Sting turns 55

Singer and musician Sting turns 55 today. Born Gordon Sumner on October 2nd, 1951 in Newcastle-on-Tyne, UK, he worked several different jobs before becoming a professional musician, including teaching English and coaching soccer.

A lifelong fan of jazz, he played bass in a traditional jazz group where he earned his nickname: he showed up for rehearsals one day clad in a yellow and black soccer jersey that, according to his bandmates, made him resemble a bumblebee.

In the late '70s-early '80s, Sting fronted The Police and racked up numerous pop hits. Since going solo in the mid '80s, his music has become a staple on smooth jazz stations.

His next album, Songs from the Labyrinth, is scheduled for release on October 10th. It features his take on 16th century music. Asked about making such unusual musical choices, he told us that he makes music for himself: "I've always managed to do exactly what I want, and largely it's coincided with popular tastes, which I like -- rather than, say, 'OK, what's the formula here? How do I sound like Britney Spears this week, or *NSYNC?' Well, I can't, and I don't. So I just really make the record for myself and my friends and musicians. If it flies up the flagpole, great. If it doesn't, we'll have another go a couple of years later."

Sting and his wife Trudie Styler, have long been active on behalf of preserving the Amazonian rainforest. In 2005, a species of Colombian tree frog was named after him in recognition of his "commitment and efforts to save the rain forest."

As a teen, he helped his father deliver milk to their Newcastle neighborhood. His hands were large enough to hold three milk bottles simultaneously, making them ideal to wrap around the neck of a bass guitar.

He reportedly has a nickname for his bass: "Brian."