Happy Birthday Sting

Birthday wishes to musician, actor, philanthropist Sting who celebrates today (October 2).  Born Gordon Matthew Thomas Sumner in Wallsend, Newcastle upon Tyne, England he began playing the guitar when he was 10.  Sting got his teaching degree and played in jazz bands nights and weekends throughout college and while teaching.  The nickname 'Sting' came about while he was playing with the band the Phoenix Jazzmen.  Leader Gordon Solomon dubbed him 'Sting' when the bassist showed up to perform in a black and yellow striped sweater.  In 1977, Sting moved to London and went on to form the rock band The Police with Stuart Copeland and Andy Summers.  His most recent solo album is Symphonicities, released in 2010 and he is scheduled to resume his 'Back to Bass' tour in Europe and Asia in November.  Sting will be performing at Radio City Music Hall on October 4 for the Children's Health Fund 25th Anniversary Benefit Concert joining with actors Tom Hanks and Steve Martin, Stevie Wonder, Paul Simon and James Taylor, among others.