Many Mourn The Death Of Singer, Actor And Dallas Icon Who Gave Us Some Of The Best-Selling Albums Of All Time.

Michael Lee Aday, better known as his stage name Meat Loaf, died at 74. It was announced at the early hours of Jan. 21 on his Facebook page. The post said he was surrounded by his wife Deborah, daughters Pearl and Amanda and close friends.

His death was confirmed by his manager Michael Green, but a cause has not been confirmed.

Aday was born in Dallas in 1947 to a family of gospel singers. He attended Thomas Jefferson High School where he participated in theatrical productions, played football and was nicknamed “Meat Loaf” by his coach. He graduated from the University of North Texas, but after his mother died, he left Dallas for Los Angeles in the ’60s.

While in Los Angeles, he began working as a bouncer and eventually formed his own band Meat Loaf Soul.

With operatic vocals and a theatrical, cosmic stage presence, Aday cemented himself as one of the most magnetizing performers in the history of rock. His 1977 debut album Bat Out of Hell, while initially met with mixed reviews and struggled to find a record label, went on to become one of the best-selling albums ever — selling more than 40 million copies worldwide. A rock opera produced by Todd Rundgren, it was derived from a workshopped musical written by composer Jim Steinman, who collaborated with Aday. In 1993, his song “I’d Do Anything For Love” also won a Grammy for Best Solo Rock Vocal Performance.

Let’s not also forget his theatrical work and brief career on Broadway for a part in Hair and productions in More Than You Deserve and As You Like It. Aday has made memorable appearances in film, such as Eddie in The Rocky Horror Picture Show and Bob in Fight Club.

His fans and friends remember his and his well-respected career.

R.I.P

 

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Cover photo by Paul Brown.

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