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Aaron Lewis

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

Aaron Lewis
Lewis performing with Staind in 2021
Lewis performing with Staind in 2021
Background information
Born (1972-04-13) April 13, 1972 (age 52)
Rutland, Vermont, U.S.
OriginMassachusetts, U.S.
Genres
Occupations
  • Singer
  • musician
  • songwriter
Instruments
  • Vocals
  • guitar
Years active1990–present
Labels
Member ofStaind

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

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

Early life

[edit]

Lewis was born in Rutland, Vermont, to a Jewish mother and a Catholic father of Italian, English and Welsh descent. At the time of his birth, his parents were living in a log cabin. Lewis moved to New Hampshire when he was 8, and lived there until he was 12. When his parents split up, he moved with his father to Longmeadow, Massachusetts, where he attended Longmeadow High School. He also lived in Forest Park, Springfield, Massachusetts.[3][4][5]

Career

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Staind

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Main article: Staind

Solo career

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In July 2010, Lewis finished recording a country music EP entitled Town Line that was released on March 1, 2011, via 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.[6] 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.[7]

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.[8] 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.[9]

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.[10][11] 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.[12]

On April 12, 2019, Lewis released his third solo album, State I'm In.[13]

On July 4, 2021, he released "Am I the Only One", a song protesting America's leadership and left-wing activists.[14]

On October 21, 2021, Lewis released "Goodbye Town" and also announced that he would release his fourth solo album Frayed at Both Ends on January 28, 2022.[15]

On March 29, 2024 Lewis released his country album, The Hill.[16]

Collaborations

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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".[9]

Personal life

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Lewis resides in Worthington, Massachusetts with his wife Vanessa; the two married in 2002, they have three daughters.[17][18] 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."[19]

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", around age four or five. He prefers to hunt deer with a compound or recurve bow, and he occasionally utilizes a muzzleloader.[20]

Lewis has been open about his struggles with substance abuse and mental health issues, writing about his problems in Staind songs and his country music.[21][22]

Lewis is a fan of the Boston Red Sox and New England Patriots.[23][24] Lewis is an avid baseball fan; he famously sang the national anthem prior to game 1 of the 2014 World Series, though received backlash due to him forgetting the words. He had previously criticized pop singer Christina Aguilera for the same offense.[25]

Lewis is a vocal supporter of the Republican Party,[26] known for expressing his conservative views often; Lewis supported Donald Trump before the 2016 election, although he said he was disappointed with his "bickering and name-calling".[27] His last tours, from 2019 and 2020, featured him wearing a Make America Great Again cap.[28][29]

Lewis has been outspoken in his opposition to the COVID-19 vaccine and mask mandates.[30]

Philanthropy

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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.[31] 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.[32]

Discography

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Lewis performing with Staind in 2001
See also: Staind discography

Studio albums

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List of studio albums, with selected chart positions
Title Album details Peak chart positions Sales
US
[33] 		US
Country
[34]
The Road 30 7
Sinner
  • Released: September 16, 2016
  • Label: Dot Records
  • Formats: CD, digital download, vinyl
 4 1
State I'm In
  • Released: April 12, 2019
  • Label: Big Machine
  • Formats: CD, digital download, vinyl
 18 2
Frayed at Both Ends
  • Released: January 28, 2022
  • Label: Big Machine
  • Formats: CD, LP, digital download, streaming
 39 5
The Hill[38]
  • Released: March 29, 2024
  • Label: Big Machine
  • Formats: CD, LP, digital download, streaming
 175 33
"—" denotes a recording that did not chart or was not released in that territory.

Extended plays

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List of extended plays, with selected chart positions
Title Extended play details Peak chart positions
US
[33] 		US
Country
[34] 		US
Rock
[39]
Town Line
  • Released: March 1, 2011
  • Label: Stroudavarious
  • Formats: CD, digital download
 7 1 3

Singles

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List of singles, with selected chart positions and certifications, showing year released and album name
Title Year Peak chart positions Certifications Album
US
[40] 		US
Adult
[41] 		US
Alt.
[42] 		US
Country
[43] 		US
Country Airplay
[44] 		US
Heri. Rock
[45] 		US
Main. Rock
[46] 		US
Rock
[47]
"Outside"
(with Fred Durst) 		2000 56 31 2 — — — 1 — The Family Values Tour 1999
"Country Boy"
(featuring George Jones and Charlie Daniels) 		2011 87 — — 50 — 20 23 39 Town Line
"Endless Summer" 2012 — — — 39 — — — — The Road
"Forever" — — — 50 38 — — —
"Granddaddy's Gun"[49] 2013 — — — — 46 — — —
"That Ain't Country"[50] 2016 — — — — — — — — Sinner
"Am I the Only One" 2021 14 — — 1 52 — — — Frayed at Both Ends[51]
"Let's Go Fishing" 2024 — — — — — — — — The Hill
"Made In China"[52] — — — — — — — —
"Over the Hill"[53] — — — — — — — —
"—" denotes a recording that did not chart or was not released in that territory.

