Scott Stapp Biography
Scott Alan Stapp (born Anthony Scott Flippen; August 8, 1973) is an American singer and the lead vocalist and lyricist of the rock band Creed. He has also fronted the band Art of Anarchy and has released four solo albums: The Great Divide (2005), Proof of Life (2013), The Space Between the Shadows (2019), and Higher Power (2024).
Stapp was a founding member and the original lead vocalist of Creed. After meeting Mark Tremonti at Lake Highland Preparatory School in Orlando, Florida, they reunited at Florida State University and formed Creed in 1994 with Brian Marshall and Scott Phillips. The band released its debut album My Own Prison in 1997, selling over six million copies. Hits like "My Own Prison," "Torn," "What's This Life For," and "One" topped Billboard's Hot Mainstream Rock Tracks chart. The band followed this success with Human Clay in 1999, which was certified diamond and eleven times platinum by the RIAA. Their third album, Weathered, was released in 2001. He and Creed bandmate Mark Tremonti won a Grammy Award for Best Rock Song in 2001 for the song 'With Arms Wide Open'.
Stapp's musical influences include The Doors, particularly Jim Morrison. In 1999, he performed with the surviving members of The Doors during a televised concert and contributed to the Stoned Immaculate: The Music of the Doors tribute album. Ray Manzarek of The Doors once remarked, "When you hear Scott Stapp singing, it's kind of shocking because it sounds so much like Jim Morrison."
After Creed announced its breakup in 2004, Stapp recorded the song "Relearn Love" with 7 Aurelius and The Tea Party for the album The Passion of the Christ: Songs, a collection of tracks inspired by the 2004 Mel Gibson film The Passion of the Christ. He then began working on his debut solo album. Titled The Great Divide, the record was released in the U.S. on November 22, 2005, peaking at No. 19 on the Billboard 200. "The Great Divide," "Justify," and "Surround Me" were released as singles. The album was certified platinum on December 14, 2005. The Great Divide has since reached double platinum. He followed with additional solo projects Proof of Life in 2013, The Space Between the Shadows in 2019, and most recently Higher Power in 2024. He has also collaborated with other artists, including Carlos Santana and electronic dance music artists Wooli and Trivecta.
Stapp identifies as a Christian and has shared this with the press. In a 2013 interview, Stapp confirmed, 'I would feel a connection with God when I wrote the words and then when I would sing the songs, learning the songs, I would feel the Holy Spirit.' He also wrote a memoir, Sinner's Creed, which was released by Tyndale House Publishers on October 2, 2012. The book delves into his fundamentalist upbringing, the meteoric rise and eventual fall of Creed, and his ongoing battle with addiction. The narrative also explores the rediscovery of his faith and the courageous launch of his solo career. Through it all, Sinner's Creed serves as a gripping testament—a reminder that God is always present in our lives, even amidst the colossal messes we sometimes create. 'Life's mysteries can be unraveled by listening to one's inner voice. For me, that means leaning on my faith in God and listening to His voice to guide me through the struggles and darkness,' says Stapp about his 2024 release "Higher Power".
Creed reunited in 2009 to release Full Circle. Before the reunion, Stapp maintained a deliberate silence about Creed, avoiding discussions about his relationships with band members or the meanings behind his lyrics. They announced another reunion in 2023 for the "Summer of '99" cruise in 2024.
Stapp has been open about his struggles with addiction and mental health, including a diagnosis of bipolar disorder. He has been involved in various philanthropic efforts, including founding the With Arms Wide Open Foundation to help underprivileged children and families. Read more on Last.fm. User-contributed text is available under the Creative Commons By-SA License; additional terms may apply.