Aaron Lewis is a bit of a chameleon. He’s best known as the tattooed lead singer, guitarist and songwriter for post-grunge band Staind. Aaron has a terrific voice that he plays like an instrument – loud and powerful one moment; soft and sensitive the next. His range has enabled him to sit on stage with an acoustic guitar and sing everything from Alice In Chains, NIN, Stone Temple Pilots and Pearl Jam to Cyndi Lauper. These days, he’s crafting a career as an old school country singer/songwriter.
Aaron was born April 13, 1972, in Rutland, VT. He grew up in Longmeadow and Springfield, MA. Not much is known about his early life, which he has kept private. We know his mother was Jewish and his father Catholic, that he attended Hebrew school, and that his parents divorced when he was young. Aaron likes to hunt (bow) and fish, and play golf. He’s been filmed hunting and fishing for TV “outdoors” shows.
Lewis’ music career began in 1990, in a Springfield, MA, band called J-CAT (the initials of the band members’ first names). Their club act was apparently much like the Staind ballads to come. In fact, “Outside” and “It’s Been Awhile” were first performed with this group. Lewis founded Staind in 1995, and they got their first break touring with Limp Bizkit. Staind recorded 7 studio albums before going on a two-year hiatus in 2012. Three of those albums were #1s, and two others were top 5. They’ve had 5 #1 singles. Staind re-grouped and played a few shows in 2014, but have been inactive since.
During Staind downtimes, Aaron released a country album The Road and an EP. A second country album is expected any time. He is enjoying the more relaxed touring schedule in country music. In contrast to rock bands that tour for 6-8 weeks straight, 6 night per week, the country music schedule revolves around playing weekends. Those hoping for Staind to tour again may be out of luck. The lead guitar player has joined another group with a 3-record contract. And, Aaron, who has back problems, has said he’s not physically up to the rigors of rock touring.
Happy Birthday to Aaron Lewis!
