Beck

With an unusual name and an unusual sound, Beck is one of the most successful, popular, and unique alternative rock musicians around today. But more than just your average musician, Beck is also a singer and songwriter who can play multiple instruments and is famous for his funky, postmodern, unorthodox, idiosyncratic sound, musical style, and lyrics. In particular, Beck is noted for what is generally considered his breakthrough song, “Loser.”

Although renowned for his individual style, many critics and fans put Beck on par with musical artists Prince, Bob Dylan, and the Beastie Boys, a popular band with current regular members Michael Diamond (Mike D), Adam Yauch (MCA), Adam Horovitz (King Ad-Rock), and Michael Schwartz (Mix Master Mike).

Beck, who officially goes by the name Beck Hansen, was actually born as Bek David Campbell on July 8, 1970, in Los Angeles. His parents are both Scientologists, Canadian musician David Campbell and Norwegian-Swedish visual artist Bibbe Hansen.

Beck spent most of his time and energy on his music and musical talent as a child and teenager, and dropped out of high school to educate himself, travel, and focus on his music. He got by through busking and working random odd jobs and tried to play wherever he could.

He first recording was in 1988 on a cassette called Banjo Story—now available as a bootleg. This was the start of about five years of independent releases. However, it wasn’t until Beck hooked up with musician Chris Ballew, founder of the rock band The Presidents of the United States of America, that he really got into the professional music scene.