Music videos

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List of music videos, showing year released and director
Title Year Director(s)
"Country Boy" (version 1)[54]
(featuring George Jones and Charlie Daniels) 		2010 Alex Castino
"Country Boy" (version 2)[55]
(featuring George Jones and Charlie Daniels) 		2011 —
"Endless Summer" (live)[56] 2012 Jim Wright
"Endless Summer"[57]
"Forever" (live)[58] Fran Strine
"Forever"[59] Jim Wright
"Granddaddy's Gun"[60] 2013
"That Ain't Country"[61] 2016

Awards and nominations

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Year Association Category Result
2011 CMT Music Awards USA Weekend Breakthrough Video of the Year – "Country Boy"[62] Nominated
Collaborative Video of the Year – "Country Boy" (with George Jones and Charlie Daniels)[62] Nominated

References

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  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. ^ "Aaron Lewis and friends raise money for education at Northampton concert". August 21, 2011.
  4. ^ Eliscu, Jenny (July 19, 2001). "Staind: Dark Stars". Rolling Stone.
  5. ^ "STAIND's AARON LEWIS Playing Benefit for Alma Mater". October 20, 2006.
  6. ^ "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.
  7. ^ "Aaron Lewis: Drastic Genre Crossover". Revuewm.com. Archived from the original on March 15, 2012. Retrieved November 8, 2011.
  8. ^ "Aaron Lewis Reveals Album Details". Musicrow.com. March 27, 2012. Archived from the original on March 3, 2016. Retrieved August 10, 2015.
  9. ^ a b "Broadway's Electric Barnyard". Broadwayselectricbarnyard.com. Archived from the original on February 10, 2014. Retrieved August 10, 2015.
  10. ^ "Aaron Lewis stays true to traditional country roots". Kansas.com. Archived from the original on April 2, 2015. Retrieved August 10, 2015.
  11. ^ "Staind singer's shift to country is all about outlook". Mrt.com. March 19, 2015. Retrieved August 10, 2015.
  12. ^ "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.
  13. ^ Freeman, Jon (January 29, 2019). "Aaron Lewis Details New Solo Album 'State I'm In'". Rolling Stone. Retrieved February 26, 2019.
  14. ^ "Country singer Aaron Lewis disses libs, Bruce Springsteen in new patriotic song". Fox News. July 4, 2021. Retrieved July 4, 2021.
  15. ^ "Aaron Lewis Gives Fans First Sample of Upcoming Album, 'Frayed at Both Ends,' with Release of 'Goodbye Town'". October 22, 2021.
  16. ^ "Aaron Lewis Drops "Made in China"". Hook & Barrel Magazine. February 23, 2024. Retrieved April 16, 2024.
  17. ^ "Who Is Aaron Lewis Wife? Age, Career, Net Worth, Children, Other Facts About Vanessa Lewis". February 22, 2022.
  18. ^ "Aaron Lewis, lead singer of Staind, has put his Western Mass. estate on the market".
  19. ^ "Aaron Lewis: Staind Couldn't See How Good New Album Was While Recording". Loudwire. September 16, 2011. Archived from the original on April 27, 2017. Retrieved April 26, 2017.
  20. ^ "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.
  21. ^ "Five Best Addiction and Recovery Songs". Drug Rehab Options.
  22. ^ "5 Rock Songs That Tackle Drug Use". October 31, 2017.
  23. ^ "Aaron Lewis on Twitter: @Aaronlewismusic: "I wear my Red Sox hat around the world with pride". Watch Aaron perform "Massachusetts" from his Townline EP".
  24. ^ "AARON LEWIS: THE ROAD". December 12, 2012.
  25. ^ "The Staind Singer Who Made Fun Of Christina Aguilera's National Anthem Screwed Up The National Anthem". MTV. Archived from the original on March 27, 2023.
  26. ^ "Aaron Lewis on Tucker Carlson, 'idiotic' Biden and 'all this racism that appeared out of nowhere'". Los Angeles Times. March 22, 2022.
  27. ^ "Aaron Lewis on Committing to Country Music, Status of Staind & Why He'd 'Certainly Vote For' Donald Trump". Billboard. March 5, 2016. Archived from the original on June 11, 2016.
  28. ^ "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.
