Jeff Lynne (b. 1947)

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Biography

Jeffrey Lynne is an English musician, singer-songwriter, and record producer. He is the co-founder and only consistent member of the rock band Electric Light Orchestra (ELO), which was formed in 1970. He has written all of the band's music since 1972, including hits such as "Evil Woman", "Livin' Thing", "Telephone Line", "Mr. Blue Sky", "Don't Bring Me Down", and "Hold On Tight". He also has had a solo career, with two albums: Armchair Theatre (1990) and Long Wave (2012).

Timeline

The story of Jeff Lynne, told in moments.

1971 Event

Took over the Electric Light Orchestra. The concept: pick up where "I Am the Walrus" left off. Merged rock guitars with a full string section and synthesizers.

Was picking up where 'I Am the Walrus' left off ambitious or delusional? Did ELO ever feel fully realized?

1988 Event

Formed the Traveling Wilburys with George Harrison, Bob Dylan, Tom Petty, and Roy Orbison. Five rock legends in a garage. Lynne produced the album in ten days.

What was it like making music in a garage with Harrison, Dylan, Petty, and Orbison? Was anyone nervous?

1995 Life

Produced "Free as a Bird," building a track around John Lennon's 1977 demo tape. Harrison, McCartney, and Starr added their parts. The last Beatles single.

What was it like building a Beatles track around a dead man's voice? Did 'Free as a Bird' feel like closure?

In Their Own Words (9)

I like the natural sound of a room. All the rooms have their own sound, so it's a matter of putting it where you like and seeing what it sounds like.

On the placement of microphones in the production of the album Zoom, in "An Electric return for Jeff Lynne" at CNN (3 September 2001), 2001

At the end of the day I have to please myself. And I've made a record to please myself.

On the album Zoom, in "An Electric return for Jeff Lynne" at CNN (3 September 2001), 2001

A place where nobody dared to go the love that we came to know They call it Xanadu And now, open your eyes and see what we have made is real We are in Xanadu A million lights are dancing and there you are, a shooting star An everlasting world and you're here with me, eternally Xanadu

"Xanadu", 1980

The love, the echoes of long ago you needed the world to know They are in Xanadu The dream that came through a million years That lived on through all the tears, it came to Xanadu

"Xanadu", 1980

It was one of those nights One of those nights When you feel the world stop turning You were standing there There was music in the air I should have been away But I knew I had to stay

1979

Artifacts (12)

From out of nowhere

From Out Of Nowhere is the new album from Rock & Roll Hall of Famer and music legend Jeff Lynne, and follows up a remarkable run of sold out European and American tours. Jeff Lynnes ELO, whose music...

2019

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Wembley Or Bust

'When I wrote and recorded these songs originally, I never would have expected the fantastic audience response all these years later; it's amazing.' - Jeff Lynne The music of Jeff Lynne is beloved by...

2021

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We understood each other perfectly, and each of us had deep respect for the othe...

h they worked with over 2,000 animated characters, Hanna and Barbera rarely exchanged a cross word. Barbera said: "We understood each other perfectly, and each of us had deep respect for the other's...

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