It Happened Today: Sept. 5, 1946

Farrokh Bulsara, better known by his stage name, Freddie Mercury, was born 62 years ago today in Stone Town, Zanzibar.

In 1964, Mercury and his family left Zanzibar due to a revolution there, which would eventually lead to the island's unification with Tanganyika and the creation of Tanzania. They settled in London and Mercury eventually received a diploma in art and graphic design. After playing in a few bands that went nowhere, he met guitarist Brian May and drummer Roger Taylor, formed Queen and legally changed his name.

Mercury quickly became known for his vocal range (four octaves!), his live performances and stage get-up. He wrote most of Queen's hit singles, including "Bohemian Rhapsody," "We Are The Champions," "Killer Queen" and others. Mercury sang on 14 Queen albums while he was alive, and his vocals were also used on the posthumous Made In Heaven.

Mercury's sexual orientation is a matter of debate. While many people describe him as gay, he had a girlfriend at one point, with whom he co-habitated, which has led some to label him bisexual. Mercury and his girlfriend later broke up and Mercury began referring to himself as "gay" by 1974.

In addition to his work with Queen, Mercury had a somewhat successful solo career. He released two solo albums, Mr. Bad Guy and Barcelona, in the 1980s.

Mercury was diagnosed with AIDS in 1987, but did not go public about his having the disease until Nov. 22, 1991. Mercury passed away of complications of bronchopneumonia, caused by AIDS on Nov. 24, 1991. In 1992, the surviving members of Queen organized the Freddie Mercury Tribute Concert For AIDS Awareness and established The Mercury Phoenix Trust, which has since raised millions of dollars for AIDS research and charities.

Mercury's influence can be heard today in the music of Muse, Jeff Buckley and many others.