One of the most violent, exciting, and experimental musicians in music history was born February 13th, 1961, in Washington D.C. Henry Lawrence Garfield, known as Henry Rollins, lived your “normal dysfunctional American upbringing.” He is most known for being the lead singer in Black Flag.

As an only child of divorced parents, Rollins spent his childhood living with his mother in the neighborhood of Glover Park. Rollins struggled with confidence and low self esteem after having major sexual trauma induced by a few of his mother's boyfriends growing up. This led him to getting a diagnosis for hyperactivity and depression and being prescribed Ritalin for focus at school. He attended The Bullis School, an all-male prep school, that had helped him become tough, hard working and gave him the discipline he didn’t receive from his father.

After high school, Rollins attended American University in Washington for writing but dropped out after one semester in 1979. After dropping out Rollins worked minimum wage jobs and was struggling but was happy with his decision. From 1979 to 1980, Rollins was working as a roadie for D.C. bands, including Teen Idles.

When Teen Idles singer Nathan Strejcek failed to appear at rehearsals, Rollins asked the band if he could fill in for him, and his career has shot upwards from there. In 1981, Rollins befriended members of the band Black Flag. They let him know that their lead singer, Keith Morris, wanted to step down and play rhythm guitar. They decided to perform with Rollins for a couple of shows and eventually made him the permanent replacement for Morris.

On December 5, 1981, Black Flag released their first album with Rollins titled, “Damaged.” This album is praised to be one of the most groundbreaking and excellent display of punk music to ever come out.

Their next album, “My War,” is a favorite work from Rollins, and this album was a huge step towards forming grunge music as a whole. The second half of “My War” includes songs, “Nothing Left Inside,” “Three Nights,” and “Scream.” These are some of Rollin’s most experimental work that are still influencing artists today.