If you are a fan of alternative rock, hip hop, folk, or electronic music, chances are you have heard of Beck Hansen, or simply Beck. He is one of the most versatile and creative musicians of our time, and he has been making waves in the music industry since the early 90s. But how much do you know about him? In this article, we will explore his life, career, achievements, and net worth in a fun and informal way. Let’s get started!
Early Life and Background
Beck was born on July 8, 1970, in Los Angeles, California. His full name is Bek David Campbell, but he later changed it to Beck Hansen, using his mother’s maiden name. His parents were both artists and musicians, and they exposed him to a variety of musical genres and cultures. His father, David Campbell, was a composer and arranger who worked with artists like Carole King, Leonard Cohen, and The Rolling Stones. His mother, Bibbe Hansen, was a visual artist and a former Warhol superstar. She also performed in several punk bands in the 70s and 80s.
Beck grew up in a low-income household, and he often moved around with his family. He lived in a rooming house, with his grandparents in Kansas, and with his grandmother in Europe. He also experienced different religions, as his father was a Scientologist and his mother was a Jew. He attended a predominantly black school, where he felt like an outsider and faced bullying. He dropped out of school after junior high and started to pursue his passion for music.
Beck learned how to play the guitar at 16, and he became a street performer. He played folk songs, blues, and country music, and he also experimented with hip-hop and breakdancing. He traveled to New York City with only a few dollars in his pocket, and he joined the anti-folk scene there. He met other musicians and artists who inspired him to develop his unique and quirky style of songwriting. He returned to Los Angeles in 1991, and he started to record and distribute his demo tapes.
Career and Achievements
Beck’s career took off in 1993 when he released his breakthrough single, “Loser”. The song was a fusion of folk, rap, rock, and psychedelia, and it featured Beck’s surreal and humorous lyrics. The song became a hit, and it earned him a contract with Geffen Records. He then released his first major-label album, Mellow Gold, which was a critical and commercial success. The album showcased Beck’s eclectic and experimental approach to music, and it established him as a leader of the alternative rock movement.
Beck followed up with more albums that explored different musical genres and influences. He released Odelay in 1996, which was a masterpiece of sampling, looping, and mixing. The album featured songs like “Where It’s At”, “Devils Haircut”, and “The New Pollution”, and it won two Grammy Awards for Best Alternative Music Album and Best Male Rock Vocal Performance. He then released Mutations in 1998, which was a more acoustic and melancholic album. The album featured songs like “Tropicalia”, “Cold Brains”, and “Nobody’s Fault But My Own”, and it won a Grammy Award for Best Alternative Music Album.
Beck continued to experiment and innovate with his music in the 2000s and 2010s. He released albums like Midnite Vultures, Sea Change, Guero, The Information, Modern Guilt, Morning Phase, Colors, and Hyperspace. He collaborated with artists like Jack White, Pharrell Williams, Danger Mouse, and Flume. He also ventured into other fields, such as film scoring, art, and fashion. He won four more Grammy Awards, including Album of the Year for Morning Phase in 2015. He also received numerous accolades and honors, such as being inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, being ranked among the greatest artists of all time by Rolling Stone, and being praised as a musical genius by critics and fans alike.
Personal Life and Net Worth
Beck has been married and divorced once. He married actress Marissa Ribisi in 2004, and they had two children, Cosimo and Tuesday. They divorced in 2019, after 15 years of marriage. Beck has been dating musician and producer Natalie Bergman since 2020. He is also a Scientologist, and he has been involved in the church since his childhood. He has said that Scientology has helped him with his creativity and personal growth.
Beck has an estimated net worth of $15 million. He has earned his wealth through his successful music career, as well as his various business ventures. He owns several properties, such as a house in Los Angeles, a ranch in Malibu, and a penthouse in New York. He also has a collection of vintage guitars, cars, and art. He is known for his philanthropy, and he has supported causes like environmentalism, human rights, and education.
Conclusion
Beck Hansen is a remarkable musician who has influenced and inspired many people with his music. He is a versatile and creative artist who has explored and mastered various musical genres and styles. He is a prolific and acclaimed songwriter who has released 14 studio albums and won 6 Grammy Awards. He is also a successful and generous businessman who has a net worth of $15 million. He is a legend and a genius, and he is still going strong. He is Beck, and he is awesome.
