Ian Gillan
Ian Gillan, born on August 19, 1945, in Chiswick, London, England, is a renowned English singer and songwriter, celebrated as the lead vocalist and lyricist for the iconic rock band Deep Purple. Known for his powerful and wide-ranging voice, Gillan has significantly influenced the rock and heavy metal genres over his extensive career.
Gillan's early life was steeped in music, with his mother, Audrey, playing the piano and singing, which left a lasting impression on him. Influenced by Elvis Presley, Gillan began his musical journey in the mid-1960s, fronting several local bands. He joined Episode Six in 1964, where he met bassist Roger Glover. In 1969, both joined Deep Purple, leading to widespread commercial success with albums like "Deep Purple in Rock" (1970) and "Machine Head" (1972), featuring classics such as "Smoke on the Water."
After leaving Deep Purple in 1973, Gillan formed the Ian Gillan Band in 1975, exploring jazz fusion and progressive rock. He later formed Gillan, focusing on hard rock and heavy metal. In 1983, he joined Black Sabbath for the album "Born Again." The following year, Deep Purple reformed, and Gillan rejoined, contributing to their continued success.
Gillan's career also includes singing the role of Jesus in the original recording of Andrew Lloyd Webber's rock opera "Jesus Christ Superstar" (1970) and participating in the charity supergroup Rock Aid Armenia. He has engaged in various business ventures, including investments in a hotel and music recording facilities.
Gillan married his girlfriend Bron in 1984, and they have a daughter, Grace, who is also a singer. As of 2023, Ian Gillan's net worth is estimated to be around $40 million, reflecting his successful and diverse career.