NEEDTOBREATHE is one of the most iconic rock bands in the world, known for their unique sound and charismatic frontman. Many fans of the band may be familiar with the name Bear Rinehart, but what do we know about the lead singer of NEEDTOBREATHE?
In this blog post, we will explore the life and career of William Stanley “Bear” Rinehart III, the lead singer of NEEDTOBREATHE. We will delve into his early life, his journey as a musician, and his accomplishments as a member of one of the most popular bands of our time.
Early Life and Musical Beginnings
Bear Rinehart was born on September 6, 1980, in Possum Kingdom, South Carolina. He grew up in a musical family as his father was a pastor and his mother a piano player. Bear’s brother, Bo Rinehart, would later join him in forming NEEDTOBREATHE. Music played an important role in their household, and Bear and Bo were immersed in a range of different genres, including blues, country, and rock.
At the age of 15, Bear started playing the guitar and writing songs. He began performing with Bo, and they started playing gigs at local churches and youth events. As their reputation grew, they started playing in local bars and clubs, honing their skills and developing their sound.
The Formation of NEEDTOBREATHE and Early Success
In 2000, Bear and Bo formed NEEDTOBREATHE with Seth Bolt and Joe Stillwell, and the band began performing live shows across the United States. Their unique sound, which combined elements of rock, folk, and soul, quickly caught the attention of music fans and industry insiders alike.
In 2006, NEEDTOBREATHE signed with Atlantic Records and released their debut album, “Daylight.” The album was a hit, reaching No. 5 on the Billboard Top Heatseekers chart and spawning several singles, including “You Are Here” and “The More.”
NEEDTOBREATHE’s Rise to Fame
Following the success of their debut album, NEEDTOBREATHE hit the road, performing live shows and building a dedicated fan base. They released several more albums, including “The Heat” and “The Outsiders,” before finding mainstream success with their 2011 album, “The Reckoning.”
“The Reckoning” debuted at No. 6 on the Billboard 200 chart and spawned several hit singles, including “Drive All Night” and “Slumber.” NEEDTOBREATHE’s popularity continued to grow, and they performed at several major music festivals, including Bonnaroo and Coachella.
Over the years, NEEDTOBREATHE has released several more albums, including “Rivers in the Wasteland” and “Hard Love,” and continued to build a loyal fan base.
Achievements and Legacy
As the lead singer of NEEDTOBREATHE, Bear Rinehart has achieved a great deal of success throughout his career. The band has sold millions of albums worldwide, earned a Grammy nomination, and won several Dove Awards.
Bear has also been recognized for his songwriting talents, co-writing several of NEEDTOBREATHE’s biggest hits, including “Brother” and “Washed by the Water.” His unique voice and captivating stage presence have made him a favorite among fans, and he continues to inspire musicians and music fans all over the world.
Conclusion
Bear Rinehart is one of the most talented and charismatic lead singers in the history of American rock music. As the frontman of NEEDTOBREATHE, he has captivated audiences all over the world with his unique voice, soulful lyrics, and electrifying live performances.
Whether you’re a die-hard fan of NEEDTOBREATHE or just discovering their music for the first time, there’s no doubt that Bear Rinehart’s contributions to the world of rock and roll have left an indelible mark on the genre and inspired countless musicians to follow in his footsteps.
FAQ
What happened to Bo and Bear Rinehart?
Bo and Bear Rinehart are brothers who were the main members of the alternative rock band, Needtobreathe. They formed the band in 2000 in South Carolina, and over the past two decades, they gained a loyal fanbase. Bo and Bear, who were known for their powerful harmonies, were the driving force behind the band’s success, and they released numerous hit songs, including “Brother,” “Washed By The Water,” and “Something Beautiful.”
However, in 2020, fans of the band were shocked to learn that Bo Rinehart had stepped away from the group. While the reason for his departure was not initially clear, it was later revealed that he was battling with alcoholism. In a statement released by the band, Bear explained that his brother had been struggling with addiction for a long time, and that it had finally taken its toll.
According to Bear, Bo had been in and out of rehab multiple times and had been sober for long periods, but would eventually fall back into old habits. It wasn’t until Bo began working with a trauma specialist that he realized the extent of his issues. Through years of therapy and introspection, Bo discovered that his history and upbringing were darker than he had ever realized. The trauma he had experienced had led him down a destructive path that included alcohol abuse.
Despite Bo’s departure, Needtobreathe has continued to release new music and tour, with Bear taking on a larger role as the band’s frontman. In a recent interview, Bear spoke candidly about his brother’s struggles, emphasizing the importance of mental health and seeking help when needed. While Bo is no longer a part of the band, he remains a beloved member of the Needtobreathe family and is actively working on his recovery.