Which British Singer Sang "Englishman in New York"? Sting — The Police Frontman Turned Solo Icon

The song "Englishman in New York" was written and performed by Sting (born Gordon Matthew Thomas Sumner), an English musician from Newcastle upon Tyne.

Sting at a Glance

• Born: 2 October 1951, Wallsend, Northumberland, England
• Band: The Police (1977–1984) — bassist, lead singer, principal songwriter
• Solo since: 1985 — The Dream of the Blue Turtles debut
• Genres: Rock, jazz, reggae, classical, world
• Honors: CBE, 17 Grammys, Rock & Roll Hall of Fame (with Police), Songwriters Hall of Fame

About the Song

• Released: 1987 on ...Nothing Like the Sun
• Inspired by: Quentin Crisp — eccentric English gay writer who moved to NYC
• Lyrics: "I'm an alien, I'm a legal alien / I'm an Englishman in New York"
• Style: Jazz-pop, soprano sax (Branford Marsalis), reggae-tinged rhythm

Other Famous Sting Tracks

• With The Police: "Roxanne," "Every Breath You Take," "Message in a Bottle," "Walking on the Moon"
• Solo: "Fields of Gold," "Shape of My Heart," "Desert Rose," "Fragile"

Sting isn't just a singer — he's a musical chameleon who made Newcastle cool in New York.