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- Herausgeber: Emily Whiteman
- Kategorie: Sachliteratur, Reportagen, Biografien
- Sprache: Englisch
How Did A Jewish Outsider From Toronto Become One of Rock's Most Celebrated Legends?
Geddy Lee's improbable rise from humble beginnings to the peak of rock stardom has become the stuff of legend.
This revealing new biography tracks Lee's journey both within and beyond the band that made him famous - Rush.
In this compelling biography, you will:
- Early life as the son of Holocaust survivors and his devoted Jewish upbringing.
- Delve into Geddy's personal life, from family dynamics and his annual retreats to France to his philanthropic efforts, revealing the man behind the rockstar façade.
- Enduring artistic partnership and deep bond with bandmates Alex Lifeson and Neil Peart.
- Witness Geddy's personal struggles during the late '80s, the band's hiatus, and their triumphant comeback.
And many more.
This all-encompassing biography illuminates the incredible story of a rock icon who never compromised his artistry or integrity on the way to the very summit of fame and regard.
Click the Buy Now button to unlock the words and music that shaped the unique rock titan known globally as Geddy Lee!
Das E-Book können Sie in Legimi-Apps oder einer beliebigen App lesen, die das folgende Format unterstützen:
Veröffentlichungsjahr: 2023
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Geddy Lee
Biography
The Many Strings of Geddy Lee: Bass, Vocals & Beyond
Emily Whiteman
Table of Contents
Introduction
Chapter 1
Chapter 2
Chapter 3
Chapter 4
Chapter 5
Chapter 6
Chapter 7
Chapter 8
Chapter 9
Chapter 10
Chapter 11
Chapter 12
Chapter 13
Chapter 14
Chapter 15
Chapter 16
Conclusion
Copyright Notice
All rights reserved.
Copyright © 2023 by Emily Whiteman.
Introduction
Amidst the vibrant tapestry of rock music history, few names stand as tall and influential as Geddy Lee, the embodiment of virtuosity and versatility. Born Gary Lee Weinrib in Toronto, Canada, on July 29, 1953, he was destined to leave an indelible mark on the world of music.
Lee's journey began with a childhood fascination with the bass guitar, a fascination that blossomed into a lifelong passion. Inspired by the likes of John Entwistle, Jack Bruce, and John Paul Jones, he honed his skills, transforming the bass from a mere accompaniment to a melodic force to be reckoned with.
In 1968, Lee's musical destiny intertwined with that of guitarist Alex Lifeson and drummer John Rutsey, giving birth to Rush, a band that would redefine the landscape of rock music. Their early years were marked by experimentation and a relentless pursuit of musical excellence, as they navigated the ever-changing tides of the rock scene.
The arrival of drummer Neil Peart in 1974 marked a turning point for Rush. Peart's precision and virtuosity elevated the band to new heights, their music evolving into a complex and captivating fusion of progressive rock, hard rock, and elements of jazz and classical music.
Lee's musical prowess extended beyond his bass playing, as he assumed the role of lead vocalist, his unique high-pitched vocals becoming an integral part of Rush's signature sound. His lyrics, often infused with themes of science fiction, mythology, and social commentary, added depth and dimension to their music.
With albums like "2112," "A Farewell to Kings," "Hemispheres," "Moving Pictures," and "Power Windows," Rush cemented their status as rock legends. Their intricate compositions, electrifying live performances, and unwavering commitment to their craft earned them a devoted global fan base.
Lee's contributions to Rush were recognized with numerous accolades, including Grammy nominations, inductions into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and the Canadian Music Hall of Fame, and countless awards from music critics and fans alike.
Beyond his musical achievements, Lee is known for his humility, generosity, and passion for philanthropy. He has supported various causes, including animal welfare, environmental protection, and human rights, demonstrating his commitment to making a positive impact on the world.
Today, Geddy Lee stands as an icon of rock music, his influence spanning generations of musicians and music lovers worldwide. His virtuosity, versatility, and unwavering dedication to his craft have earned him a place among the greats, a testament to his enduring legacy.
Chapter 1
Early Life and Childhood
Gary Lee Weinrib came into the world on July 29, 1953, in Willowdale, Ontario. His parents, Morris and Mary Weinrib, were Polish Jews who had endured immense hardship and tragedy during World War II. Both had been imprisoned at Nazi concentration camps—Morris at Dachau and Mary at Bergen-Belsen. They were just teenagers when they first interned at Auschwitz. The horrors they witnessed and experienced there were unimaginable. When freed at the end of the war, Morris set out to find Mary. The two reunited at a displaced persons camp, married, and eventually immigrated to Canada to start a new life.
Settling in Toronto, the Weinribs gave their children as normal an upbringing as possible. They also made sure to provide a traditional Jewish education. This included a bar mitzvah ceremony for 13-year-old Geddy, although he occasionally struggled with Hebrew lessons thanks to undiagnosed dyslexia. Geddy grew up with an older sister, Manya, and a younger brother, Allan. Their neighborhood had a large Jewish population, so Geddy and his siblings embraced their cultural identity from a young age.
In 1966, personal tragedy struck when Geddy’s father passed away unexpectedly because of medical issues tied to his concentration camp imprisonment. Morris had been a talented musician, a skill surely passed on to his young son. With her husband gone, Mary Weinrib had to find work to support her three children as a single mother. Geddy spent large amounts of time unsupervised with his siblings and neighborhood friends. This early independence clearly informed his love of music and his teenaged entry into rock and roll.
As a quiet boy in a family that encouraged music appreciation, young Geddy took solace in spinning his mother’s opera and Broadway records for hours in his bedroom. He became an avid listener, taking in pop, classical, and all varieties of rock music. An early obsession was formed with revered British bands like The Who, Cream, and Led Zeppelin. Soon enough, he wanted to participate directly rather than just listen. Geddy’s parents bought him a Nashville-branded acoustic guitar, allowing their musically gifted son to start plucking out melodies and basic chords. This quickly led to more formal clarinet and piano lessons in Willowdale’s vibrant Jewish community center.
By his early teens, Geddy was an enthusiastic, mostly self-taught multi-instrumentalist. His budding talents did not translate to schoolwork, however, where he struggled to focus on traditional studies. With free time and little parental supervision, music became Geddy’s driving passion. He converted the family’s basement into a musical workshop and hangout for himself and neighborhood friends. makeshift bands were formed, with lanky, shaggy-haired Geddy usually commandeering singer and bassist duties. Decades later, in an interview with a Jewish lifestyle publication, Geddy reflected on the dichotomy of this period in his life:
“On the one hand, I was going to Hebrew school, having my bar mitzvah, going through this official Jewish rite of passage; on the other hand, I was rejecting authority, the institutional aspect of religion. I was turning my back on being ‘good’ in the way my mother wanted me to be good. Yet when I was old enough and able to intellectually wrestle with it all, I came to realize how Jewish I actually am.”
