Tim Bergling, a/k/a Avicii 2013 (By The Perfect World Foundation – http://www.mynewsdesk.com/se/the-perfect-world-foundation/images/avicii-2-340970)
Tim Bergling (8 September 1989 – 20 April 2018), better known by his stage name Avicii, was a Swedish musician, DJ, remixer and record producer.
Bergling began his career at age 16 posting his remixes in online forums of electronic music, which led him to sign his first record label deal. He rose to prominence in 2011 with his breakthrough single “Levels”. His debut studio album, True (2013), featured electronic music blended with elements of several music genres and received generally positive reviews from music critics. It peaked within the top ten in more than fifteen countries and topped the Australian, Swedish, Danish and US dance charts. It was supported by the lead single “Wake Me Up”, which topped most music markets in Europe and reached number four in the US. In 2015 he released his second studio album, Stories, and in 2017 he released an EP titled Avici (01). In 2016, he retired from touring due to health reasons. He died on 20 April 2018 near Muscat, Oman at the age of 28.
His catalogue of music also included the singles “I Could Be the One” with Nicky Romero, “You Make Me”, “X You”, “Hey Brother”, “Addicted to You”, “The Days”, “The Nights”, “Waiting for Love”, “Without You” and “Lonely Together”. Bergling was nominated for Grammy Awards for his work on “Sunshine” with David Guetta in 2012 and his track “Levels” in 2013. Several music publications credit Bergling as among the DJs who ushered electronic music into top 40 radio in the early 2010s.
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Career: 2006-10: Early career
Bergling was a member of the Laidback Luke Forums, where he refined his craft and, at times, demonstrated his distinct deep house style. By 2009 to 2010, Bergling was a prolific producer and was releasing music incredibly quickly. His remixes during this period were “Sound of Now”, “Muja”, “Ryu” and “Even”. Bergling explained that the name Avicii means “the lowest level of Buddhist hell” (Avici) and he chose the moniker because his real name was already used upon creating his Myspace page. Then, in 2010, Bergling released the hit song “Seek Bromance”, which reached the top 20 in several countries, including Belgium, France, the Netherlands, United Kingdom, and Sweden. He also remixed Nadia Ali’s classic single “Rapture” for her album Queen of Clubs Trilogy: Onyx Edition. In October 2010, Bergling signed with the European A&R team with EMI Music Publishing.
2011–12: “Levels” and international breakthrough
In 2011, Bergling released “Levels”, which launched him into the mainstream. The song was produced by Bergling and contains a vocal sample from the 1962 gospel-inspired “Something’s Got a Hold on Me” by Etta James. The same vocal sample was used first by Pretty Lights in his 2006 song “Finally Moving”. This sample was also used by Drum and Bass producer Logistics on “Call Me Back” and by Flo Rida in his single “Good Feeling”, which was produced by DJ Prak and Cirkut. “Levels” reached the top ten in Austria, Belgium, Bosnia, Croatia, Denmark, Finland, Germany, Greece, Ireland, Italy, the Netherlands, Slovenia and the United Kingdom, whilst topping the charts in Hungary, Norway and Sweden.
In 2012, his collaboration track “Sunshine” with David Guetta was nominated for a Grammy award under the category for Best Dance Recording. His track “Fade into Darkness” was sampled by Leona Lewis on her single “Collide”. The sampling was not accredited and led to controversy as Bergling attempted to block the single’s release. The matter was resolved out of court with representatives stating “that Leona Lewis and Avicii will work together on the forthcoming single of Collide”.
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Philanthropy
After achieving widespread commercial success, Bergling began working with his manager and executive producer Ash Pournouri to start House for Hunger in 2011, a charity dedicated to alleviating global hunger. The pair wanted to showcase the giving spirit fostered by the house music community. Bergling explained, “You have to give something back. I am so fortunate to be in the position where I can actually do that. I feel lucky every day when I wake up and am able to do what I love and make a living.” In addition to donating $1 million to Feeding America, a charity founded by John van Hengel, House for Hunger has helped fund the efforts of The Feed Foundation, started by Laura Bush, allowing it to distribute over 2 million school meals throughout Africa. He also supported campaigns against human trafficking and gang violence when he directed the videos for his tracks “For a Better Day” and “Pure Grinding”.
Health and death
In January 2012, Bergling was hospitalized for 11 days in New York City with acute pancreatitis caused by excessive alcohol use. In 2014, Bergling underwent surgery and had both his appendix and gallbladder removed. In 2016, Bergling’s health deteriorated and he subsequently retired from performing live. Bergling spoke publicly about his health problems and pressure from his management in the 2017 documentary Avicii: True Stories, in which he is shown working from his hospital bed.
Bergling died on April 20, 2018 near Muscat, Oman, at the age of 28; no cause of death was immediately given. On April 21, 2018, the Omani police stated that there is “no criminal suspicion” or evidence of foul play in Bergling’s death.
Read the whole article here. It is very long and detailed but Mr. Bergling led a full life for his 28 years. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Avicii