Sting

Erudite is not a word usually associated with trans-era rockers, but Gordon Sumner, Sting, slips comfortably into the adjective. Criticized by rockers for being cerebral and by the cerebral for being too rock, Sting's career ascended as he satisfied each wing in turn while the opposing felt compelled to listen, if only to find the flaws. Fond of jazz-rock early in his career, Sting's early and enormous success was with The Police, and his post-Police solo and combo work reveal him to be a singer of strength, a writer of depth and a keen observer. Inspired by dreams, literature and Jungian psychology, Sting's music spans themes of love and affection, loss and futility, politics and the environment. His association with causes is heartfelt and his criticisms specific and unabashed. Sting has put his comfort zone to work as bully pulpit, addressing the issues of hunger, war and disease among others via his appearances on stage and in-concert.