Aaron Lewis

Aaron Lewis (born April 13, 1972) is an American singer, songwriter and musician who is best known as the lead vocalist, rhythm guitarist and founding member of the rock band Staind, with whom he released seven studio albums. Since 2010, he also pursues a successful solo career in country music with his debut EP Town Line, which was released on March 1, 2011 on Stroudavarious Records. Lewis' first full-length solo release, The Road, was released by Blaster Records on November 13, 2012.[1]

This article is about the musician. For the Welsh professional footballer, see Aaron Lewis (footballer).

Aaron Lewis
Lewis performing in 2012
Background information
Born (1972-04-13) April 13, 1972
Rutland City, Vermont, U.S.
OriginLongmeadow, Massachusetts, U.S.
Genres
Occupation(s)
  • Singer
  • songwriter
  • musician
Instruments
Years active1990–present
Labels
Associated acts

In 2006, Lewis was ranked at number 49 in the Top 100 Heavy Metal Vocalists by Hit Parader.[2]

Early life

Lewis was born in Vermont to a Jewish mother and a Catholic father of Italian, English, and Welsh descent. At the time of his birth, his hippie parents were living in a log cabin. When his parents split up, he moved with his father to Springfield, Massachusetts, where he attended high school.[3]

Career

Solo career

In July 2010, Lewis finished recording a country music EP entitled Town Line that was released March 1, 2011 on Stroudavarious Records. It features seven tracks including three versions of the first single "Country Boy" featuring George Jones, Charlie Daniels, and Chris Young, as well as the songs "Massachusetts", "Vicious Circles", "The Story Never Ends", and a re-recording of "Tangled Up in You" originally from The Illusion of Progress.[4] Lewis said in a July 2011 interview that he was introduced to country music as a child by his grandfather, but his interest was recently rekindled when he toured with fellow rock turned occasional country singer Kid Rock.[5]

Lewis performing at the House of Blues in Cleveland in 2013

Lewis released his first full solo album, The Road, in November 2012. Its debut single, "Endless Summer", has also made the country charts. Lewis wrote every song on the ten track collection, except for "Granddaddy's Gun" which was penned by Dallas Davidson, Rhett Akins and Bobby Pinson, marking the first time Lewis has recorded outside material for an album.[6] In an interview with Broadway's Electric Barnyard, Lewis said he recorded "Granddaddy's Gun" as both a compliment to a friend, and because he was pressed for time.[7]

Lewis wrote songs for his second solo album whilst touring in support of The Road, often performing with Katz Von Brunenburg in his live sets.[8][9] The album, dubbed Sinner, was mostly recorded in a single 18 hour session, with many tracks done in one take. Aaron's daughter Zoe also provides guest vocals on one song.[10]

On April 12, 2019, Lewis released his third solo album, State I'm In.[11]

Collaborations

Lewis was featured on the song "No Sex" by Limp Bizkit on their album Significant Other. He was also featured on a remix of the song "Crawling" on Linkin Park's first remix album Reanimation (titled as "Krwlng" on the remix album). He contributed vocals to the song "Follow" by Sevendust from Animosity, and to the songs "Bleed" and "Send in the Clowns" by the band Cold from 13 Ways to Bleed on Stage. He's also featured on Jimmie's Chicken Shack's song "Falling Out", the only single off their 2004 album re.present. In December 2010, while promoting his Town Line album, Lewis collaborated with Corey Taylor for a one-night-only acoustic duet show covering songs such as Pearl Jam's "Black", Pink Floyd's "Comfortably Numb", and Alice in Chains' "Down in a Hole". Lewis told Broadway's Electric Barnyard that he is open to collaborating with anyone. When asked specifically about Jason Aldean, whom he shouts out in "Endless Summer", Lewis said, "Yeah."[7]

Incidents and controversies

2014 Kansas City Rockfest

At the 2014 Kansas City Rockfest, during the performance of the song "Something to Remind You" from Staind's eponymous 2011 album, Aaron Lewis scolded some men for groping a teenage female fan while she was crowd surfing. His rant was met with applause from the audience.[12]

2019 Oklahoma City

Aaron Lewis was due to take part in a solo performance in Oklahoma City when he took to the stage and was three minutes from finishing his performance before shouting at the unruly audience and storming off stage.

