Iggy Pop is an American-born singer, songwriter, producer, and actor. Known as the “Godfather of Punk”, Pop became famous as the frontman of the rock band “The Stooges”. The group disbanded in the 70s before reuniting in 2003. Iggy Pop had a volatile but successful solo career – during the break of The Stooges – with numerous albums and hit singles such as 1977 “The Passenger” and “Real Wild Child (Wild One)”.
After their reunion in 2003, the Stooges continued their musical work and were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2010. The group finally disbanded in 2016 after the death of some of its members. Iggy Pop’s musical style over the years has included various forms of rock with a fusion and jazz and blues.
Iggy Pop Bio, Age
Iggy Pop was born on April 21, 1947, as James Newell Osterberg Jr. in Ann Arbor, Michigan. His parents were Louella (née Christensen) and James Newell Osterberg, Sr. Osterberg Jr. was the only child in the family and they lived in a trailer park in Ypsilanti, Michigan. He developed a keen interest in music at a very young age and his parents were very supportive. They gave up their master bedroom for their young musical genius because it was the only room big enough for his drums.
As a teenager, Osterberg jr. performed for several bands in his home state, including Prime Movers and the Iguanas, from whom he derived his stage name “Iggy”. He dropped out of college and moved to Chicago to pursue a full-time career in music. In 1967 he formed the band “The Psychedelic Stooges” alongside Ron Asheton on guitar, Scott, Asheton’s brother on drums, and Dave Alexander on bass.
ALSO READ: Sharna Burgess Bio, Husband or Boyfriend, Age, Height, Net Worth, and Quick Facts
After signing with Elektra Records, the Stooges released their self-titled debut album in 1969, followed by their second album Fun House (1970). Both releases did poorly, however. The band’s poor commercial success and the increasing drug addiction of almost all band members cost the Stooges their record deal and culminated in the band’s breakup in 1971.
As a solo act, Iggy Pop earned a big career boost after he made friends with English music star David Bowie in the early 70s. A brief reunion of the Stooges followed when the band collaborated with Bowie on their 3rd album Raw Power (1973). The album was modest, but in 1974 the Stooges disbanded due to the ongoing drug problems of pop. Pop spent the following years freeing themselves from drug addiction.
In 1977, the singer collaborated with David Bowie on the release of his first two solo albums, The Idiot and Lust for Life, both of which remain Pop’s most successful solo releases to date. The duo also collaborated on Pop’s third studio album, TV Eye Live, which was released in 1978. Several more albums followed, but they were not commercially successful.
Iggy Pop’s fate changed for the better in 1990 after his 9th album Brick by Brick was released, the first album to receive gold certification. The singer became even better known in 1996 when his single “Lust for Life”, released in 1977, was featured in the highly successful British film Trainspotting. A reworked music video was shot for the song and it gained popularity.
By the turn of the century, Iggy Pop had recorded 13 studio albums as a solo artist. On his 14th album, Skull Ring (2003), Iggy Pop worked with his former bandmates Ron and Scott Asheton, as well as several other artists. As the only surviving band members, Iggy Pop and the Asheton reformed the Stooges with bassist Mike Watt and saxophonist Steve Mackay.
After the reunification of the Stooges, Iggy Pop continued his solo career, including performing and making music with the band. In April 2011 he performed in an episode of the 10th season of American Idol. In 2012 he was inducted into the Michigan Rock and Roll Legends Hall of Fame. The Stooges released their fifth and final album Ready to Die in 2013. Iggy Pop continued his solo career after the Stooges disbanded in June 2016.
Wife, Son
Iggy Pop is currently married to his long-time partner Nina Alu, a stewardess. The couple met in 1999 and started living together the following year. In November 2008 they finally entered into marriage. Iggy Pop has one child. In 1970, however, he and his girlfriend at the time, Paulette Benson, welcomed a son named Eric Benson.
Is He Gay?
If you look at Iggy Pop’s relationship history, you can assume that the music icon is not gay. Before he met his current wife, Pop was married to two other women. His first marriage dates back to 1968 when he married a young woman named Wendy Weissberg. The marriage only lasted a few weeks before it was annulled. In 1984 the singer gave a second try when he entered into a marriage with the Japanese-born actress Suchi Asano. Their marriage lasted 14 years and ended in divorce in 1998.
ALSO READ: Who Is Lasercorn (David Moss), Is He Married? Who Is His Wife, Son?
Iggy Pop Net Worth
Iggy Pop has recorded over 30 fairly successful albums as a solo artist and with his former band The Stooges. He has also signed several endorsement contracts during his long career and has earned substantial royalties from working with musicians. Iggy Pop’s net worth is currently estimated at $20 million.
Height & Other Body Measurements
Iggy Pop stands at a height of 168 cm (5 feet 6 inches). The rock icon is not afraid to show his upper body and holds a bodyweight of 65 kg (143 lbs). Iggy Pop has earned a reputation for his extreme stage pranks, which he believes have been influenced by iconic artists such as Jim Morrison, Mick Jagger, and James Brown. Pop is celebrated in many circles as the first actor to perform a stage dive.
