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Sterling Campbell facts for kids

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Sterling Campbell
Sterling Campbell (cropped).jpg
Campbell supporting the B-52s during a 2009 tour
Background information
Born (1964-05-03) May 3, 1964 (age 61)
New York City, United States
Genres
Occupation(s)
  • Musician
  • songwriter
Instruments
  • Drums
  • percussion
Years active 1986–present

Sterling Campbell (born May 3, 1964) is a talented American drummer and songwriter. He has played drums for many famous musicians and bands. Some of these include David Bowie, Cyndi Lauper, Duran Duran, and The B-52s.

Growing Up and Finding Music

Sterling Campbell was born in New York City in 1964. He grew up in a family that loved music. His five older brothers enjoyed many types of music, from funk to Motown and rock.

Sterling started learning to play the drums when he was twelve years old. When he was fourteen, Dennis Davis, who was the drummer for David Bowie, moved into his building. Dennis invited Sterling to a David Bowie concert. This made Sterling want to practice his drums even more.

He went to a special high school for music and art in New York City. After graduating, Sterling kept practicing and writing his own songs. He also started working as a session musician, playing drums for recordings when needed.

Playing with Famous Bands

Sterling Campbell became well-known in 1986. He went on tour with the singer Cyndi Lauper for her True Colors World Tour. For the next ten years, he played with many different bands. These bands played various styles of music.

In 1989, Sterling joined the band Duran Duran. Later, in 1991, he started playing as a session musician for Soul Asylum. He played on half of the songs on their 1992 album, Grave Dancer's Union. This included their hit song "Runaway Train", which won a Grammy Award. Sterling then officially joined Soul Asylum from 1995 to 1998.

Sterling began recording music with David Bowie in 1991. He joined Bowie's band in 1992 and toured with him for fourteen years. Their last tour together was the A Reality Tour in 2004. Sterling has also worked with other artists like David Byrne, Chic, Tina Turner, and Gustavo Cerati. In 2007, he started touring again with The B-52s and played with them until 2012.

Standing Up for Human Rights

In 1996, Sterling Campbell started practicing Falun Gong. This is a peaceful practice that involves meditation and gentle exercises. People who practice Falun Gong have faced unfair treatment in China.

In 2002, Sterling traveled to Beijing, China. He wanted to speak out against the way Falun Gong practitioners were being treated. He has continued to be an advocate for human rights in China.

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