September 5: Freddie Mercury of Queen was born on this date in 1946 ...

... he died at the age of 45 on November 24 1991 from of bronchopneumonia brought on by AIDS.

Mercury was a Parsi born in Zanzibar. His real name was Farrokh Bulsara. He is best known as the lead vocalist and songwriter for the British rock band Queen. He was known for his flamboyant stage persona and powerful vocals over a four-octave range.

Queen began in London in 1970, and originally consisted of Freddie (lead vocals, piano), Brian May (guitar, vocals), John Deacon (bass guitar), and Roger Taylor (drums, vocals.)

Mercury composed many of their hits, including "Bohemian Rhapsody," "Killer Queen," "Somebody to Love," "Don't Stop Me Now," "Crazy Little Thing Called Love," "We Are the Champions" and "Barcelona." In addition to his work with Queen, he also led a solo career and was occasionally a producer and guest musician (piano or vocals) for other artists.

Mercury has been referred to as "Britain's first Asian rock star." In 2006, Time Asia named him as one of the most influential Asian heroes of the past 60 years, and he continues to be voted one of the greatest singers in the history of popular music. In 2005, a poll organized by Blender and MTV2 saw Mercury voted the greatest male singer of all time.

In 2009, a Classic Rock poll saw him voted the greatest rock singer of all time. In 2008, Rolling Stone editors ranked him number 18 on their list of the 100 greatest singers of all time. Allmusic has characterized Mercury as "one of the most dynamic and charismatic frontmen in rock history."

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