Happy Birthday Orianthi! (Jan 22, 1985)

(Title image by DALL-E 3)

Hi WA Friends!

Let's celebrate Orianthi's Birthday!

Early Life and Career

Orianthi Panagaris, known as Orianthi, was born on January 22, 1985, in Adelaide, South Australia. From a young age, she was drawn to music, inspired by her father's guitar playing. By the age of six, Orianthi was playing piano, and by ten, she had switched to the acoustic guitar.

Her career took a significant turn at 18 when she played alongside Steve Vai, marking her entry into the professional music scene.

Orianthi and Steve Vai

Orianthi's style, a unique mix of rock and pop, has been widely acclaimed. She gained global attention in 2009 when selected by Michael Jackson as the lead guitarist for his "This Is It" concert series. Although the concerts were canceled due to Jackson's passing, this collaboration significantly boosted her career.

Bands and Collaborations

Orianthi has enjoyed a successful solo career and collaborated with several artists and bands. She worked with Alice Cooper as his lead guitarist and has shared stages with musicians like Carrie Underwood and John Mayer.

A Tragically Missed Opportunity

(Image by DALL-E 3)

In 2009, Orianthi was chosen by Michael Jackson to be the lead guitarist for his comeback concert series titled "This Is It." This selection was a significant endorsement of her talent, as Jackson was known for his meticulousness in choosing musicians. You may know that Michael's previous female guitar player was the great Jennifer Batten, who also played on tour with Jeff Beck.

The "This Is It" concert series was highly anticipated and was set to be a major global event, marking Jackson's return to the stage after a long hiatus. For Orianthi, this was an unparalleled opportunity to showcase her skills on one of the most prestigious platforms in the music world. It was a chance to work closely with one of the most iconic and influential artists in the history of pop music.

However, this opportunity was short-lived. Tragically, Michael Jackson passed away on June 25, 2009, just weeks before the tour was scheduled to begin. His death was a massive shock to the world and a deeply saddening moment for Orianthi.

Despite this missed opportunity, Orianthi's involvement in the rehearsals and her association with Michael Jackson significantly raised her profile in the music industry. Footage from the rehearsals was later included in the documentary film "Michael Jackson's This Is It," which offered a glimpse into Jackson's final artistic endeavors and, by extension, showcased Orianthi's talent to a global audience.

Orianthi and Michael Jackson in Rehearsal

Equipment Used (for WA "Gearheads" only Lol)

Orianthi's distinctive sound is achieved with a variety of equipment:

Guitar Arsenal:

• Paul Reed Smith Guitars:
• • Custom 24 (main weapon)
  • Private Stock Custom 24 "Blooming Lotus Glow" (signature model)
  • McCarty Hollowbody II (bluesy tones)
• Dean Markley Signature Model (single-cut)
• Gibson Les Paul (heavy riffs)
• Ibanez Jem (fast neck, versatile tone)

Amplified Power:

• ENGL Savage 120 (high-gain)
• Marshall JVM (classic Marshall tones)
• Peavey 5150 (heavy gain)
• Mesa Boogie Rectifier (rich, complex tone)

Effects Alchemy:

• Digitech Whammy (pitch-shifting)
• Dunlop Crybaby 95Q Wah (vocal-like expressiveness)
• Morley Bad Horsie 2 Contour Wah (wider tonal range wah)
• Boss Delay (depth and dimension)
• TC Electronic Corona Chorus (lush, swirling textures)
• TC Electronic Vortex Flanger (psychedelic whoosh)
• TC Electronic Nova Delay (advanced delay options)
• Dean Markley Helix Strings (smooth playing, bright tone)

Honors and Awards

Orianthi's skills and contributions to music have been recognized with various honors:

• Named one of the "12 Greatest Female Electric Guitarists" by Elle magazine.
• Received multiple awards and accolades, celebrating her impact on the music industry.

Discography

Check out "Believe" (2009), if you only listen to one album. It stands out as her most popular album.

Studio Albums:

• 2007: O
• 2009: Believe (certified gold in Japan)
• 2013: Heaven In This Hell
• 2016: Light It Up
• 2020: O
• 2022: Rock Candy

Extended Plays:

• 2009: Guitar Goddess (Japan exclusive)

Live Albums:

• 2014: Live from Hollywood

Reissues:

• 2010: O: Deluxe Edition

Singles:

• 2007: I Don't Think So
• 2008: According to You
• 2009: Suffocate
• 2010: Can't Get Better
• 2012: Heaven in This Hell
• 2013: Not Gonna Stop

Happy Birthday, Orianthi! 🎂

Here's a video of Orianthi playing at Norman's Rare Guitars. Norm has supplied rare vintage guitars and amplifiers over the years for most of the period-correct movies!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PU56wWL9UNU

You all watch the Norm's "Guitar of the Day" videos, right???: "Stratoday, TeleTuesday, Thumpin' Thursday, etc!

If you don't, I don't even want to know it! Lol 😬

BTW: The song "I'm Torn Down," which Orianthi calls a "Clapton cover," was actually written by pianist Sonny Thompson, and the guitar part was first played by the late great (so great!) Freddie King!

Eric Clapton covered so many of Freddie's tunes with his cherry red dot-neck Gibson ES-335 guitar that it's not even funny! (well, maybe a little). 😎

https://my.wealthyaffiliate.com/frankb-1/blog/happy-birthday-freddie-king

Let me know what you think in the comments ... AND

Keep on Rocking! 🤘
Frank 🎸

~ 60% Human-written content