Guess the ’70s rock singer based on what they studied in college
Do you know all there is to know about your favorite rock legends from the ’70s? Sure, you can probably hum along to their greatest hits and recall their wildest moments on stage, but here’s a twist that might catch you off guard: many of these iconic musicians had some pretty captivating academic backgrounds before the world recognized their names. Believe it or not, some of them delved into subjects like astrophysics and economics, earning degrees that unexpectedly influenced their music.
It might seem surprising that higher education and rock and roll could go hand in hand, but it turns out, they often do! Many of the most creative musicians were also top-notch students, using their classroom knowledge to push the boundaries of their albums and performances. These rock stars didn’t just rock out; they added depth, sophistication, and unique insights to a genre that shaped a whole generation.
So, how well do you really know the brainy side of rock history? We’ve put together a list of ten legendary ’70s artists and their unexpected college majors. Each clue will give you a hint about their studies before they became stars. Can you connect the degree to the rock star? Let’s find out just how well you know these musical icons!
Singer 1
This flamboyant frontman studied graphic design and art at Ealing Art College in London.
Freddie Mercury (Queen)
Born Farrokh Bulsara, Freddie Mercury’s background in graphic design at Ealing Art College was instrumental in shaping Queen’s iconic visual aesthetic, including designing the band’s famous crest. His artistic flair extended far beyond music, influencing their album covers and stage presence.
Singer 2
Before becoming a rock and roll icon, this lead singer pursued a degree in economics at the London School of Economics.
Mick Jagger (The Rolling Stones)
Mick Jagger briefly attended the London School of Economics, a prestigious institution, before fully committing to his music career with The Rolling Stones. His early academic pursuits offer a surprising contrast to his wild, rebellious stage persona.
Singer 3
Known for his poetic lyrics and enigmatic stage presence, he studied film at the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) School of Theater, Film and Television.
Jim Morrison (The Doors)
Jim Morrison’s studies in film at UCLA deeply influenced his artistic vision, leading to a cinematic approach to songwriting and performance with The Doors. His fascination with film and poetry is evident in the band’s psychedelic and often dark lyrical themes.
Singer 4
This legendary guitarist and songwriter earned a Ph.D. in Astrophysics from Imperial College London, famously completing it years after achieving global fame.
Brian May (Queen)
Queen’s lead guitarist, Brian May, is not just a rock legend but also an accomplished astrophysicist. He paused his Ph.D. studies when Queen took off but returned to complete his doctorate in 2007. His scientific background is a unique facet of his multifaceted career.
Singer 5
Before finding fame as a frontman, this musician worked as a schoolteacher, having studied at Northern Counties College of Education.
Sting (The Police)
Gordon Sumner, better known as Sting, worked as a primary school teacher and taught English and music before forming The Police. His educational background highlights a more conventional path he could have taken, starkly contrasting with his later global rock stardom.
Singer 6
This influential songwriter and bassist initially studied architecture at Regent Street Polytechnic in London.
Roger Waters (Pink Floyd)
Roger Waters, a principal songwriter and co-founder of Pink Floyd, studied architecture before the band’s rise. Although he didn’t complete his degree, his early interest in structure and design may have subtly influenced Pink Floyd’s complex conceptual albums.
Singer 7
This Eagles co-founder and drummer studied English literature at North Texas State University.
Don Henley (Eagles)
Don Henley attended North Texas State University, where he majored in English literature. His academic background likely contributed to the thoughtful and often poetic lyrics found in many of the Eagles’ classic songs.
Singer 8
Known for her powerful vocals and psychedelic rock presence, she attended the University of Miami and then the San Francisco Art Institute, focusing on fine arts.
Grace Slick (Jefferson Airplane / Jefferson Starship)
Grace Slick’s background in fine arts, particularly her time at the San Francisco Art Institute, aligns with the countercultural and artistic explosion of the psychedelic era. Her creative pursuits extended beyond music into painting and drawing throughout her life.
Singer 9
Before his theatrical rock career, this powerful vocalist studied theatre and drama at North Texas State University.
Meat Loaf (Marvin Lee Aday)
Marvin Lee Aday, famously known as Meat Loaf, studied theatre and drama at North Texas State University. This academic foundation influenced his theatrical stage performances, which were a hallmark of his successful rock career, especially with albums like Bat Out of Hell.
Singer 10
This innovative frontman attended the Rhode Island School of Design, where he explored art and design, influencing his band’s unique visual style.
David Byrne (Talking Heads)
David Byrne, the creative force behind Talking Heads, attended the Rhode Island School of Design. His art school background heavily influenced the band’s avant-garde visual aesthetic, from album covers to iconic music videos and stage performances, making them pioneers in art-rock.
Conclusion
What was your final score? If you got 7 or more correct, congratulations—you’re officially a rock history aficionado! These unexpected academic paths remind us that some of the best music can emerge from the most surprising backgrounds. Who’d have guessed that someone with a degree in astrophysics could rock out on guitar or that an economics major could become one of the most infamous frontmen in rock history?
These varied educational experiences weren’t just coincidences; they played a crucial role in shaping the music we adore today. For instance, Brian May’s scientific background added a layer of precision to Queen’s intricate harmonies, while Jim Morrison’s studies in film infused The Doors’ psychedelic sound with vivid storytelling. The depth and intellect these artists brought from their college days contributed to creating some of the most groundbreaking and memorable music of the ’70s.
Curious to explore more about the world of rock? Check out our throwback quizzes and classic music content here at MediaFeed, where you can uncover even more surprising insights about the legends who have provided the soundtrack to our lives. From hidden talents to untold stories, we’ve got plenty of nostalgic gems to keep the music going!
Related:
- 14 songs from 1968: Can you name them from just one line?
- We Never Want to Hear These 10 Songs Again (Ever)
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This article was syndicated by MediaFeed.org.
