Buddy You’re a Boi, Make a Big Noise.
On the day my daughter got braces, we talked about a musician whose smile rocked the world.
Have you heard about the shy boy named Farrokh who loved glitter, cats & playing piano? As a child, he taught himself to play instruments by listening to songs on the radio.
When he met other kids who liked music, they formed a band called the Hectics. He loved acting in school theater and being as glamorous as possible. He felt most like himself on stage, under the guise of “a performer.”
When Farrokh was a teen, a violent war broke out, forcing his family to flee the only home they had ever known— Zanzibar. He settled into England as a refugee, where he began studying art and design. He felt in his heart that he was destined to be famous. No one understood why.
Until they heard him sing.
His nickname was Bucky. He loved to laugh but always covered his mouth because he was self-conscious about his smile. But that smile was his luckiest charm, and soon it would be his super power.
Farrokh chose not to get braces or have any dental work. He believed his unique set of pearly whites helped his broad vocal range of nearly four octaves.
He decided to be called Freddie Mercury.
Freddie and his nerdiest friends formed a band called QUEEN. The drummer had a degree in biology, the guitarist had a degree in physics, and the bassist had a degree in electronics. They worked well together and encouraged Freddie to be his most glamorous self.
Soon they were busy rocking stages around the world.
That shy kid from East Africa felt brave singing falsetto, wearing satin, and composing hits like:
Bohemian Rhapsody, We are the Champions, Under Pressure and We Will Rock You.
Not only was Freddie brave each time he took the stage, but he also chose to be who he wanted and love who he wanted throughout his life.
If you’re ever afraid to be yourself, think about Freddie and smile with pride…
Braces, breakouts, glitter, rainbows and all.
And remember sweet boi, you are beautiful and brave.
Learn more about Freddie Mercury with these illustrated children’s books:
Little People Big Dreams: Freddie Mercury
Celebrate Freddie’s story with these conversation starter tees:
Young Freddie from the Gentle Boys Collection
Make a Big Noise from the Pride Collection
Freddie Parade from the Pride Collection
Introduce the littlest Queen fans with the Freddie Rattle
“I won't be a rock star. I'll be a legend.”
— FREDDIE MERCURY
