The Unique Path of Rufus Wainwright

Rufus Wainwright began his humble beginnings into the field of music back in Rhinebeck, New York. Born in the 22nd day of July 1973, Rufus Wainwright’s ticket to success is his singer and songwriter talent. He has began making his ticket into the world of recording ever since 1998 and at present, he currently has five original albums, lots of EPs, and has also established himself as a favorite singer in numerous collaborations and compilation albums. He even found his musical ticket a way into the soundtrack recording scene.

Both of his parents were folksingers back in his birthplace in New York. However, both of his parents decided to separate and opt for divorce so Rufus was left to live with his mother in Canada. This is where he grew up for most of his youthful days. They specifically lived in Montreal, Canada. During an early time in his life, six years old to be exact, Rufus already began playing the piano and found an early ticket into the music scene. By thirteen, he was already participating on tours together with a folk group named “The McGarrigle Sisters and Family."

But when he finally reached his teen years, a different kind of ticket made itself available for Rufus’ popularity. He announced he was gay and later on, he admitted into a well-known magazine (Rolling Stone) that even his father had known earlier that Rufus is indeed a homosexual. Although his father always had a hunch for this, Rufus admits that both of his parents remain uncomfortable with the thought of their son being gay so they never brought out the subject to him.

It was also during his adolescence that he saw ticket in another genre of music—opera. This fascination would forever leave a mark in Rufus’ inspiration and motivation in doing his own brand of music. An example would be his track entitled “Barcelona” which featured some lyrics written by a classical icon himself, Giuseppe Verdi. This was also the period when he began to appreciate the likes of Judy Garland and Edith Piaf.

Eventually, it was Rufus first commercial album which would ticket him into the world of mainstream music. It was even recognized by the Rolling Stone as among the best albums of the year and thus he was given the title “Best New Artist” for the year that the album was launched. Then he was invited to star in a Gap commercial which helped increase his audience visibility.