Gordon Matthew Thomas Sumner (born October 2, 1951), known as Sting, is an English musician and actor. He was the principal songwriter, lead singer, and bassist for rock band the Police from 1977 to 1984. He launched a solo career in 1985, and has included elements of rock, jazz, reggae, classical, and world-beat in his music. As a solo musician and a member of the Police, Sting has received 17 Grammy Awards and is widely regarded as one of the world’s best-selling music artists.