Tina Weymouth facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Tina Weymouth
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Weymouth at South by Southwest 2010
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| Birth name | Martina Michèle Weymouth |
| Born | November 22, 1950 Coronado, California, U.S. |
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| Years active | 1975–present |
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Tina Weymouth, born Martina Michèle Weymouth on November 22, 1950, is an American musician, singer, and songwriter. She is best known as a founding member and bass player of the famous new wave band Talking Heads. She also started another band called Tom Tom Club with her husband, Chris Frantz, who was the drummer for Talking Heads. In 2002, Tina Weymouth was honored by being added to the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame as a member of Talking Heads.
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Early Life and Musical Beginnings
Tina Weymouth was born in Coronado, California. Her father, Ralph Weymouth, was a U.S. Navy Vice Admiral. Tina was the third of eight children. Her sisters, Lani and Laura Weymouth, later worked with her in the band Tom Tom Club. Her brother, Yann Weymouth, is a well-known architect who designed the Salvador Dalí Museum in Florida. Tina's mother came from Brittany, a region in France.
When Tina was 12 years old, she joined a music group called Mrs. Tufts’ Potomac English Hand Bell Ringers. She even toured with them. At 14, she began teaching herself how to play the guitar. Some of her early musical heroes were Bob Dylan and Peter, Paul and Mary.
Joining Talking Heads
While studying at the Rhode Island School of Design, Tina met Chris Frantz and David Byrne. They formed a band called the Artistics. Tina and Chris Frantz started dating, and Tina often drove the band around.
After they finished college, the three friends moved to New York City. David and Chris were looking for a bass guitar player but couldn't find the right person. So, Chris asked Tina to join them. She agreed and began learning to play the bass guitar for the band.
As the bass player for Talking Heads, Tina created a unique sound. She mixed simple, artistic bass lines with catchy, dance-like rhythms. This style became a key part of Talking Heads' music.
Other Music Projects
Tina Weymouth and Chris Frantz started their own band called Tom Tom Club in 1980. This project kept them busy when Talking Heads took a break. Later, when it seemed that David Byrne was not interested in making more Talking Heads albums, Tina, Chris, and Jerry Harrison reunited. They formed a new group called "The Heads" in 1996. They released one album called No Talking, Just Head, which featured different singers.
Tina also worked as a music producer for the band Happy Mondays on their 1992 album Yes Please!. She also sang backup and played percussion for the band Gorillaz on their song "19-2000".
In 2003, Tina worked with the group Chicks on Speed. They covered the Tom Tom Club song "Wordy Rappinghood" for their album 99 Cents. This version of "Wordy Rappinghood" became a popular dance hit in Europe.
Personal Life
Tina Weymouth and Chris Frantz got married in 1977. They live in Fairfield, Connecticut, and have two sons.
In March 2022, Tina and Chris were in a car accident. Tina was hurt, suffering a fractured sternum and three fractured ribs.
Musical Impact
In 2020, Rolling Stone magazine recognized Tina Weymouth as one of the greatest bass players of all time, ranking her 29th.
Tina Weymouth has inspired many female bass players. These include Este Haim and Victoria De Angelis from the band Måneskin.
Images for kids
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Weymouth at South by Southwest 2010
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Weymouth with Talking Heads in Minneapolis, 1977
See also
In Spanish: Tina Weymouth para niños
