Roger Daltrey facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Roger Daltrey CBE
Daltrey performing in 2016
Background information
Birth name	Roger Harry Daltrey
Born	(1944-03-01) 1 March 1944 (age 81) East Acton, London, England
Genres	Rock art rock hard rock soft rock power pop
Occupation(s)	Singer musician songwriter actor film producer
Instruments	Vocals guitar harmonica
Years active	1959–present
Labels	Track MCA Polydor Atlantic WEA Rhino Sanctuary

Roger Harry Daltrey (born 1 March 1944) is a famous English singer, musician, and actor. He is best known as the lead singer and a co-founder of the legendary rock band, The Who.

With The Who, Daltrey sang on many hit songs. These include "My Generation", "Pinball Wizard", "Won't Get Fooled Again", "Baba O'Riley", and "You Better You Bet". He also started his own solo music career in 1973. He has released ten solo albums and several hit songs. Some of his solo hits are "Giving It All Away", "Free Me", and "Under a Raging Moon".

The Who is one of the most important rock bands of the 20th century. They have sold over 100 million records worldwide. Daltrey has received many awards as a member of the band. These include a Lifetime Achievement Award from the British Phonographic Industry in 1988. He also received one from the Grammy Foundation in 2001. He was added to the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1990. In 2005, he joined the UK Music Hall of Fame. In 2008, he and Pete Townshend received the Kennedy Center Honors.

In 2008, Rolling Stone magazine ranked Daltrey as number 61 on their list of the 100 greatest singers of all time. In 2009, listeners of Planet Rock radio voted him the fifth-greatest rock voice. Besides music, Daltrey has also worked as an actor and film producer. He has appeared in movies, plays, and TV shows.

Roger Daltrey's Early Life

Roger Daltrey was born on 1 March 1944, in London, England. He was the oldest of three children. His father, Harry Daltrey, was an insurance clerk. Harry was called to fight in World War II when Roger was just three months old. Roger and his mother were then moved to a farm in Scotland for safety.

Daltrey went to Victoria Primary School. Later, he attended Acton County Grammar School. He went to school with future bandmates Pete Townshend and John Entwistle. Roger was a good student in his early years. He scored very well on the eleven-plus exam. This exam helped him get into the grammar school.

In 1957, Daltrey built his first guitar from a piece of wood. It looked like a cherry red Fender Stratocaster. He then joined a skiffle band called the Detours. They needed a lead singer, and Roger brought his guitar. By 1959, his father bought him an Epiphone guitar. Roger became the lead guitarist for the band. He was later expelled from school for smoking. Pete Townshend wrote that Roger had been a good student until then.

Early on, Daltrey was the leader of the Detours. He was known for being tough and keeping the band in line. Townshend said that Roger "ran things the way he wanted." Daltrey later explained that he grew up in a tough neighborhood. There, arguments were often settled with a fight.

In 1964, the band found another group using the name Detours. They decided to change their name. Townshend suggested "the Hair," and his roommate suggested "The Who." The next morning, Daltrey made the final decision. He said, "It's The Who, innit?"

Joining The Who Band

Becoming a Rock Star

Daltrey onstage with Pete Townshend, 1976

Pete Townshend started writing original songs for the band. After their first hit song, "I Can't Explain", in early 1965, Daltrey's control over the band lessened. The other members even fired him briefly in late 1965. But he was allowed back a week later, on probation. He later said, "I thought if I lost the band, I was dead."

The band's second single, "Anyway, Anyhow, Anywhere", was written by Daltrey and Townshend together. While Townshend became a great songwriter, Daltrey became known as an amazing singer and front-man. The Who's live shows were full of energy. Daltrey's move of swinging his microphone by its cord became his signature. His powerful singing in "My Generation" showed the anger and frustration of young people in the 1960s. His famous scream near the end of "Won't Get Fooled Again" became a classic rock moment.

By 1973, Daltrey was also successful with his solo music and acting. While The Who was recording their album Quadrophenia, Daltrey looked at the band's money records. He found that their finances were a mess. This caused tension within the band. During a filming session, Daltrey and Townshend had an argument. Townshend hit Daltrey with his guitar. Daltrey responded by hitting Townshend.