Members of the audience can be heard shouting at the singer, causing him to stop playing and shout “Shut the fuck up” before more audience members hurled abuse at the singer.

One audience member can be heard screaming, “Fuck you”. Obviously not happy with having insults hurled at him, the singer stopped playing and waited for the audience to be civilized. Another audience member can be heard shouting at the crowd, “Shut the fuck up and go home”.

Aaron responds to the audience saying “Listen, I'm fucking good. I don't have to do this... Listen, if you don't shut the fuck up, you can't even hear the guitar. So shut up. I've got 3 more fucking minutes... Can you please, for once-- Through the whole fucking evening, you guys have talked all fucking night. Shut the fuck up or I'm done! It's so fucking ironic that this song is a thank you and I can't get you to shut the fuck up to hear it.”

He tries to begin his song but, after the crowd refuses to be quiet, he drops his guitar on the ground and tosses a red drink cup into the audience before walking off stage."[13][14]

.[15][16] Lewis supported Donald Trump before the United States presidential election of 2016, even though he said he was disappointed with his "bickering and name-calling" that was not exhibiting presidential behavior.[17] His last tours of the years 2019 and 2020 were made wearing a MAGA cap.

Personal life

Lewis is married to Vanessa Lewis and has three daughters, Zoe Jane, Nyla Rae and Indie Shay. Lewis also has two sisters, Evyette and Rachel, as well as a brother, Jesse. Regarding the commercial success of Staind's albums in the early 2000s, Lewis reflected "A lot of other people made a shit load of money but we're the same as any of you. I have to work to pay my bills."[18]

In a five-minute interview with Outdoor Life magazine Lewis said that he has been hunting whitetail deer since he was old enough to keep up in the "good old woods," since probably around age four or five. His preferred method of hunting deer is with a compound or recurve bow, and he occasionally utilizes a muzzleloader.[19]

Lewis has been open about his struggles with substance abuse and mental health issues. He has written about his problems in Staind songs and his country music.

Philanthropy

On November 4, 2006, Lewis performed at his old high school in Longmeadow, Massachusetts and gave all the proceeds to the music department to fund the department's expenses to buy new equipment and supplies.[20] Lewis's main focus, however, is the non-profit organization It Takes a Community, where he and his wife have started to reopen their daughters' elementary school in Worthington, Massachusetts.[21]

Discography
See also: Staind discography

Studio albums
List of studio albums, with selected chart positions
Title Album details Peak chart positions Sales
US
[22]		 US
Country
[23]
The Road 307
Sinner
  • Released: September 16, 2016
  • Label: Dot Records
  • Formats: CD, digital download, vinyl
 41
State I'm In
  • Released: April 12, 2019
  • Label: Big Machine
  • Formats: CD, digital download, vinyl
 182
[26]

Extended plays
List of extended plays, with selected chart positions
Title Extended play details Peak chart positions
US
[22]		 US
Country
[23]		 US
Rock
[28]
Town Line
  • Released: March 1, 2011
  • Label: Stroudavarious
  • Formats: CD, digital download
 713

Singles
List of singles, with selected chart positions and certifications, showing year released and album name
Title Year Peak chart positions Certifications Album
US
[29]		 US
Adult
[30]		 US
Alt.
[31]		 US
Country
[32]		 US
Country Airplay
[33]		 US
Heri. Rock
[34]		 US
Main. Rock
[35]		 US
Rock
[36]
"Outside"
(with Fred Durst)		 2000 56312———1— The Family Values Tour 1999
"Country Boy"
(featuring George Jones and Charlie Daniels)		 2011 87——50—202339 Town Line
"Endless Summer" 2012 ———39———— The Road
"Forever" ———5038——–
"Granddaddy's Gun"[38] 2013 ————46———
"That Ain't Country" 2016 ———————— Sinner
"Sinner"
(featuring Willie Nelson)		 ———————–
"Whiskey and You" ———————–
"Lost and Lonely" ———————–
"Mama" ———————–
"Folded Flag" 2017 ———————— Non-album single
"The Bottom" 2019 ———————— State I'm In
"State I'm In" ————————
"It Keeps On Workin'" ————————
"—" denotes a recording that did not chart or was not released in that territory.

