Paul Stanley facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Paul Stanley
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Stanley at a concert in January 2010
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Stanley Bert Eisen
January 20, 1952 New York City, U.S.
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| Other names | The Starchild |
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| Years active | 1970–present |
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| Children | 4 |
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Paul Stanley, born Stanley Bert Eisen on January 20, 1952, is a famous American musician. He is best known as a co-founder, lead singer, and rhythm guitarist for the rock band Kiss. Paul Stanley helped write many of Kiss's most popular songs. He was known as "The Starchild" because of his stage makeup. In 2014, he was added to the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame with Kiss. Many people think he is one of the best rock singers and frontmen of all time.
Contents
Early Life and Music Beginnings
Growing Up in New York City
Stanley Bert Eisen was born on January 20, 1952, in New York City. His parents were Jewish. His mother's family came from Nazi Germany to the Netherlands, then to New York City. His father's parents were from Poland. Stanley was raised Jewish, but his family was not very strict about it.
His parents enjoyed classical music and light opera. Stanley especially loved the music of Beethoven.
Overcoming Challenges
Stanley was born with a condition called microtia. This meant his right ear was misshapen. He could not hear well on that side. This made it hard to tell where sounds came from. Other kids sometimes made fun of him for his ear.
In 1982, when he was 30, Stanley had surgery to fix his ear. This surgery used cartilage from his rib to create a new ear. He said this surgery gave him "a new lease on life." Because of his experience, Stanley helps an organization called AboutFace. This group supports people with facial differences.
Finding a Love for Music
Even with his hearing problem, Stanley loved music. He watched American Bandstand on TV. He enjoyed artists like Eddie Cochran and Little Richard. He learned to sing harmony with his family. He got a child's guitar when he was seven.
In 1960, his family moved to Kew Gardens, Queens. He listened to a lot of doo-wop music. When the Beatles and the Rolling Stones appeared on TV, he was inspired. He saw that performing music was something he could do. At 13, he got his first real guitar. He played songs by Bob Dylan and the Byrds.
Stanley was also good at art. He went to the High School of Music & Art in New York City. He graduated in 1970.
Becoming a Rock Star with Kiss
Forming the Band
Before Kiss, Paul Stanley was in other bands. He joined Gene Simmons' band, Wicked Lester, in the early 1970s. That band broke up. Then, Stanley and Simmons found Peter Criss through an ad. They later found lead guitarist Ace Frehley. This group became Kiss.
Kiss released their first album in February 1974. Around this time, Stanley legally changed his name to Paul Stanley. He was inspired by other musicians like Paul McCartney.
The Starchild Persona
In Kiss, Paul Stanley created his famous "Starchild" character. He wore a star painted over his right eye. For a short time, he tried a "Bandit" makeup look. But he decided the star fit him best. He said the star showed who he was.
Later, in the 1980s, Kiss performed without their famous makeup. Gene Simmons said Stanley was very important during this time. Stanley felt good performing without makeup. He felt his character wasn't just about the makeup.
Health and Performances
In 2007, Stanley had to go to the hospital for a fast heartbeat. Kiss performed without him for the first time in many years.
During Kiss's final tour, some fans wondered if Stanley was singing live. Stanley said he was taking care of his voice. The band's manager later said Stanley did sing fully, but sometimes used backing tracks to help.
Paul Stanley's Solo Work
Early Solo Albums
Paul Stanley released his first solo album in 1978. It was one of four solo albums released by Kiss members at the same time. He didn't often record music outside of Kiss. In 1987–88, he worked on another solo album. But those songs were not officially released. One song, "Time Traveler," appeared on a Kiss box set later.
In 1989, Stanley did a short tour of clubs. Future Kiss drummer Eric Singer was in his band.
Live to Win and Beyond
In 2006, Stanley released his second solo album, Live to Win. The title song was even used in a South Park episode. He toured to support the album. A concert from this tour was released as One Live Kiss in 2008.
In 2008, Stanley sang a song called "I Will Be with You" with Sarah Brightman. In 2016, he sang "Fire and Water" on Ace Frehley's covers album.
Paul Stanley's Soul Station
In 2015, Stanley started a new band called Paul Stanley's Soul Station. This band plays old soul music from the 1960s and 1970s. They also write their own songs in that style. Their first album, Now and Then, came out in 2021.
Musical Style
Paul Stanley has a tenor voice, meaning he can sing high notes. He is known for using his falsetto voice. He uses Ibanez guitars and Seymour Duncan pickups. He also uses Ernie Ball strings and ENGL amplifiers. Over the years, he has used many different types of guitars and amplifiers.
Other Projects and Ventures
In 1999, Paul Stanley starred in the musical The Phantom of the Opera in Toronto. He played the main role, the Phantom.
Stanley also started painting in 2006. He has shown and sold his artwork. He worked with the band Click Five on their song "Angel To You (Devil To Me)." He also produced an album for the band New England in 1978.
In 2012, Stanley and Gene Simmons helped start a restaurant chain called Rock & Brews. In 2013, they also became owners of the Los Angeles Kiss Arena Football League team. The team played until 2016.
In 2014, Stanley wrote a book about his life called Face the Music: A Life Exposed.
Personal Life and Health
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Paul Stanley has been married twice. His first wife was Pamela Bowen. They had one son, Evan. They divorced in 2001. In 2005, he married Erin Sutton. They have three children together. Stanley considers his children Jewish, and they are also raised Catholic.
Stanley has had two hip surgeries. He believes performing for many years in platform boots contributed to his hip problems. In 2011, he also had surgery on his vocal cords. He said he wanted to fix small issues from singing rock and roll for 40 years.
Awards and Recognition
Paul Stanley has received many awards for his music:
- He was added to the Long Island Music Hall of Fame in 2006.
- He won the Showman of the Year award at the Classic Rock Awards in 2008.
- His concert film One Live Kiss won a Classic Gold Telly Award in 2009.
- He received the Sound Partners Lifetime Achievement Award.
- Readers of Gibson.com voted him one of the top 25 frontmen in rock and roll.
- In 2014, he was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame as a member of Kiss.
Discography
Studio Albums
Solo
- Paul Stanley (1978)
- Live to Win (2006)
Paul Stanley's Soul Station
- Now and Then (2021)
with Kiss
- Kiss (1974)
- Hotter than Hell (1974)
- Dressed to Kill (1975)
- Destroyer (1976)
- Rock and Roll Over (1976)
- Love Gun (1977)
- Dynasty (1979)
- Unmasked (1980)
- Music from "The Elder" (1981)
- Creatures of the Night (1982)
- Lick It Up (1983)
- Animalize (1984)
- Asylum (1985)
- Crazy Nights (1987)
- Hot in the Shade (1989)
- Revenge (1992)
- Carnival of Souls: The Final Sessions (1997)
- Psycho Circus (1998)
- Sonic Boom (2009)
- Monster (2012)
Live Albums
- Alive! (1975)
- Alive II (1977)
- Alive III (1993)
- Kiss Unplugged (1996)
- Kiss Symphony: Alive IV (2003)
- One Live Kiss (2008) (DVD and digital download)
Guest Appearances
- "Fire and Water" (from the Ace Frehley album Origins, Vol. 1) (2016)
See also
In Spanish: Paul Stanley para niños
