# Roxy Music > English art rock band formed in 1970 **Wikidata**: [Q334648](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q334648) **Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Roxy_Music) **Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/roxy-music ## Summary Roxy Music is an English art rock band formed in 1970, best known for pioneering the art rock genre with a blend of glam rock, avant-garde, and new wave influences. The band was founded by Bryan Ferry and became a defining force in 1970s rock music, influencing generations of musicians and shaping the sound of alternative genres. ## Key Facts - **Founded**: 1970 - **Genre**: Art rock, glam rock, new wave, proto-punk - **Founder and Lead Vocalist**: Bryan Ferry - **Key Members**: Bryan Ferry (vocals), Brian Eno (synthesizer, production), Phil Manzanera (guitar), Andy Mackay (saxophone, oboe) - **Notable Albums**: *For Your Pleasure* (1973), *Avalon* (1982) - **Record Labels**: Island Records, Atco Records, E.G. Records, Polydor, Virgin Records, Reprise Records - **Associated Genres**: Art rock, glam rock, new wave, proto-punk, New Romantic - **Inception of Art Rock Genre**: Circa 1968 - **Inception of Glam Rock Genre**: Circa 1969 - **Inception of New Wave Genre**: Circa 1976 - **Inception of Proto-Punk Genre**: Circa 1965 - **Inception of New Romantic Movement**: Circa 1979 - **Website**: [roxymusic.co.uk](http://www.roxymusic.co.uk) - **Active Period**: 1970–2011 - **Country of Origin**: United Kingdom - **Headquarters (Associated Labels)**: London (Island Records, E.G. Records, Virgin Records), New York (Atco Records, Reprise Records), Hamburg (Polydor) - **Sitelink Count**: 41 ## FAQs **Who founded Roxy Music and who were the original members?** Roxy Music was founded by Bryan Ferry in 1970. The original lineup included Ferry on vocals, Phil Manzanera on guitar, Andy Mackay on saxophone and oboe, and Brian Eno on synthesizer and production. Eno later departed to pursue a solo career, but his influence remained central to the band's early sound. **What genres is Roxy Music associated with?** Roxy Music is primarily associated with art rock, but their sound incorporates elements of glam rock, new wave, proto-punk, and New Romantic. Their experimental approach helped define the art rock genre and influenced the development of new wave and alternative rock. **What record labels has Roxy Music worked with?** Roxy Music has been associated with several major labels, including Island Records (UK), Atco Records (US), E.G. Records (UK), Polydor (Germany), Virgin Records (UK), and Reprise Records (US). These partnerships enabled global distribution and promotion of their music. **What are some of Roxy Music's most influential albums?** Among their most acclaimed albums are *For Your Pleasure* (1973) and *Avalon* (1982). These works are considered landmarks in the art rock genre and showcase the band's innovative blend of musical styles. **What is Roxy Music's legacy in the music industry?** Roxy Music redefined the boundaries of rock music by incorporating avant-garde elements and fashion into their sound. Their influence is evident in bands like U2, Manic Street Preachers, and The Damned, and artists such as Bryan Ferry and Brian Eno have continued to shape music through solo careers and production work. **What organizations or movements is Roxy Music connected to?** Roxy Music is connected to the art rock, glam rock, new wave, proto-punk, and New Romantic movements. Their work intersects with the broader cultural impact of these genres and movements, particularly in the UK music scene. ## Why It Matters Roxy Music fundamentally altered the trajectory of rock music by introducing a sophisticated, experimental approach that merged rock with elements of glam, avant-garde, and electronic music. Their innovative sound influenced the development of new wave, alternative rock, and even visual aesthetics in music. The band's legacy extends beyond their own recordings through the solo careers of its members, particularly Bryan Ferry and Brian Eno, who continued to shape music and culture long after the band's active years. Roxy Music's impact is evident in the work of artists like U2, Manic Street Preachers, and The Damned, who cite the band as a major influence. Their pioneering spirit and genre-blending approach have made them a cornerstone of modern rock history. ## Notable For - Pioneering the art rock genre with a unique blend of glam, avant-garde, and new wave influences - Influencing major artists like U2, Manic Street Preachers, and The Damned - Producing iconic albums such as *For Your Pleasure* (1973) and *Avalon* (1982) - Incorporating fashion and visual artistry into their performances, aligning with the glam rock movement - Featuring Brian Eno, a visionary in ambient music and music production - Launching the solo careers of Bryan Ferry and Phil Manzanera, both of whom became influential in their own right - Being associated with major record labels such as Island Records, Atco Records, and Virgin Records - Bridging the gap between 1970s rock and 1980s new wave, shaping the sound of both decades - Experimenting with synthesizers and electronic elements, influencing the development of electronic music - Maintaining a lasting cultural impact through their music and visual identity ## Body ### History and Formation Roxy Music was formed in 1970 by Bryan Ferry, who served as the band's founder, lead vocalist, and primary creative force. Ferry assembled a group of talented musicians including Phil Manzanera (guitar), Andy Mackay (saxophone, oboe), and Brian Eno (synthesizer, production). The band quickly established itself as a pioneering force in the emerging art rock genre, blending rock with elements of glam, avant-garde, and electronic music. Their debut album, released in 1972, marked a departure from traditional rock norms and introduced a new aesthetic that combined musical sophistication with visual flair. ### Musical Style and