Tina Weymouth facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Tina Weymouth
|
|
|---|---|
Weymouth at South by Southwest 2010
|
|
| Background information | |
| Birth name | Martina Michèle Weymouth |
| Born | November 22, 1950 Coronado, California, U.S. |
| Genres | |
| Occupation(s) |
|
| Instruments |
|
| Years active | 1975–present |
| Labels |
|
Tina Weymouth, born Martina Michèle Weymouth on November 22, 1950, is a talented American musician, singer, and songwriter. She is famous for being a founding member and bass player of the popular new wave band Talking Heads. She also co-founded another band, Tom Tom Club, with her husband, Chris Frantz, who was the drummer for Talking Heads. In 2002, Tina Weymouth was honored by being inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame as part of Talking Heads.
Contents
Early Life and Music Beginnings
Tina Weymouth was born in Coronado, California. Her father, Ralph Weymouth, was a U.S. Navy Vice Admiral. Tina is one of seven children. Her sisters, Lani and Laura Weymouth, also work with her in the band Tom Tom Club. Her brother, Yann Weymouth, is a well-known architect.
When Tina was 12, she joined a music group called the Potomac English Hand Bell Ringers. She even toured with them! At 14, she started teaching herself how to play the guitar.
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 started dating, and Tina often drove the band around.
After college, the three friends moved to New York City. David and Chris needed a bass guitar player for their new band. Tina agreed to learn and play the instrument, and that's how she became the bass player for Talking Heads.
Tina's Bass Style
As a bass player, Tina Weymouth created a unique sound for Talking Heads. She mixed simple bass lines, like those used in art-punk music, with catchy, funk-inspired rhythms. This special blend became a key part of Talking Heads' signature sound.
Other Musical Projects
In 1980, Tina Weymouth and Chris Frantz formed their own band called Tom Tom Club. This project kept them busy when Talking Heads took a break.
Later, in 1996, Tina, Chris, and Jerry Harrison (another member of Talking Heads) reunited. They released an album called No Talking, Just Head under the name "The Heads." This album featured different singers on each song.
Tina has also worked with other artists. She helped produce the Happy Mondays' album Yes Please! in 1992. She also sang and played percussion for the band Gorillaz on their song "19-2000".
In 2003, Tina collaborated with the group Chicks on Speed on their cover of Tom Tom Club's song "Wordy Rappinghood". This version 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. Tina's niece, Katharine Weymouth, used to be the publisher of The Washington Post newspaper.
Legacy and Influence
Tina Weymouth is recognized as a highly influential musician. In 2020, Rolling Stone magazine ranked her as the 29th greatest bass player of all time.
Many female bassists today, like Este Haim and Victoria De Angelis of Måneskin, have said that Tina Weymouth inspired them.
Equipment
Tina Weymouth has used several different bass guitars throughout her career:
- Höfner 500/2 Club Bass – She bought this hollowbody bass in 1978.
- Veillette-Citron Standard 4 String – A teal green bass with a neck-through design.
- Fender Mustang Bass – Used in early Talking Heads concerts.
- Gibson Les Paul Triumph Bass – Also used in early Talking Heads performances.
- Fender Jazz Bass – Used for Tom Tom Club live shows.
- Steinberger L-Series Bass – Seen during the Little Creatures album period.
- Chapman Stick
See also
In Spanish: Tina Weymouth para niños
