David Lee Roth Bio

David Lee Roth

David Lee Roth, originally the frontman for the legendary bad boy rock band, Van Halen, is currently a radio personality and has also produced several solo albums and published a best-selling book.

Born on October 10, 1953, in Bloomington, Indiana farm country, David is the son of the late Nathan J. Roth, a prominent ophthalmologist, and Sybil Roth. He has two sisters, Alison and Lisa.

During his childhood he spent some time living with his uncle, Manny Roth, an influential New York City nightclub owner of the famous New York establishment, Café Wha?.

David got his first taste of show business at his uncle’s café in the 1960s when he watched Bob Dylan and Jimi Hendrix perform. Later he moved to Pasadena, California, graduated from John Muir High School in Pasadena, and briefly attended Pasadena City College before moving to Los Angeles.

In 1974 David rented his amplifier and loudspeakers to brothers Alex and Eddie Van Halen, who had a hard rock band called Rat Salade. He joined their band as lead vocalist and persuaded the brothers to change the band’s name to Van Halen.

Van Halen’s debut album in the late 1970s was a commercial success, and soon David became a media celebrity. Trained in martial arts since the age of twelve, he became well known for his onstage physical prowess. His vocal skills weren’t as polished, but his ability to take his bluesy baritone voice into a multi-pitched rasp became an integral part of Van Halen’s sound.

David released his first solo album in 1985 while still a member of Van Halen. But later the same year, tensions between David and other Van Halen members boiled over. According to different reports, David either quit the band or was fired. Van Halen hired Sammy Hagar as the new lead singer.

In 1988 David released the album Skyscraper with the now famous song, "Just Like Paradise." The album was certified platinum and reached #6 on the Billboard album charts.

Two years later David released a more mainstream hard rock album called A Little Ain't Enough. When David went on his A Little Ain't Enough tour, he had statues that spat vodka at his audience from the stage. He also had a pair of giant inflatable legs positioned spread-eagle on the stage wearing ripped fishnet stockings.

In 1994 David released Your Filthy Little Mouth produced by Nile Rodgers that featured the duet "Cheating Heart Café" with popular country singer Travis Tritt.

In June 1996, David briefly reunited with Van Halen. He recorded two new songs for Van Halen's Best of Vol. 1 album, "Can't Get This Stuff No More" and "Me Wise Magic."

David wrote his first book in 1997, a 359-page memoir called Crazy From the Heat. The book was originally 1,200 pages and was transcribed by a Harvard University graduate who followed David around for almost a year.

In 2004, David had a guest appearance on the television show, The Sopranos. The same year he relocated to New York City and according to news reports studied to become an emergency medical technician.

On January 3, 2006, David began working as a radio personality, hosting a self-titled show that replaced Howard Stern’s morning CBS radio show. His position was short-lived and on April 10, 2006, CBS fired him.

In 2007 there are plans for David to teach the Advanced Vocals students at the IMC Rock Camp in Cambellville, Ontario, Canada.

YUDDY




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Facts:

  • David Lee Roth - David Lee Roth rented his amplifier to Eddie Van Halen
  • David Lee Roth - Was previously lead vocalist of Sammy Hagar 's band Van Halen.