Freddie Mercury, born Farrokh Bulsara in Zanzibar in 1946 to Indian Parsi parents, rose to global fame as the charismatic lead vocalist and pianist of the rock band Queen, renowned for his four-octave vocal range and flamboyant, theatrical stage persona. After spending his childhood in India—where he formed his first band, the Hectics—his family fled the Zanzibar Revolution and settled in England in 1964, leading him to co-found Queen in 1970 with Brian May and Roger Taylor. Mercury wrote iconic hits like "Bohemian Rhapsody," "We Are the Champions," and "Don't Stop Me Now," and his legendary performance at the 1985 Live Aid concert is considered one of the greatest in rock history. Diagnosed with AIDS in 1987, he continued recording with Queen until his death from complications of the disease on 24 November 1991, just one day after publicly revealing his diagnosis. His legacy earned him posthumous inductions into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame (2001) and Songwriters Hall of Fame (2003), as well as multiple Brit Awards and an Ivor Novello Award. Even today, his extraordinary vocal talent, enduring songwriting, and captivating stage presence cement his status as one of popular music's most influential and beloved figures.