Music videos
List of music videos, showing year released and director
Title Year Director(s)
"Country Boy" (version 1)[39]
(featuring George Jones and Charlie Daniels)		 2010 Alex Castino
"Country Boy" (version 2)[40]
(featuring George Jones and Charlie Daniels)		 2011 N/A
"Endless Summer" (live)[41] 2012 Jim Wright
"Endless Summer"[42]
"Forever" (live)[43] Fran Strine
"Forever"[44] Jim Wright
"Granddaddy's Gun"[45] 2013
"That Ain't Country"[46] 2016

Awards and nominations
Year Association Category Result
2011 CMT Music Awards USA Weekend Breakthrough Video of the Year – "Country Boy"[47] Nominated
Collaborative Video of the Year – "Country Boy" (with George Jones and Charlie Daniels)[47] Nominated

References
  1. Wyland, Sarah (August 29, 2012). "Aaron Lewis Plans an 'Endless Summer'". Great American Country. Archived from the original on December 3, 2013. Retrieved August 30, 2012.
  2. "Blabbermouth.net Heavy Metal's All-Time Top 100 Vocalists – Dec. 1, 2006". Roadrunnerrecords.com. Archived from the original on June 6, 2011. Retrieved October 31, 2011.
  3. Eliscu, Jenny (July 19, 2001). "Staind: Dark Stars".
  4. "Aaron Lewis Talks "Town Line," Alice in Chains, Christmas and George Jones – ARTISTdirect News". Artistdirect.com. Archived from the original on December 24, 2010. Retrieved November 8, 2011.
  5. "Aaron Lewis: Drastic Genre Crossover". Revuewm.com. Archived from the original on March 15, 2012. Retrieved November 8, 2011.
  6. "Aaron Lewis Reveals Album Details". Musicrow.com. March 27, 2012. Archived from the original on March 3, 2016. Retrieved August 10, 2015.
  7. "Broadway's Electric Barnyard". Broadwayselectricbarnyard.com. Archived from the original on February 10, 2014. Retrieved August 10, 2015.
  8. "Aaron Lewis stays true to traditional country roots". Kansas.com. Archived from the original on April 2, 2015. Retrieved August 10, 2015.
  9. "Staind singer's shift to country is all about outlook". Mrt.com. March 19, 2015. Retrieved August 10, 2015.
  10. "Aaron Lewis on committing to country music, status of Staind & why he'd 'certainly vote for' Donald Trump". Billboard. Archived from the original on June 11, 2016. Retrieved June 16, 2016.
  11. Freeman, Jon (January 29, 2019). "Aaron Lewis Details New Solo Album 'State I'm In'". Rolling Stone. Retrieved February 26, 2019.
  12. "Aaron Lewis Scolds Grabby Audience in Onstage Rant: 'Your Mothers Should Be Ashamed' (Video)". Billboard. June 2, 2014. Archived from the original on June 5, 2014. Retrieved June 10, 2014.
  13. "Singer Aaron Lewis of Staind screams 'Shut the F up' at crowd and storms off stage". March 11, 2019. Retrieved March 11, 2019.
  14. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D0b8XBvaE5Y
  15. "Massachusetts Republican Aaron Lewis of Staind shares his political beliefs with paper". Red Mass Group. Archived from the original on August 25, 2011. Retrieved November 8, 2011.
  16. "Aaron Lewis of Staind talks about solo country CD, politics, and why the folks at MTV should be burned at the stake". masslive.com. February 25, 2011. Archived from the original on October 29, 2011. Retrieved November 8, 2011.
  17. "Aaron Lewis on Committing to Country Music, Status of Staind & Why He'd 'Certainly Vote For' Donald Trump". March 5, 2016. Archived from the original on June 11, 2016.
  18. "Aaron Lewis: Staind Couldn't See How Good New Album Was While Recording". Archived from the original on April 27, 2017. Retrieved April 26, 2017.
  19. "5 Minutes with Aaron Lewis, Outdoor Life, June/July 2011, Page 124". Outdoorlife.com. Archived from the original on October 26, 2011. Retrieved November 8, 2011.
