Jeff Hanson facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Jeff Hanson
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| Background information | |
| Born | March 3, 1978 Milwaukee, Wisconsin, U.S. |
| Died | June 5, 2009 (aged 31) Saint Paul, Minnesota, U.S. |
| Genres | Alternative rock, indie rock, indie pop, acoustic |
| Occupations | Singer-songwriter, guitarist and multi-instrumentalist |
| Instruments | Guitar, vocals, piano |
| Years active | 2000–2009 |
| Labels | Kill Rock Stars |
| Associated acts | M.I.J. |
Jeff Hanson (born March 3, 1978 – died June 5, 2009) was a talented American musician. He was a singer, wrote his own songs, and played many instruments. People often described his voice as angelic and very high, almost like a female singer.
His unique singing style was sometimes compared to another artist, Elliott Smith. Both musicians were signed to the same record label, Kill Rock Stars.
Early Life and Music
Jeff Hanson was born in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, and grew up in Waukesha, Wisconsin. He came from a family that loved music. His parents enjoyed many great bands from the 1960s, like The Beatles and The Rolling Stones.
Music was a big part of his childhood. Every Saturday night, his family would play records together. This helped Jeff fall in love with music at a very young age.
He started learning to play the guitar when he was just four years old. By age 10, he was involved in musical theater. He also sang in a boys' choir for three years.
When he was 13, Jeff formed a band called M.I.J. with his friends Ryan Scheife and Mike Kennedy. The band played indie rock music. They released several recordings and stayed together for seven years.
Music Career Highlights
In 2003, Jeff Hanson started his solo career, meaning he began making music by himself. He sent a demo tape, which is a recording of his songs, to Kill Rock Stars Records. He was the very first artist they signed just from an unsolicited demo!
He released three albums with the label. His first solo album, Son, came out in 2003. Then, he released an album called Jeff Hanson in 2005. His third album, Madam Owl, was released on August 19, 2008.
One of his songs, "Hiding Behind the Moon," was even used in a TV show called Nip/Tuck. Another song, "Daylight," appeared on a music collection called The Sound the Hare Heard in 2006.
Personal Life
In 2005, Jeff married Megan Anzelc. Megan was also a musician and played piano and other instruments on his albums. They later divorced in 2008.
Jeff Hanson passed away on June 5, 2009, in his apartment in St. Paul, Minnesota.
Discography
- 1995 Chewed Smooth Center (with M.I.J.)
- 1996 300 Miles (7") (with M.I.J.)
- 1999 M.I.J. (EP) (with M.I.J.)
- 2000 Radio Goodnight (with M.I.J.)
- 2003 Devil in the Woods (EP)
- 2003 Son
- 2005 Jeff Hanson
- 2008 Madam Owl
