David Lee Roth
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| David Lee Roth | |
|---|---|
| Name | David Lee Roth |
| Caption | Roth performing in 2008 |
| Background | solo_singer |
| Birth name | David Lee Roth |
| Birth date | 10 October 1954 |
| Birth place | Bloomington, Indiana, U.S. |
| Genre | Hard rock, glam metal, heavy metal |
| Occupation | Singer, songwriter, actor, author, radio personality |
| Years active | 1972–present |
| Label | Warner Bros., Magna Carta |
| Associated acts | Van Halen, John 5, Steve Vai, Billy Sheehan |
| Website | http://www.davidleeroth.com/ |
David Lee Roth is an American rock vocalist, songwriter, actor, author, and former radio personality, best known as the original and longtime lead singer of the hard rock band Van Halen. Renowned for his flamboyant stage persona, acrobatic performance style, and charismatic showmanship, he was a defining figure in the arena rock era of the late 1970s and 1980s. His tenure with Van Halen produced multi-platinum albums like Van Halen, 1984, and Women and Children First, cementing the band's status as one of the most successful in rock history.
Early Life and Career
Born in Bloomington, Indiana, he was raised in a show business family; his father was an ophthalmologist but his uncle, Manny Roth, owned the famed Café Wha? in Greenwich Village. The family relocated to Pasadena, California, where he attended John Muir High School and later Pasadena City College. His early musical influences were eclectic, ranging from The Who and James Brown to Cab Calloway. Before forming Van Halen with brothers Eddie Van Halen and Alex Van Halen, he performed with various local groups and worked as a radio disc jockey for station KPPC-FM.
Music Career
His primary fame stems from his role as the frontman for Van Halen, which he co-founded in 1972. The band's self-titled debut in 1978, featuring hits like "Runnin' with the Devil" and a cover of "You Really Got Me," revolutionized hard rock with Eddie Van Halen's innovative guitar work. Subsequent albums like Van Halen II, Fair Warning, and the seminal 1984—which included the chart-topping single "Jump"—propelled the band to international superstardom. His dynamic, high-energy performances at venues like the US Festival and Monsters of Rock became legendary. Internal tensions led to his departure in 1985, though he later rejoined for a successful reunion tour in 2007 and the album A Different Kind of Truth in 2012.
Solo Work
Following his initial exit from Van Halen, he embarked on a successful solo career, assembling a band featuring virtuoso musicians like guitarist Steve Vai and bassist Billy Sheehan. His debut EP, Crazy from the Heat, spawned hit cover versions of "California Girls" and "Just a Gigolo/I Ain't Got Nobody." His first full-length solo album, Eat 'Em and Smile, was a critical and commercial success, followed by Skyscraper. His later work included albums on the Magna Carta label and collaborations with players like John 5. He also hosted a nationally syndicated radio show, The David Lee Roth Show, and published an autobiography, Crazy from the Heat.
Personal Life
Known for his extravagant lifestyle, he has resided in various locations including New York City and Japan. He is a licensed emergency medical technician (EMT) in New York State, having volunteered for the New York City Fire Department. An avid martial artist, he holds a black belt in Jeet Kune Do and has trained under notable instructors. His interests extend to aviation, and he is a licensed helicopter pilot. He has never married and has no children, maintaining a private personal life despite his very public career.
Discography
With Van Halen: Van Halen (1978), Van Halen II (1979), Women and Children First (1980), Fair Warning (1981), Diver Down (1982), 1984 (1984), A Different Kind of Truth (2012). Solo albums: Eat 'Em and Smile (1986), Skyscraper (1988), A Little Ain't Enough (1991), Your Filthy Little Mouth (1994), DLR Band (1998), Diamond Dave (2003).
Film and Television Appearances
He has made numerous appearances in film and television, often playing exaggerated versions of himself. His film credits include a small role in the comedy Crazy from the Heat and a cameo in the action film The Sopranos. On television, he guest-starred on episodes of The Drew Carey Show and Las Vegas, and was a contestant on the reality show The Apprentice. He also provided voice work for an episode of the animated series Robot Chicken and starred in a series of popular music videos in the 1980s that received heavy rotation on MTV.
Category:American rock singers Category:Van Halen members Category:1954 births Category:Living people