's participation in The Secret Policeman's Other Ball was the beginning of his growing involvement in raising money and consciousness for political and social causes.

• Rock and Roll Hall of Fame 2003 (with the Police)

• Songwriters Hall of Fame 2002

• Grammy Best Rock Instrumental Performance (with the Police) (1980)

• Grammy Best Rock Instrumental Performance (with the Police) (1981)

• Grammy Best Rock Performance By A Duo Or Group With Vocal (with the Police) (1981)

• Grammy Best Rock Instrumental Performance (1983)

• Grammy Best Rock Performance By A Duo Or Group With Vocal (with the Police) (1983)

• Grammy Best Pop Performance By A Duo Or Group With Vocal (with the Police) (1983)

• Grammy Song Of The Year (1983)

• Grammy Best Music Video, Long Form (1986)

• Grammy Best Pop Vocal Performance, Male (1987)

• Grammy Best Rock Song (1991)

• Grammy Best Music Video-Long Form (1993)

• Grammy Best Pop Vocal Performance, Male (1993)

• Grammy Best Pop Album (1999)

• Grammy Best Male Pop Vocal Performance (1999)

• Grammy Best Male Pop Vocal Performance (2000)

• Grammy Best Pop Collaboration With Vocals (with Mary J. Blige) (2003)