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English reading practice - Birth of Rock Icon (B1/B2 intermediate level English)

In the world of rock and roll, one person stands out: Freddie Mercury. He was the leader of the famous band Queen, and he made a big impact on the music world because of his amazing singing voice, his exciting performances on stage, and his talent for writing songs.


Freddie Mercury was born on this day 5th September 1946, in a place called Zanzibar, which is now part of Tanzania. He had a very diverse background because his family was from Parsi, and he spent his early years in Zanzibar and later moved to India. This meant he was exposed to many different cultures, languages, and types of music, which later influenced the kind of music he made with Queen.


Freddie's journey to fame started when he moved to England in 1964 to study art and design. It was there that he met two other musicians, Brian May and Roger Taylor. They formed the band Queen, and when they added a bassist named John Deacon, the classic Queen lineup was complete.


Queen's music was very unique. They mixed rock, opera, pop, and even a bit of theatre in their songs. This made their music different from anything else at the time. Some of their famous songs include "Bohemian Rhapsody," which had an amazing music video, and anthems like "We Will Rock You" and "We Are the Champions," which made them famous worldwide.


Freddie Mercury wasn't just a great singer and songwriter; he was also an amazing performer. When he was on stage, he wore colourful and eye-catching clothes, and he had so much energy that their concerts became big and exciting events. He had a special way of connecting with the audience, and people loved watching him perform.


One of the most special things about Freddie Mercury was his incredible singing voice. He could sing in many different styles, from soft and gentle to loud and powerful. He sang songs like "Somebody to Love" with deep emotion and songs like "Radio Ga Ga" with lots of energy.


Even though Queen was known for working together to write songs, Freddie Mercury wrote some of their biggest hits. Songs like "Killer Queen" and "Crazy Little Thing Called Love" show his songwriting talent. And of course, "Bohemian Rhapsody" is one of the most famous and complex songs in rock history.




Freddie Mercury had a big impact on the music industry and on popular culture. Even after he passed away in 1991 because of AIDS, his influence continued. He was one of the first openly gay musicians at a time when many people kept their sexuality a secret. His bravery helped change how people thought about these issues.


In 1992, there was a concert to honour Freddie Mercury. Many famous artists like David Bowie, Elton John, and George Michael performed at the concert. It raised a lot of money for AIDS research and showed how much Freddie was loved and respected.


Freddie Mercury was an incredible musician who changed the world of music with his amazing voice, dynamic performances, and unforgettable songs. His legacy lives on, and he will always be remembered as a beloved icon in the history of rock and roll.


Check your understanding

  1. Who was Freddie Mercury, and why is he significant in the world of rock and roll?

  2. Where and when was Freddie Mercury born, and how did his diverse background influence his music?

  3. How did Freddie Mercury's journey to fame begin, and who were the key members of Queen's classic lineup?

  4. What made Queen's music unique, and can you name some of their famous songs?

  5. What were some of the remarkable qualities of Freddie Mercury's stage presence, singing voice, and songwriting abilities that contributed to his success as a musician?

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