Rufus Wainwright is an accomplished singer-songwriter and composer who has carved out a unique niche in the contemporary music world with his distinctive blend of theatrical pop, classical complexities, and poetic balladry. Born into a musical family—son of folk singers Loudon Wainwright III and Kate McGarrigle, and brother to singer-songwriter Martha Wainwright—Rufus was immersed in music from a young age and quickly established himself as a prodigious talent. His eponymous debut album was released in 1998 to critical acclaim, showcasing his lush, ornate sound and an extraordinary, expressive voice.

Wainwright's career has seen him expanding his repertoire with unrestrained creativity, including a reimagining of Judy Garland's 1961 Carnegie Hall performance with his 2007 album "Rufus Does Judy at Carnegie Hall." He has also ventured into the realms of opera, composing "Prima Donna" and setting Shakespeare sonnets to music for the San Francisco Symphony. His catalog is marked by personal introspection, grandiose compositions, and a flair for the dramatic, all of which have won him a loyal international following. With more recent releases such as "Rufus Wainwright (25th Anniversary Edition)" and the live album "Rufus Wainwright and Amsterdam Sinfonietta," Rufus continues to explore new collaborations and musical territories, cementing his legacy as one of the most innovative and engaging musicians of his generation.

Genres

Canadian Pop

Chamber Pop

Melancholia

Piano Rock

Singer-songwriter

Related Artists

Sufjan Stevens

Andrew Bird

Tori Amos

Jeff Buckley

Ben Folds

Norah Jones

Regina Spektor

Damien Rice

Nick Drake

Antony and the Johnsons

Elton John

Bon Iver

Latest Release

Old Tom Bombadil

Bear McCreary•

Rufus Wainwright

Single - Released August 15, 2024