Rufus Wainwright was born on July 22, 1973 in Rhinebeck, New York, USA as Rufus McGarrigle Wainwright. He has been married to Jörn Weisbrodt since August 23, 2012. They have one child.
I very consciously allowed Mark to be the captain of the ship. I said, 'If I'm going to work with yo...Show more »
I very consciously allowed Mark to be the captain of the ship. I said, 'If I'm going to work with you, I want to get you. Its about what you have to offer, not about you discovering the new Rufus'. It's taken many years for me to develop that capacity to let go and be confident in someone. Show less «
[When asked if all his older songs were getting tiresome to sing] "No, they're all fresh; fresh as d...Show more »
[When asked if all his older songs were getting tiresome to sing] "No, they're all fresh; fresh as daisies!" Show less «
I have a good face for what I do.
I have a good face for what I do.
I've developed into quite a swan. I'm one of those people that will probably look better and better ...Show more »
I've developed into quite a swan. I'm one of those people that will probably look better and better as I get older - until I drop dead of beauty. Show less «
Frank Sinatra has passed on the torch to me. But little did he know that he'd be passing it on to a ...Show more »
Frank Sinatra has passed on the torch to me. But little did he know that he'd be passing it on to a gay opera queen. Show less «
[on collaborating with producer Mark Ronson in recording 'Out of the Game'] We're both keenly aware ...Show more »
[on collaborating with producer Mark Ronson in recording 'Out of the Game'] We're both keenly aware that there are elements [to our partnership] that can benefit both camp, things we had to offer each other. I wanted a more pop approach, an upbeat palette, a certain cool factor. He wanted a depth and vocal prowess that he hadn't been around since Amy [Winehouse]. And also a variety that I alone bring in terms of musical influences. Show less «
They wanted me to be, you know, whatever..a little Japanese girl with tiny little fingers who played...Show more »
They wanted me to be, you know, whatever..a little Japanese girl with tiny little fingers who played Rachmaninoff. I could only play Mozart very slowly, so whatever, I had to leave. So I was basically thrown out of the classical world for being a renegade. Show less «
I may not lead the most dramatic life, but in my brain it's War and Peace everyday.
I may not lead the most dramatic life, but in my brain it's War and Peace everyday.
[on the production crew] They're these amazing, dedicated, dirty boys. It was very much about hangin...Show more »
[on the production crew] They're these amazing, dedicated, dirty boys. It was very much about hanging out with the boys in the clubhouse at three in the morning, listening to R&B. It was a very heterosexual environment, which I enjoyed. And except for Mark - who I was head over heels in love with - I had to tone down my seductive side. It was really about the music. Show less «
There's no life without humor. It can make the wonderful moments of life truly glorious, and it can ...Show more »
There's no life without humor. It can make the wonderful moments of life truly glorious, and it can make tragic moments bearable. Show less «
Everything I do, I feel is genius. Whether it is or it isn't.
Everything I do, I feel is genius. Whether it is or it isn't.
[on 'Out of the Game', his most commercial album to date (2012)] There hasn't been a lot of time to ...Show more »
[on 'Out of the Game', his most commercial album to date (2012)] There hasn't been a lot of time to philosophize or construct these kinds of elaborate cathedrals that I tend to do - which is great. Show less «
I like to make the mundane fabulous whenever I can.
I like to make the mundane fabulous whenever I can.
[on 2013 plans to compose an opera, with Daniel MacIvor, set in Roman times] Hadrian was an Emporer ...Show more »
[on 2013 plans to compose an opera, with Daniel MacIvor, set in Roman times] Hadrian was an Emporer filled with ambition, sensitivity and intelligence and - like all big political figures - he also had a tormented and brooding dark side. Perfect opera material. Show less «
I find so many songwriters today are missing an element ... either the production is amazing but the...Show more »
I find so many songwriters today are missing an element ... either the production is amazing but the songs aren't, or it's the other way around. Show less «
"It seems like the older I get, the more unreal the world becomes.
"It seems like the older I get, the more unreal the world becomes.
Why be in music, why write songs, if you can't use them to explore life or an idealized vision of li...Show more »
Why be in music, why write songs, if you can't use them to explore life or an idealized vision of life? I believe a lot of our lives are spent asleep, and what I've been trying to do is hold on to those moments when a little spark cuts through the fog and nudges you. Show less «