  29. ^ "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.
  30. ^ Kaufman, Gil (March 21, 2022). "Aaron Lewis Tells Crowd 'Maybe We Should Listen' to Vladimir Putin, Questions Reality of Ukrainian War". Billboard. Retrieved March 21, 2022.
  31. ^ "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.
  32. ^ "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.
  33. ^ a b "Aaron Lewis Chart History: Billboard 200". Billboard. Retrieved April 9, 2024.
  34. ^ a b "Aaron Lewis Chart History: Country Albums". Billboard. Retrieved April 9, 2024.
  35. ^ "Upcoming Releases". Hits Daily Double. HITS Digital Ventures. Archived from the original on August 29, 2016.
  36. ^ Bjorke, Matt (March 13, 2018). "Top 10 Country Albums Chart: March 12, 2018". Roughstock. Retrieved April 14, 2018.
  37. ^ Bjorke, Matt (February 25, 2020). "Top 10 Country Albums Chart in Pure Sales: February 24, 2020". Roughstock. Retrieved March 6, 2020.
  38. ^ "Aaron Lewis Readies New Album 'The Hill'". January 12, 2024.
  39. ^ "Aaron Lewis – Chart History: Rock Albums". Billboard. Retrieved September 19, 2012.
  40. ^ "Aaron Lewis – Chart History: Hot 100". Billboard. Retrieved September 14, 2021.
  41. ^ "Aaron Lewis – Chart History: Adult Pop Songs". Billboard. Retrieved July 25, 2012.
  42. ^ "Aaron Lewis – Chart History: Alternative Songs". Billboard. Retrieved July 25, 2012.
  43. ^ "Aaron Lewis – Chart History: Country Songs". Billboard. Retrieved September 14, 2021.
  44. ^ "Aaron Lewis – Chart History: Country Airplay". Billboard. Retrieved September 14, 2021.
  45. ^ "Aaron Lewis – Chart History: Heritage Rock". Billboard. Retrieved August 4, 2013.
  46. ^ "Aaron Lewis – Chart History: Mainstream Rock Tracks". Billboard. Retrieved August 4, 2013.
  47. ^ "Aaron Lewis – Chart History: Rock Songs". Billboard. Retrieved July 25, 2012.
  48. ^ a b "American certifications – Lewis, Aaron". Recording Industry Association of America. Archived from the original on September 4, 2015. Retrieved November 9, 2012.
  49. ^ "R&R Going For Adds: Country (Week Of: June 25, 2013)". Radio & Records. Archived from the original on August 5, 2013. Retrieved August 4, 2013.
  50. ^ "Aaron Lewis Questions Country Music With New Single, "That Ain't Country"". The Country Daily. September 16, 2016. September 16, 2016. Retrieved April 2, 2022.
  51. ^ "Aaron Lewis Gives Fans First Sample of Upcoming Album, 'Frayed at Both Ends,' with Release of 'Goodbye Town'". October 22, 2021.
  52. ^ "AARON LEWIS Releases 'Made In China' Single, Says He Is 'American As It Gets'". Blabbermouth. February 23, 2024. Retrieved April 9, 2024.
  53. ^ "STAIND's AARON LEWIS Releases New Country Solo Single 'Over The Hill'". Blabbermouth. March 15, 2024. Retrieved April 4, 2024.
  54. ^ "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.
  55. ^ "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.
  56. ^ "CMT : Videos : Aaron Lewis : Endless Summer (Live)". Country Music Television. Archived from the original on March 2, 2017. Retrieved September 19, 2016.
  57. ^ "CMT : Videos : Aaron Lewis : Endless Summer". Country Music Television. Archived from the original on March 2, 2017. Retrieved September 19, 2016.
  58. ^ "CMT : Videos : Aaron Lewis : Forever (Live Version)". Country Music Television. Archived from the original on March 2, 2017. Retrieved September 19, 2016.
  59. ^ "CMT : Videos : Aaron Lewis : Forever". Country Music Television. Archived from the original on March 2, 2017. Retrieved September 19, 2016.
  60. ^ "CMT : Videos : Aaron Lewis : Granddaddy's Gun". Country Music Television. Archived from the original on March 2, 2017. Retrieved September 19, 2016.
  61. ^ "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.
  62. ^ a b "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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