Historical Figure
Jeff Lynne
b. 1947
English musician (born 1947)
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Biography
Jeffrey Lynne is an English musician, singer-songwriter, and record producer. He is the co-founder and only consistent member of the rock band Electric Light Orchestra (ELO), which was formed in 1970. He has written all of the band's music since 1972, including hits such as "Evil Woman", "Livin' Thing", "Telephone Line", "Mr. Blue Sky", "Don't Bring Me Down", and "Hold On Tight". He also has had a solo career, with two albums: Armchair Theatre (1990) and Long Wave (2012).
In Their Own Words (5)
Midnight on the water I saw the ocean's daughter Walking on a wave's chicane Staring as she called my name And I can't get it out of my head No, I can't get it out of my head Now my old world is gone for dead 'Cos I can't get it out of my head
"" ("Walking on a wave's chicane" are the official lyrics, but these are often heard and quoted as "Walking on a wave she came") , 1974
The love, the echoes of long ago you needed the world to know They are in Xanadu The dream that came through a million years That lived on through all the tears, it came to Xanadu
"Xanadu" , 1980
At the end of the day I have to please myself. And I've made a record to please myself.
On the album Zoom, in "An Electric return for Jeff Lynne" at CNN (3 September 2001) , 2001
A place where nobody dared to go the love that we came to know They call it Xanadu And now, open your eyes and see what we have made is real We are in Xanadu A million lights are dancing and there you are, a shooting star An everlasting world and you're here with me, eternally Xanadu
"Xanadu" , 1980
I like the natural sound of a room. All the rooms have their own sound, so it's a matter of putting it where you like and seeing what it sounds like.
On the placement of microphones in the production of the album Zoom, in "An Electric return for Jeff Lynne" at CNN (3 September 2001) , 2001
Timeline
The story of Jeff Lynne, told in moments.
Took over the Electric Light Orchestra. The concept: pick up where "I Am the Walrus" left off. Merged rock guitars with a full string section and synthesizers.
Formed the Traveling Wilburys with George Harrison, Bob Dylan, Tom Petty, and Roy Orbison. Five rock legends in a garage. Lynne produced the album in ten days.
Produced "Free as a Bird," building a track around John Lennon's 1977 demo tape. Harrison, McCartney, and Starr added their parts. The last Beatles single.
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