Rufus McGarrigle Wainwright (born 1973) is a Canadian-American singer, songwriter, and composer renowned for his distinctive voice and diverse musical repertoire spanning baroque pop to opera.
Born in Rhinebeck, New York, to folk singers Loudon Wainwright III and Kate McGarrigle, Rufus was immersed in music from a young age. After his parents' divorce, he moved to Montreal with his mother and sister, Martha Wainwright, also a singer. Rufus began playing the piano at age six and started touring at age 13 with "The McGarrigle Sisters and Family," a folk group featuring his family members.
Wainwright's self-titled debut album was released in 1998, followed by his second album, Poses, in 2001. His albums Want One (2003) and Want Two (2004) were later combined into the double album Want in 2005. Over the years, Rufus has released eleven studio albums, including Release the Stars (2007), Out of the Game (2012), and his latest, Folkocracy (2023).
Apart from his albums, Rufus has written two classical operas and adapted Shakespeare's sonnets for a theatre piece by Robert Wilson. His work in film, television, and theatre further showcases his versatility as an artist.
Personal LifeRufus is married to Jörn Weisbrodt and has one child. He holds dual US and Canadian citizenship and has been active in the music industry since 1988.
Praised for his originality, Rufus Wainwright has established himself as one of the great male vocalists and composers of his generation. He has collaborated with a wide range of artists and continues to influence the music scene with his unique blend of pop and opera.