Life and times of Freddie Mercury: Facts you may not know

Freddie Mercury, the mesmerizing frontman of Queen, left an indelible mark on the world of music.  Freddie is Known for his singing, flamboyant stage presence, and timeless hits. His life story is a blend of creativity, fame, and personal complexity. Queen's record sales soared past 300 million worldwide and their historic two-night performance at London's Wembley Stadium in '86 remains etched in history as one of the most iconic live rock events. Here are various facts from Mercury's life that might have eluded the knowledge of even die-hard fans.

Freddie Mercury's journey has had  diverse experiences. Before rising to rock royalty, the music legend worked as a baggage handler at Heathrow Airport
Contrasting with his extravagant stage persona, one of the most intriguing aspects of Mercury's life was his introverted and empathetic nature. ,. He was a man of duality—outspoken in his music and intensely private in his personal life. This complexity extended to his relationships, particularly with two people who held special places in his heart: Mary Austin and Jim Hutton. Austin, his first serious love, received the responsibility of knowing where Mercury wanted his ashes to rest.

Mercury's songwriting was formidable, as evidenced by the fact that ten out of the 17 songs on Queen's best selling 1981 album, "Greatest Hits," were penned by him. The iconic "Bohemian Rhapsody," one of Queen's most famous tracks, had its origins when Mercury was still in college, initially bearing the title "The Cowboy Song." His musical influences included the legendary Aretha Franklin and Jimi Hendrix.

A massive statue of Mercury now graces the shores of Lake Geneva in Montreux, Switzerland, where he relocated after acquiring Mountain Studios. It was at this location that Queen recorded their final album.

Mercury's vocal range was nothing short of astounding, spanning four octaves. In 2016, a study was conducted to delve deeper into the intricacies of his remarkable voice. Despite his dental imperfections, including four extra molars at the back of his mouth, Mercury refused to get his teeth fixed, fearing it would alter his distinctive singing voice. However, he often concealed his upper row of teeth with his lip or hand while in the public eye.

Among his poignant musical contributions, Mercury co-wrote "The Show Must Go On" with fellow band member Brian May, featured on Queen's 1991 album "Innuendo." 

Freddie Mercury's life was a complex and multifaceted journey, marked by his musical genius, captivating performances, and the enigmatic persona that continues to captivate audiences worldwide.