Daltrey became the face and voice of The Who. He helped the band become known as rebels in a changing generation. He starred as the main character in the 1975 film Tommy. He was even nominated for a Golden Globe Award for his acting debut. He also appeared on the cover of Rolling Stone magazine.

Daltrey (right) with Pete Townshend, 2004

The Who's drummer, Keith Moon, passed away in 1978. The band continued, but Daltrey felt the new drummer, Kenney Jones, was not the right fit. The Who broke up in 1983.

The band got back together in 1989 for a 25th Anniversary Tour. This tour also celebrated 20 years of their rock opera Tommy. Many guest stars joined them, like Steve Winwood and Elton John. Daltrey finished the tour even though he had an abdominal illness.

In 1996, Pete Townshend was asked to perform Quadrophenia for a charity concert. Daltrey agreed to help. The night before the show, Daltrey was hit in the face by a microphone stand. This fractured his eye socket. Everyone worried he couldn't perform. But Daltrey covered his bruises with an eye patch and did the show.

After the successful Quadrophenia tour, The Who continued to tour. They performed at the Concert for New York City in 2002. After bassist John Entwistle passed away in June 2002, Daltrey and Townshend decided to continue their planned tour. They released their first new studio album in 24 years, Endless Wire, in 2006. This led to a world tour.

In February 2010, The Who performed at the Super Bowl XLIV half-time show. Over 105 million people watched them worldwide. In March 2010, Daltrey and Townshend performed Quadrophenia again. This was a charity event for the Teenage Cancer Trust.

Songs Written by Roger Daltrey

Daltrey wrote several songs for The Who in their early years:

• "Anyway, Anyhow, Anywhere" (1965) – The Who's second single, co-written with Townshend.
• "See My Way" (1966) – Daltrey's song on the album A Quick One.
• "Early Morning Cold Taxi" (1967) – A song that was not released until later. He wrote it with David "Cyrano" Langston.
• "Here for More" (1970) – The B-side to "The Seeker".

Daltrey also wrote a song called "Crossroads Now" for The Who. Another song, "Certified Rose," was practiced by the band before John Entwistle's death. A newer version of "Certified Rose" was released on Daltrey's 2018 solo album, As Long As I Have You.

Roger Daltrey's Solo Music Career

Daltrey with the Who at the Manchester Arena, 2014

Roger Daltrey has released ten solo studio albums. His first solo album, Daltrey (1973), was made when The Who was not touring. The most popular song from this album was "Giving It All Away". It reached No. 5 in the UK. The album also did well in the United States.

His second solo album, Ride a Rock Horse, came out in 1975. This was his second most successful solo album. The album McVicar was a soundtrack for a film of the same name. Daltrey starred in and helped produce the film. All the other members of The Who played on this album. McVicar had two hit songs: "Free Me" and "Without Your Love". "Without Your Love" became Daltrey's best-selling solo song.

His next album, Parting Should Be Painless, did not sell well. Daltrey used this album to share his feelings after The Who broke up. The title song of his next album, Under a Raging Moon, was a tribute to The Who's drummer, Keith Moon, who passed away in 1978.

In 1992, Daltrey performed at the Freddie Mercury Tribute Concert. He sang the Queen song "I Want It All". This was to honor his friend Freddie Mercury, who had passed away.

To celebrate his 50th birthday in 1994, Daltrey performed two shows in New York. These concerts were later released as an album and video called A Celebration: The Music of Pete Townshend and The Who. The success of these shows led to a US tour.

Daltrey is a fan of the Premier League football club Arsenal F.C.. He wrote and performed a special song, "Highbury Highs," for the 2006 Highbury Farewell ceremony. This celebrated Arsenal's 93 years at their old stadium.

In 2009, Daltrey started a solo tour in the US and Canada. He called his new touring band "No Plan B." The band included Pete Townshend's brother, Simon. In 2010, Daltrey and No Plan B played several shows with Eric Clapton.

