David Byrne, born May 14, 1952, is an American musician, writer, visual artist, and filmmaker. He is best known as the founding member, lead singer, songwriter, and guitarist of Talking Heads, a pioneering new wave band. Beyond his work with the band, Byrne has explored solo projects and a range of artistic media including film, photography, opera, and literature. He is recognized with major awards such as an Academy Award, a Grammy, a Special Tony, and a Golden Globe, and is a Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductee with Talking Heads.