Influence Roxy Music's sound is characterized by its genre-blending approach, incorporating elements of: - **Art rock**: Defined by experimental and avant-garde influences, with inception around 1968 - **Glam rock**: Emerged in the UK around 1969, emphasizing theatricality and fashion - **New wave**: A pop-oriented style that developed in the late 1970s, with inception around 1976 - **Proto-punk**: A precursor to punk rock, originating around 1965 - **New Romantic**: A UK pop culture movement from the late 1970s, with inception around 1979 Their music influenced a wide range of artists, including: - **U2**: An Irish rock band that cited Roxy Music as a major influence - **Manic Street Preachers**: A Welsh rock band known for politically charged lyrics - **The Damned**: A British punk rock band - **Fiction Plane**: An English rock band - **The Police**: An English rock band ### Key Members and Contributions Roxy Music's core members and their contributions include: - **Bryan Ferry**: Lead vocalist, songwriter, and founder. Ferry's distinctive voice and eclectic style were central to the band's identity. He also pursued a successful solo career, releasing albums such as *Boys and Girls* (1985) and *Bête Noire* (1987). Ferry was appointed a Commander of the Order of the British Empire (CBE) for his contributions to music. - **Brian Eno**: Synthesizer, production, and visual art contributions. Eno pioneered ambient music and founded record labels such as Obscure Records (1975) and Warp (1989). He also produced albums for Roxy Music, including *For Your Pleasure* (1973) and *Stranded* (1973). Eno was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and won the Royal Designer for Industry award. - **Phil Manzanera**: Guitarist known for his innovative playing style and contributions to the band's sound. - **Andy Mackay**: Multi-instrumentalist (saxophone, oboe) whose contributions added a unique texture to the band's music. ### Discography and Key Works Roxy Music's discography includes several influential albums: - *For Your Pleasure* (1973): A critically acclaimed work that showcased the band's experimental approach. - *Avalon* (1982): A landmark album that blended rock with sophisticated production techniques. - Solo works by Bryan Ferry and Brian Eno further expanded the band's influence. ### Record Labels and Industry Relationships Roxy Music collaborated with several major record labels throughout their career: - **Island Records**: A British-Jamaican label founded in 1959, known for launching the careers of artists like Bob Marley and U2. - **Atco Records**: An American label founded in 1955, part of the Warner Music Group. - **E.G. Records**: A British label founded in 1969, instrumental in promoting progressive and experimental music. - **Polydor**: A German-British label with a history dating back to 1913, part of Universal Music Group. - **Virgin Records**: A British label founded in 1972 by Richard Branson, known for its diverse roster. - **Reprise Records**: An American label founded in 1960, part of Warner Music Group. These partnerships enabled global distribution and promotion of Roxy Music's innovative sound. ### Cultural Impact and Legacy Roxy Music's influence extends beyond their own recordings: - Their experimental approach helped shape the sound of art rock and new wave. - The band's visual aesthetics, including fashion and stage design, aligned with the glam rock movement. - Artists like U2, Manic Street Preachers, and The Damned have cited Roxy Music as a major influence. - The band's members, particularly Bryan Ferry and Brian Eno, continued to shape music through solo careers and production work. - Roxy Music's legacy is evident in the enduring popularity of their catalog and their influence on subsequent generations of musicians. ### Related Entities and Musical Context Roxy Music exists within a broad network of musical entities and related artists: - **Art rock**: A subgenre of rock music with inception in 1968. - **Glam rock**: A style of rock music that developed in the UK in the early 1970s. - **New wave**: A genre that encompasses pop-oriented styles from the late 1970s through the 1980s, with inception in 1976. - **Proto-punk**: A subgenre of rock music with inception in 1965. - **New Romantic**: A 1970s British pop culture movement with inception in 1979. - **U2**: An Irish rock band influenced by Roxy Music's sound. - **Manic Street Preachers**: A Welsh rock band that cited Roxy Music as an influence. - **The Damned**: A British punk rock band connected to Roxy Music's legacy. - **Fiction Plane**: An English rock band influenced by Roxy Music's experimental approach. These connections underscore the band's widespread influence across multiple genres and decades. ### Awards and Recognition Roxy Music and its members have received numerous accolades: - Bryan Ferry was appointed a Commander of the Order of the British Empire (CBE) for his contributions to music. - Brian Eno was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and won the Royal Designer for Industry award. - The band's innovative approach to music and visual artistry has been recognized by critics and fans alike. ### Legacy and Ongoing Influence Roxy Music's legacy continues to grow as new generations discover their work. Their contributions have helped shape the landscape of rock music and continue to influence contemporary culture. They remain an influential force in both music and global culture, ensuring their place as one of the most important bands of the 20th and 21st centuries. ## References 1. [Source](https://www.radiofrance.fr/personnes/roxy-music) 2. Virtual International Authority File 3. MusicBrainz 4. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013 5. Czech National Authority Database 6. BBC Things 7. [Source](https://www.telegraph.co.uk/business/2016/10/22/fenwick-familys-5m-dividend-amid-fears-for-sales/) 8. Google Knowledge Graph 9. Discogs 10. The Guardian 11. Quora 12. YouTube API