Son of a coal miner, Bryan Ferry cultivated his musical abilities while studying art at the University of Newcastle. In 1971, Ferry founded Roxy Music with, among others, composer and synthesizer player Brian Eno, who left in 1973. Ferry was Roxy's front man until its demise in 1983, but as Eno was leaving the band, Ferry released his first solo album, "These Foolish Things", which demonstrates a different approach of what he was doing at that time with Roxy Music: while the band jumped on the Glam Rock bandwagon, Ferry, in his solo efforts, showed a cool crooning style. But as Roxy Music evolved by the years, it became clear that Ferry's career with the band or as a solo artist was a whole. Although Roxy was very popular in UK, they had little impact in America: their best known hits on this side of the Atlantic were "Love Is the Drug" .
He was the lead singer, songwriter and keyboardist of Roxy Music , who were one of Britains most popular bands from the early 1970s until the early 1980s. Primarily associated with the glam rock movement, they outlived it and actually peaked in popularity with their final album, "Avalon", which was released in 1982 and was their biggest success in the United States.
He was romantically attached to model Jerry Hall in the 1970s, which explains her appearance on the cover of Roxy Music s 1975 album "Siren". Ferry and Hall were still involved in the late 70s when Hall met Mick Jagger for the first time, eventually leading to their long relationship and four children together.
He married 22-year-old Lucy Helmore at the Church of St. Anthony and St. George at Duncton, West Sussex, England, UK.
His children are Otis (born 1 November 1982), Isaac (16 May 1985), Tara and Merlin.
Ferrys son Otis was arrested while attempting to plaster pro-hunting stickers over the windows of British Prime Minister Tony Blair s house during a protest in support of fox hunting. (3 August 2002).
Kar-Wai Wong credits his rendition of the standard "Im in the Mood for Love" as the inspiration for the English title of his film Faa yeung nin wa .
Ferry was frequently ridiculed in issues of the New Musical Express in the 1970s. This came about after Ferry reportedly took exception to the manner in which he was interviewed by journalists from the magazine. In return, variations on the spelling of Ferrys name became a commonplace joke in articles. Ironically, Roxy Music was one of the most popular bands with NME journalists.
He was the winner of the 2003 Ivor Novello Award for outstanding contribution to British music.
He was the winner of the 2004 Q Lifetime Achievement Award (as a member of Roxy Music).
His song "Going Strong" was recorded by Roger Daltrey on his solo album "Parting Should Be Painless" (released in 1984).
His song "The Way You Do" was recorded by Anni-Frid Lyngstad on her solo album "Somethings Going On" (released in 1982).
He became the face of Mark & Spencers clothing range "Autograph" in October 2006.
He became romantically attached to Katie Turner, a dancer he got to know during Roxy Music s 2001 concert tour.
He was one of David Bowie s favorite songwriters. Bowie described Ferry as one of the best lyricists in British music.
His song "More Than This" was recorded by Norah Jones on the Charlie Hunter Quartets album "Songs from the Analog Playground" (released in 2001).
He was the winner of the BMI (Broadcast Music Inc.) Icon Award in 2008.
He lives in Petworth, Sussex, England.
He was awarded the CBE in the 2011 Queens Birthday Honours List for his services to music.
In June 2001, Roxy Music re-formed and started their first world tour since 1983.
Worked as a ceramics teacher at Holland Park Comprehensive before co-founding Roxy Music.
Studied fine art under Richard Hamilton at Newcastle University.
The older I get the less I know about women. They are completely,infallible and totally impossible.
With his first hit, the drummer put his stick through the drum skin.
You know, we were poor, and I thought I was poor, but in many ways my,life was easy. My education was funded by the State, I went to a really,nice northern grammar school, and then I went to university on a full,grant. I was nurtured. I have nothing to kick against.
You can never get silence anywhere nowadays, have you noticed?,Secretly, I wanted to look like Jimi Hendrix, but I could never quite pull it off.
But when you get music and words together, that can be a very powerful thing.
I like the fact that music is more abstract. .
