Stewart Copeland

Stewart Copeland is an American musician, composer, and former drummer best known as a founding member of The Police.

Stewart Copeland is an American musician, composer, and former drummer best known as a founding member of The Police. He has also composed film, television, and video game music, and has worked in orchestral, opera, and ballet settings. Copeland was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2003 as a member of The Police.

Early life

Stewart Armstrong Copeland was born in Alexandria, Virginia, on July 16, 1952. Sources describe a childhood that included time in the Middle East and the United Kingdom, which helped shape his musical background.

The Police

Copeland co-founded The Police in 1977 with Sting and Henry Padovani; Andy Summers later replaced Padovani. Copeland served as the band's drummer, and the group became one of the most successful rock bands of the late 1970s and early 1980s. He is widely associated with The Police's distinctive rock sound and with drumming influences drawn from reggae, punk, and jazz.

Composition work

After his work with The Police, Copeland became known for film scoring and other composition work. His output includes music for films, television, video games, and larger concert forms such as opera and ballet. His credits include scores and soundtracks for films such as Rumble Fish, Highlander II: The Quickening, and South Park: Bigger, Longer & Uncut.

Recognition

Copeland has received major industry recognition, including multiple Grammy Awards and a 2003 Rock and Roll Hall of Fame induction as part of The Police. Biographical sources also identify him as a highly influential drummer.