Iggy Pop founded the punk band the Stooges and performed as its lead singer.
Born James Newell Osterberg Jr., Iggy Pop formed the Stooges in Ann Arbor, Michigan, in 1967 with guitarist Ron Asheton, drummer Scott Asheton, and bassist Dave Alexander. The group’s raw volume, repetition, and confrontational performances later made it a major influence on punk rock.
The Stooges released their self-titled debut album in 1969, followed by Fun House in 1970 and Raw Power in 1973. David Bowie helped produce and edit Raw Power, strengthening the band’s connection to the wider art-rock and proto-punk world.
Iggy Pop is often labeled the “Godfather of Punk,” although that nickname is informal rather than an official title. He also had a substantial solo career, including the albums The Idiot and Lust for Life, both released in 1977. His stage persona and physical performances strongly influenced later punk singers.