List of bands and musicians from Glasgow facts for kids

Glasgow, a big city in Scotland, is super famous for its amazing music scene! Lots of talented musicians, singers, and bands have come from Glasgow or have strong connections to the city. From rock and pop to folk and classical, Glasgow has produced artists who have made a big splash around the world.

This article will introduce you to some of the many famous musicians and bands linked to Glasgow. You'll find artists from different music styles and different times, showing just how much musical talent comes from this vibrant city.

Why Glasgow is a Music City

Glasgow has a long and rich history of music. It's known for its many live music venues, from small clubs to big arenas, where artists can perform. The city also has great music schools and a supportive community that helps new musicians grow. This makes Glasgow a fantastic place for creative people to develop their talents and share their music with others. Many artists find inspiration in the city's energy and culture.

Pop and Rock Bands You Might Know

Glasgow is especially famous for its rock and pop bands. Many groups from the city have topped the charts and toured the world.

Franz Ferdinand

Franz Ferdinand is a super popular rock band that formed in Glasgow in 2002. They are known for their catchy songs and energetic live shows. Their music often has a danceable beat, mixing rock with a bit of disco. Some of their most famous songs include "Take Me Out" and "Do You Want To." They've won many awards and are one of Scotland's most successful bands.

Chvrches

Chvrches (pronounced "Churches") is an electronic pop band that started in Glasgow in 2011. Their music features cool synthesizers and the clear vocals of their singer, Lauren Mayberry. They have gained a lot of fans around the world for their unique sound. Their songs often have deep lyrics and a dreamy feel.

Belle & Sebastian

Belle & Sebastian is an indie pop band that formed in Glasgow in 1996. They are known for their gentle, thoughtful songs and often tell stories through their lyrics. They have a very loyal fanbase and are considered one of the most important indie bands from Scotland. Their music is often described as charming and intelligent.

Simple Minds

Simple Minds is a rock band that started in Glasgow in 1977. They became very famous in the 1980s with their powerful anthems. Their song "Don't You (Forget About Me)" was a massive hit, especially after being featured in the movie The Breakfast Club. They are known for their big, stadium-filling sound and have sold millions of albums worldwide.

Texas

Texas is a Scottish band from Glasgow, formed in 1986. Led by singer Sharleen Spiteri, they are known for their soulful pop-rock sound. They have released many hit songs over the years, including "I Don't Want a Lover" and "Say What You Want." Texas has been very successful, selling over 40 million records.

Travis

Travis is a rock band that formed in Glasgow in 1990. They are known for their melodic and heartfelt songs. Their albums like The Man Who and The Invisible Band were huge successes. Songs like "Why Does It Always Rain on Me?" and "Sing" are some of their most recognizable hits. They are praised for their honest lyrics and strong songwriting.

Teenage Fanclub

Teenage Fanclub is an alternative rock band from Bellshill, near Glasgow, formed in 1989. They are admired by many musicians for their catchy guitar pop songs and harmonies. They have a loyal following and are often called "the best band in the world" by other famous artists.

Other Notable Bands

• Deacon Blue is a pop rock band that formed in Glasgow in 1985. They had many hits in the late 1980s and early 1990s, known for their catchy melodies and powerful vocals.
• The Fratellis are an indie rock band from Glasgow, formed in 2005. They are famous for their energetic songs like "Chelsea Dagger," which is often played at sports events.
• Primal Scream is a rock band that formed in Glasgow in 1982. They are known for their diverse sound, mixing rock, dance, and psychedelic music.
• Mogwai is an instrumental rock band from Glasgow, formed in 1995. They are known for their long, atmospheric songs that often build in intensity.

Singers and Solo Artists

Glasgow has also produced many talented solo singers and artists who have made their mark in music.

Lewis Capaldi

Lewis Capaldi is a hugely popular singer-songwriter from Bathgate, near Glasgow. He became famous very quickly with his powerful voice and emotional ballads. His songs like "Someone You Loved" have topped charts all over the world. He is known for his honest lyrics and funny personality.

Lulu

Lulu is a legendary singer from Glasgow. She started her career in the 1960s and has had a long and successful career in music and entertainment. Her hit song "Shout" is still famous today. She even sang the theme song for the James Bond movie The Man with the Golden Gun.

Gerry Cinnamon

Gerry Cinnamon is a singer-songwriter from Glasgow known for his folk-rock style and passionate live performances. He has built a huge fanbase through word-of-mouth and social media, often playing to massive crowds. His songs are often anthems that his fans sing along to loudly.

Other Solo Artists

• Billy Connolly is a famous comedian, actor, and folk musician from Glasgow. He often includes music in his comedy shows and has released several folk albums.
• Donovan is a Scottish singer-songwriter who became famous in the 1960s. He is known for his folk and psychedelic music, with hits like "Sunshine Superman."
• Eddi Reader is a singer from Glasgow, best known as the lead singer of the band Fairground Attraction. She has also had a successful solo career, singing folk and pop songs.
• Sharleen Spiteri is the lead singer of the band Texas. She is also a talented songwriter and guitarist.
• Jimmy Somerville is a singer from Glasgow, known for his distinctive falsetto voice. He was the lead singer of the bands Bronski Beat and The Communards, known for their pop and dance hits.

Composers and Other Musicians

Glasgow's musical talent isn't just limited to pop and rock. The city has also been home to important composers and musicians in other genres.

• Craig Armstrong is a Scottish composer who has written music for many famous films, including Moulin Rouge! and Love Actually. He often blends classical music with electronic sounds.
• Jack Bruce was a legendary bass guitarist and singer, best known as a member of the supergroup Cream. He was born in North Lanarkshire but grew up in Glasgow.
• Mark Knopfler and David Knopfler are brothers who were founding members of the hugely successful rock band Dire Straits. Mark is especially known for his unique guitar playing style.
• Oliver Knussen was a highly respected classical composer and conductor. He was known for his modern classical music.

Images for kids

• Franz Ferdinand at the 2007 Big Day Out.jpg

  Franz Ferdinand performing live.

• Lewis Capaldi (48866299696) (cropped).jpg

  Lewis Capaldi, a popular singer-songwriter from Glasgow.

See also

• List of people from Glasgow
• List of Scottish musicians