Remembering Freddie Mercury
Farrokh Bulsara, better known as Freddie Mercury, was born in Zanzibar in 1946. He and his family later relocated to London, where he and his younger sister grew up.
As an adult, Freddie Mercury had a four-octave vocal range, which is incredibly rare. His voice was loud and strong, a natural performer. As the lead singer of the band Queen, Freddie began to develop his own style and a flamboyant stage persona. His androgynous fashion choices and funky on-stage movements were instantly recognizable to his growing fan base.
There was always speculation regarding Freddie’s sexuality, mainly because of how eccentric and diva-ish he seemed to be. His unconventional choices in wardrobe and make-up also fueled the speculation. He was in a seven-year relationship with a woman named Mary Austin, who would remain one of his closest friends even once their relationship ended. After the break-up, Freddie was never spotted with any other women. He threw wild parties at which he was photographed with other men.
Freddie never confirmed or denied anything regarding his sexuality. He continued to keep his love life private until he met a man named Jim Hutton. Although Freddie never referred to Jim as his “boyfriend,” he also was not at all secretive about the two of them having a romantic relationship.
Sadly, Freddie Mercury passed away on November 24, 1991, a day after announcing to the public that he had been diagnosed with AIDS.
Freddie’s life story was recently told in the hit film Bohemian Rhapsody. Even now, twenty-seven years after his passing, it’s clear that Freddie’s legacy and music have continued to live on. He created a community in which people were free to be themselves, even if society deemed them “odd” or different.
Here are five Queen songs you should add to your playlist:
Killer Queen
Killer Queen was written by Freddie Mercury and released early on in the band’s in 1974 and included on the album Sheer Heart Attack.
Radio Gaga
Released in 1977 and written by band member Roger Taylor, Radio Gaga was another hit for Queen and was included in the album News of the World.
Somebody To Love
Released in 1976, the chorus remains as unforgettable as ever. Somebody To Love was written by lead singer Freddie Mercury and was included in the album A Day at the Races.
Don’t Stop Me Now
Don’t Stop Me Now was written by Freddie Mercury and released in 1978. It was included in Queen’s album, Jazz. The song was later revisited by band members, Brian May and Roger Taylor, in 2018 to complete the soundtrack for the biopic mentioned earlier.
Bohemian Rhapsody
Bohemian Rhapsody was released in 1975 and included in the band’s album, A Night at the Opera. The song was written by Freddie Mercury and is now considered by many to be a “coming out” song. This song became a fan favorite and the title track for the 2018 film detailing Freddie’s life.
Bohemian Rhapsody is currently screening at Cinemark 22 in Lancaster.
