Brian Setzer Facts
Rockabilly Legend Brian Setzer: The Facts You Didn’t Know
Table of Contents
Singer’s Bio
Brian Setzer was born on April 10, 1959, in Massapequa, New York. He started playing the guitar at the age of eight and formed his first band, The Tomcats, at the age of 16. Later, he played in several bands such as The Bloodless Pharaohs, The Stray Cats, and The Brian Setzer Orchestra.
Age
Brian Setzer is 62 years old.
Relationships
Setzer has been married three times. He was first married to DeAnna Madsen in 1984, but the couple divorced in 1992. He then married Christine Schmidt in 1994, and they divorced in 2002. In 2005, he married Julie Reiten, and they are still together.
Children
Setzer has four children. His first wife, DeAnna Madsen, gave birth to their son, Cody, in 1987. He also has three daughters with his current wife, Julie Reiten- Jett, Ella, and Lakshmi.
Height
Setzer is 5 feet 9 inches tall.
Career
Setzer’s career started with the rockabilly band, The Stray Cats, in the 1980s. The band’s hit songs include “Stray Cat Strut” and “Rock This Town.” Later, he formed The Brian Setzer Orchestra, which became popular in the swing revival of the 1990s. He has won three Grammy Awards and sold over 13 million records.
Top Songs
Some of Setzer’s most popular songs include “Rock This Town,” “Stray Cat Strut,” “Jump Jive An’ Wail,” “The Dirty Boogie,” and “Rumble In Brighton.”
Net Worth
Brian Setzer’s net worth is estimated to be around $8 million.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. How did Brian Setzer get into music?
Brian Setzer’s father was a musician, and he started playing the guitar at a young age. He formed his first band, The Tomcats, when he was 16 years old and played in several bands before finding success with The Stray Cats.
2. What inspired Brian Setzer to start playing rockabilly music?
Brian Setzer was inspired to play rockabilly music after hearing the music of Elvis Presley, Gene Vincent, and other rockabilly pioneers. He was drawn to the raw energy and excitement of the music.
3. How did The Stray Cats get started?
The Stray Cats formed in New York City in the late 1970s. Brian Setzer, Lee Rocker, and Slim Jim Phantom met through the local music scene and began playing together. They eventually moved to England, where they found success with their rockabilly sound.
4. What is The Brian Setzer Orchestra?
The Brian Setzer Orchestra is a big band that plays swing, jazz, and other genres of music. Setzer formed the band in the 1990s and has released several albums with them. They are known for their energetic live performances.
5. What is Brian Setzer’s signature guitar?
Brian Setzer’s signature guitar is the Gretsch 6120. He has been playing this guitar for over 30 years and is known for his distinctive, twangy sound.
6. How many Grammy Awards has Brian Setzer won?
Brian Setzer has won three Grammy Awards. He won Best Pop Performance by a Duo or Group with Vocal for “Jump Jive An’ Wail” in 1999, and two awards for Best Pop Instrumental Album with The Brian Setzer Orchestra in 2003 and 2005.
7. What is Brian Setzer’s favorite song to perform?
Brian Setzer has said that his favorite song to perform is “Sleepwalk” by Santo & Johnny. He has recorded several versions of the song and has included it in his live sets.
8. What other musicians has Brian Setzer collaborated with?
Brian Setzer has collaborated with several musicians throughout his career, including Eddie Cochran, Robert Plant, and Jeff Beck. He has also worked with other rockabilly pioneers such as Carl Perkins and Dave Edmunds.
9. How does Brian Setzer keep his voice in shape?
Brian Setzer practices singing every day and takes care of his voice by staying hydrated and avoiding cigarettes and alcohol. He also gets plenty of rest and eats healthily.
10. What inspired Brian Setzer’s Christmas music?
Brian Setzer’s Christmas music was inspired by the classic holiday songs of the 1950s and 1960s. He wanted to create a nostalgic sound that captured the spirit of the season.
11. Does Brian Setzer play any other instruments besides guitar?
Brian Setzer also plays the piano and has been known to play the drums on occasion. He is a versatile musician who has experimented with different instruments and genres of music.
12. How does Brian Setzer incorporate surf music into his music?
Brian Setzer has often incorporated elements of surf music into his rockabilly sound. He has been influenced by surf bands such as The Beach Boys and Jan & Dean and has even covered surf songs like “Pipeline” by The Chantays.
13. What is Brian Setzer’s songwriting process?
Brian Setzer often starts his songwriting process with a guitar riff or melody. He then develops the song’s structure and writes lyrics to fit the melody. He has said that he tries to keep his songwriting simple and to the point.
14. What is the biggest challenge Brian Setzer has faced in his career?
One of the biggest challenges Brian Setzer has faced in his career is staying true to his artistic vision while also satisfying the demands of the music industry. He has struggled to balance his desire for creative freedom with the need to produce commercial hits.
15. What advice does Brian Setzer have for aspiring musicians?
Brian Setzer advises aspiring musicians to practice their craft every day and to never give up on their dreams. He also emphasizes the importance of finding your own voice and developing a unique style that sets you apart from other musicians.
