Who Is Jay Reatard? Age, Biography, and Wiki
Jay Reatard, whose real name is Jay Lindsey, was born on May 1, 1980. As of 2025, he would have celebrated his 45th birthday. Known for his energetic performances and raw sound, Reatard made a significant mark on the indie rock scene before his untimely passing in 2010. His contributions continue to influence new generations of musicians and fans alike.
Reatard’s career began in the early 1990s, and he became widely recognized for his prolific output and distinct musical style that blends punk, garage rock, and pop melodies. He released several albums and singles that garnered critical acclaim and have since become staples in the indie rock genre.
| Occupation | Rock Singer |
|---|---|
| Date of Birth | May 1, 1980 |
| Age | 29 Years |
| Birth Place | Lilbourn, Missouri, U.S. |
| Horoscope | Taurus |
| Country | U.S |
| Date of death | 13 January, 2010 |
| Died Place | N/A |
Popularity
Jay Reatard's Popularity over time
Height, Weight & Measurements
Jay Reatard stood at approximately 5 feet 10 inches (178 cm) tall. His weight during his active years was around 160 pounds (72 kg) which contributed to his robust stage presence. Although specific body measurements such as chest, waist, and hip sizes are not commonly documented, Reatard was known for his lean physique and vibrant performance style.
Family, Dating & Relationship Status
Throughout his life, Jay Reatard remained relatively private about his personal relationships. Not much is known about his dating history or any long-term partnerships. He was often focused more on his music than on a public romantic life. Following his passing in 2010, his family and friends have kept his legacy alive, reflecting on his passion for music and the deep connections he formed with those around him.
He and his family moved to Memphis when he was 8 years old, since his father struggled to find employment in his hometown. His recording career began at age 15, when a homemade demo tape he sent to Goner Records caught the ear of Eric Friedl, Oblivian band member and Goner Records' owner.
Lindsey heard Friedl and the Oblivians bandmates earlier that year when they returned home to Memphis as the opening act for Rocket from the Crypt. Lindsey became enamored of their sloppy, lo-fi music and created his brand of heavily distorted garage rock.
Friedl was impressed by Lindsey's demos and signed him to his label, later commenting, "I loved the racket so we did the record, and I've been a fan of everything he's done since. He's a pretty amazing kid."
Net Worth and Salary
At the time of his death, Jay Reatard’s estimated net worth was around $1 million. His earnings primarily stemmed from his music sales, contributions as a producer, and live performances. Reatard's vast discography continues to generate income as his music remains popular among indie and rock enthusiasts, potentially increasing his posthumous net worth over the years.
Career, Business and Investments
Jay Reatard's career is a testament to his extraordinary talent and dedication to music. He released several solo albums and had a prolific recording career with various bands including The Reatards and Lost Sounds. He was known for his DIY ethic, producing much of his music independently.
In addition to music, Reatard was involved in managing his releases through his label, Shattered Records, showcasing his entrepreneurial spirit within the music industry. His approach to music and production has inspired many upcoming artists to adopt a hands-on approach to their careers.
In 2001, Lindsey began recording music with Alicja Trout and Rich Crook as the Lost Sounds, a side project, which would ultimately usurp the Reatards as Lindsey's primary musical venture.
With alternating male and female vocals, as well as prominently employed synthesizers, the Lost Sounds were a departure from the guitar-driven garage rock of the Reatards and had a sound more akin to the early punk rock of The Screamers, a synthesizer-heavy punk band that Lindsey had been exposed to by Elvis Wong shortly after the recording of the
Reatards' first LP.
Lindsey once claimed that his time in the Lost Sounds "was and is more fun than anything else I have ever done." Yet despite Lindsey's enthusiasm for the band, the Lost Sounds bitterly broke up in 2005.
Social Network
Even though social media wasn't as prevalent during Reatard’s lifetime compared to today, his influence has had a lasting impact. Many fans and music lovers continue to discuss and share his works on various platforms. Posthumous commemorations on platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter keep his memory alive among fans who cherish his music.
By 2005, both the Reatards and the Lost Sounds had broken up, and Lindsey focused his attention on a handful of side projects, working with and releasing material under Terror Visions and Destruction Unit. Though after he began focusing on his solo career in 2006, Lindsey said he has no desire to reform his previous bands.
"I'd just feel like I was going backwards if I worked on anything else," Lindsey said.
Education
Jay Reatard attended local schools in Memphis, TN, where he grew up. While there are no official records of him pursuing higher education, his artistic development flourished in Memphis’s vibrant music scene, which heavily influenced his creative output. It was during these formative years that he began to hone his craft and explore various musical styles.
While Lindsey was still a member of the Reatards and the Lost Sounds, he joined a side project called the Final Solutions. Lindsey's association with the future members of the Final Solutions began while he was still a teenager. Fighting problems at home, Lindsey opted to take up residence with members of a local band called the Jackmonkeys.
While he was rooming with the band, he was conscripted to play drums for them at a battle of the bands, held at the school's cafeteria.
With Lindsey on drums, the band, under the moniker "the High and Mightys," performed a set of Oblivians covers, earning instant hate in the competition (FS bassist Tommy Trouble's band, the Squirrels earned third place). After separating for years, the group reformed under the Final Solutions and began touring and releasing albums.
