Peter Frampton

Peter Frampton's music career began at a young age when he became a teen idol in Britain as a member of The Herd in the '60s. By 1969 he played with Humble Pie and had work as a session guitarist for other artists (including George Harrison and Jerry Lee Lewis).

Frampton went solo in the early '70s, released four albums, and toured constantly. But his solo career didn't manage to take off until he released 1976's Frampton Comes Alive!, a double album that became a multi-platinum smash hit and was, at that point, the best-selling live album ever.

Frampton uses a device called the Talkbox that has become a signature part of his sound since Frampton Comes Alive! was released. With a Talkbox, guitarists can simulate human speech patterns on guitar, making the guitar sound like it's "talking." The effect is achieved by speaking into a tube that is attached to the device while playing.

Fast Facts

1. Born: April 22, 1950
2. Birthplace: Beckenham, Kent, England.
3. Frampton Comes Alive! debuted at No. 1
4. F.C.A. sold 16 million copies worldwide
5. Hit singles: "Baby, I Love Your Way", "Do You Feel Like We Do" and "Show Me the Way."

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