  20. "STAIND's AARON LEWIS Playing Benefit For Alma Mater". BLABBERMOUTH.NET. October 20, 2006. Archived from the original on February 2, 2017. Retrieved January 26, 2017.
  21. "Staind's Aaron Lewis Starts New Charity, Discusses Solo Debut". Billboard.com. September 14, 2009. Archived from the original on July 1, 2013. Retrieved November 8, 2011.
  22. "Aaron Lewis – Chart History: Billboard 200". Billboard. Retrieved March 9, 2011.
  23. "Aaron Lewis – Chart History: Country Albums". Billboard. Retrieved November 22, 2012.
  24. "Upcoming Releases". Hits Daily Double. HITS Digital Ventures. Archived from the original on August 29, 2016.
  25. Bjorke, Matt (March 13, 2018). "Top 10 Country Albums Chart: March 12, 2018". Roughstock. Retrieved April 14, 2018.
  26. "Billboard Country Update" (PDF). April 22, 2019.
  27. Bjorke, Matt (February 25, 2020). "Top 10 Country Albums Chart in Pure Sales: February 24, 2020". Roughstock. Retrieved March 6, 2020.
  28. "Aaron Lewis – Chart History: Rock Albums". Billboard. Retrieved September 19, 2012.
  29. "Aaron Lewis – Chart History: Hot 100". Billboard. Retrieved July 25, 2012.
  30. "Aaron Lewis – Chart History: Adult Pop Songs". Billboard. Retrieved July 25, 2012.
  31. "Aaron Lewis – Chart History: Alternative Songs". Billboard. Retrieved July 25, 2012.
  32. "Aaron Lewis – Chart History: Country Songs". Billboard. Retrieved July 25, 2012.
  33. "Aaron Lewis – Chart History: Country Airplay". Billboard. Retrieved July 25, 2012.
  34. "Aaron Lewis – Chart History: Heritage Rock". Billboard. Retrieved August 4, 2013.
  35. "Aaron Lewis – Chart History: Mainstream Rock Tracks". Billboard. Retrieved August 4, 2013.
  36. "Aaron Lewis – Chart History: Rock Songs". Billboard. Retrieved July 25, 2012.
  37. "American certifications – Lewis, Aaron". Recording Industry Association of America. Archived from the original on September 4, 2015. Retrieved November 9, 2012.
  38. "R&R Going For Adds: Country (Week Of: June 25, 2013)". Radio & Records. Retrieved August 4, 2013.
  39. "CMT : Videos : Aaron Lewis, George Jones, Charlie Daniels : Country Boy". Country Music Television. Archived from the original on September 23, 2016. Retrieved September 19, 2016.
  40. "CMT : Videos : Aaron Lewis : Country Boy (Fourth of July Military Tribute)". Country Music Television. Archived from the original on March 2, 2017. Retrieved September 19, 2016.
  41. "CMT : Videos : Aaron Lewis : Endless Summer (Live)". Country Music Television. Archived from the original on March 2, 2017. Retrieved September 19, 2016.
  42. "CMT : Videos : Aaron Lewis : Endless Summer". Country Music Television. Archived from the original on March 2, 2017. Retrieved September 19, 2016.
  43. "CMT : Videos : Aaron Lewis : Forever (Live Version)". Country Music Television. Archived from the original on March 2, 2017. Retrieved September 19, 2016.
  44. "CMT : Videos : Aaron Lewis : Forever". Country Music Television. Archived from the original on March 2, 2017. Retrieved September 19, 2016.
  45. "CMT : Videos : Aaron Lewis : Granddaddy's Gun". Country Music Television. Archived from the original on March 2, 2017. Retrieved September 19, 2016.
  46. "Aaron Lewis' New Album SINNER Debuts at No. 1 on iTunes Albums Charts". The Country Note. September 17, 2016. Archived from the original on March 2, 2017. Retrieved September 19, 2016.
  47. "It's Jason Aldean's Kinda Party: Leads CMT Music Awards Nominations". Roughstock. Archived from the original on September 29, 2012. Retrieved May 1, 2011.
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