On 15 March 2018, Daltrey announced a new solo album, As Long as I Have You. He promoted the album on TV shows. In May 2021, Daltrey announced more solo tours. These tours took place in the summer of 2022.

Roger Daltrey's Discography

Working with Other Artists

In 1998, Daltrey performed two songs with the Jim Byrnes Blues Band. In 2009, he joined the Jam's lead singer, Paul Weller, on stage at a festival. They sang "Magic Bus" together. In 2011, Daltrey recorded a duet with French singer Laurent Voulzy.

In November 2014, Daltrey joined a local band called Milestone at a wedding reception. He sang "I Can't Explain" with them.

Roger Daltrey's Legacy

Daltrey singing with the Who in Hamburg, Germany, 1972

Pete Townshend has said that Daltrey "almost invented the pseudo-messianic role" for rock singers. This means Daltrey helped create the image of a powerful, almost god-like rock star. He is seen as one of the "gods of rock and roll." He became famous for swinging and throwing his microphone around during performances. He would match his moves to the song's rhythm. Even though he became less athletic later, his performances were still amazing.

A review of The Who's concert in 2007 said: "Suddenly everyone stopped caring about the pouring rain. When The Who took the stage, we couldn't do anything but reach for the sky and howl. Anyone who thought of calling these gods old men should be ashamed. The reports were true: Live rock doesn't get any better."

Music Equipment Used by Roger Daltrey

Daltrey performing onstage at Maple Leaf Gardens in Toronto, Canada, 1976

Daltrey built his first guitar from plywood. He also built guitars for the band when they were starting out and didn't have much money. When he became the lead singer, Daltrey rarely played guitar on stage. He sometimes played an acoustic guitar to promote his solo album. He started playing guitar with The Who again in the 1980s. He used a Fender Esquire for the song "Eminence Front". He also used a Gibson Chet Atkins SST guitar for "Hey Joe" during the 1989 tour.

After 1999, Daltrey played guitar more often in both Who and solo shows. He used a handmade acoustic guitar on The Who's 2002 tour. He also owns a Gibson Everly Brothers Flattop acoustic guitar. On his 2009 tour, he played "Blue, Red and Grey" on a ukulele.

Daltrey helped make the harmonica popular in music. He has used different brands over the years, including Hohner and Lee Oskar.

Daltrey uses Shure microphones. He tapes the cords to make them stronger. This helps him avoid cutting his hands when he swings and catches the microphone. He often uses a standard Shure SM58. He also uses a special ear monitor system.

Roger Daltrey's Acting Career

Daltrey prior to a screening of The Who Live at Kilburn 1977 at the ArcLight Sherman Oaks, 2008

Roger Daltrey's Books and Writings

Daltrey wrote for a book of childhood fishing stories in 1996. It was called I Remember: Reflections on Fishing in Childhood. In 2009, he wrote the introduction for a book about The Who's history. In 2011, he wrote an article honoring the late Ken Russell in a British newspaper.

In October 2018, Daltrey published his own life story, called Thanks a Lot Mr. Kibblewhite: My Story. The title refers to the man who expelled him from grammar school. This event led him to his successful music career.

Awards and Achievements

In 1976, Daltrey was nominated for a Golden Globe Award. This was for his first acting role in the film Tommy. He also performed on an album that won a Grammy Award for Best Traditional Folk Album in 1993. With The Who, Daltrey received a Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award in 2001. This was for his amazing contributions to music.

In 1990, Daltrey was added to the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame as a member of The Who. The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame also listed three of The Who's songs as "500 Songs that Shaped Rock and Roll." These were "My Generation", "Go to the Mirror!", and "Baba O'Riley". In 2005, Daltrey received an award for his lasting contributions to the British entertainment industry.

In 2003, Time magazine named Daltrey a "European Hero." This was for his work with the Teenage Cancer Trust and other charities. In 2004, he was given the title of Commander of the Order of the British Empire (CBE). This honor was for his services to music and charity.

As a member of The Who, Daltrey was inducted into the UK Music Hall of Fame in 2005. In 2008, he and Pete Townshend received the Kennedy Center Honors. This is one of America's highest cultural awards. In 2009, Daltrey received the James Joyce Award for his success in music.

