Gordon Matthew Thomas Sumner, CBE (born 2 October 1951), widely known by his stage name Sting, is an English musician and actor from Wallsend in North Tyneside. Prior to starting his solo career, he was the principal songwriter, lead singer and bassist of the rock music band The Police. As a solo musician and member of The Police, Sting has received sixteen Grammy Awards for his work, receiving his first Grammy for Best Rock Instrumental Performance in 1981, and receiving an Oscar nomination for best song. Sting is one of the most influential songwiters of the 1980s, and his success has had a profound impact on popular music. Sting has sold over 100 million albums worldwide, making him one of the most successful artists of all time. One of rock music's highest profile stars, Sting is an outspoken advocate against rainforest destruction and for environmental protection. He is a member of both the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and the Songwriters Hall of Fame.