Historical Figure
David Byrne
b. 1952
American musician (born 1952)
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Biography
David Byrne is an American musician, writer, visual artist, and filmmaker. He was a founding member and the principal songwriter, lead singer, and guitarist of the new wave band Talking Heads.
In Their Own Words (5)
It's not music you would use to get a girl into bed. If anything, you're going to frighten her off.
On the music of Talking Heads, from Channel 4's The 100 Greatest Albums
The better the singer's voice is, the harder it is to believe what they're saying. So I turn my weaknesses into an advantage.
In the self-interview on Stop Making Sense
I have something to say about the difference between American and European cities, but I forgot what it was. I have it written down at home somewhere.
From his film True Stories
It's like 60 Minutes on acid.
In the self-interview on Stop Making Sense
I really enjoy forgetting. When I first come to a place, I notice all the little details. I notice the way the sky looks. The color of white paper. The way people walk. Doorknobs. Everything. Then I get used to the place and I don't notice those things anymore. So only by forgetting can I see the place again as it really is.
From his film True Stories
Timeline
The story of David Byrne, told in moments.
Co-founded Talking Heads in New York City with Chris Frantz and Tina Weymouth. They played their first gig at CBGB, opening for the Ramones.
Released Remain in Light with Talking Heads, produced with Brian Eno. "Once in a Lifetime" became the band's signature song. The record fused funk, electronic, and African polyrhythms with anxious suburban lyrics.
Directed and starred in Stop Making Sense, widely considered the greatest concert film ever made. The show opened with Byrne alone on stage with a boombox.
Launched American Utopia as an album and a Broadway show. Spike Lee filmed the show for HBO. Byrne performed barefoot with an untethered band.
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