In 2011, he received the Steiger Award in Germany for his excellent music. In November 2011, Daltrey and Pete Townshend received the Classic Album Award for Quadrophenia. In July 2012, Daltrey received an honorary degree from Middlesex University. This was to recognize his contributions to music.

Daltrey has won many awards for his music. This includes the Best Blues Album in the British Blues Awards 2015 with Wilko Johnson. In 2019, Daltrey received the Golden Plate Award from the American Academy of Achievement.

Roger Daltrey's Charity Work

Daltrey at the Hyde Park Live 8 concert in 2005

All the money made from The Who's Encore Series goes to charities for young people. Daltrey helped start the Teenage Cancer Trust concert series in 2000. The Who played at these concerts many times. Daltrey also played solo. These yearly concerts have raised over £20 million. He also supports The Whodlums, a Who tribute band that raises money for the trust.

Daltrey performed at the first ChildLine Rocks concert in London in 2008. In 2009, Daltrey was a judge for the Independent Music Awards. He also appeared on stage with Michael J. Fox for a benefit show for Parkinson's disease research. In 2010, he headlined a show to honor John Lennon. This raised money for breast cancer research. In 2011, Daltrey became a supporter of the Children's Respite Trust. This charity helps children with disabilities.

In 2011, Daltrey, Steven Tyler, and Julie Andrews helped fund research at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. This research helps repair vocal cords for people with cancer or other problems. In November 2011, Daltrey and Pete Townshend launched a program for teen and young adult cancer. This program is funded by The Who's charity, Teen Cancer America. Daltrey also announced that some money from his solo tours would go to these cancer centers. In 2012, he supported a project helping unemployed young people in Heathfield.

Roger Daltrey's Views on Politics

In 1970, Daltrey supported the National Campaign for Freedom of Information. He said he wanted to fight for workers' right to know. He believed that people needed to know what was happening behind the scenes.

Daltrey used to support the British Labour Party. However, he stopped supporting them. He disagreed with their policies on "mass immigration." In 2018, he criticized Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn, calling him a "communist".

Daltrey supported Britain leaving the European Union. He wrote that Britain should not be afraid to leave. He said that the 1960s, when Britain was independent, was a very exciting time. He believed Britain was the center of the world then. He felt that being ruled by "bureaucrats in the European Union" would prevent that again. In 2019, he again criticized the EU.

In 2017, Daltrey said that even a "dead dog" could have beaten Hillary Clinton in the 2016 US presidential election.

In 2021, Daltrey criticized the rise of "woke culture". He said that younger generations might limit themselves. He felt they were undoing creative freedoms that came from the artistic changes of the 1960s. He said it was "terrifying" and a "route to nowhere."

Roger Daltrey's Personal Life

Daltrey has been married two times. In 1964, he married Jacqueline "Jackie" Rickman. Their son, Simon, was born later that year. They divorced in 1968. In 1967, another son, Mathias, was born. In 1968, he met Heather Taylor. They have been married since 1971. They have three children: Rosie Lea (born 1972), Willow Amber (born 1975), and Jamie (born 1981). Jamie runs Daltrey's trout farm.

On his 50th birthday in 1994, Daltrey learned he had three more daughters. They were born in the late 1960s, between his marriages. All three had been adopted. They grew up before meeting their biological father. Daltrey said that his wife, Heather, welcomed them into their family. Besides his eight children, Daltrey also has fifteen grandchildren.

In 1971, Daltrey bought a farm in Sussex, England.

In 2018, Daltrey announced that he had hearing loss. This was from being exposed to loud music during performances. He said he was "very, very deaf" and encouraged audience members to use earplugs.

In 1978, Daltrey had throat surgery to remove nodules. In 2009, he found it harder to sing high notes. In 2010, he was diagnosed with vocal cord dysplasia. He had laser surgery to remove a growth. Both surgeries were successful. Daltrey has regular check-ups to monitor his voice.

Daltrey supports the Arsenal F.C. football club.

See also

In Spanish: Roger Daltrey para niños