Bebe Buell
???? Bebe Buell – Model, Singer, Muse, and Author
Full Name: Beverle Lorence Buell
Born: July 14, 1953, Portsmouth, Virginia, USA
Occupation: Model, Singer, Author
Notable Works: Autobiography Rebel Heart: An American Rock and Roll Journey
Children: Liv Tyler
Website:
???? Early Life and Modeling Career
Bebe Buell was born in Portsmouth, Virginia, to Dorothea Johnson, who founded the Protocol School of Washington, and Harold Lloyd Buell, a U.S. Navy officer and World War II veteran. Her nickname, "Bebe," originated from the French word for "baby," as she was born on Bastille Day, and the hospital nurses affectionately called her "Baby Buell." At 17, Buell was discovered by modeling agency executive Eileen Ford and relocated to New York City at 18 to pursue a modeling career. She was featured as Playboy's Playmate of the Month in November 1974.
???? Rock and Roll Muse
In the 1970s, Buell became a prominent figure in the rock music scene, known for her relationships with several famous musicians. She dated Iggy Pop, David Bowie, Mick Jagger, and Todd Rundgren, among others. Her relationship with Rundgren lasted from 1972 to 1978, and during this time, she had a brief affair with Steven Tyler of Aerosmith, resulting in the birth of her daughter, Liv Tyler, in 1977. To protect Liv from the media's scrutiny of Tyler's drug addiction, Buell initially claimed Rundgren was the father. Liv learned the truth about her paternity when she was 10 years old.
???? Author and Cultural Icon
In 2001, Buell co-authored her autobiography, Rebel Heart: An American Rock and Roll Journey, with Victor Bockris. The book became a New York Times bestseller and provided an insider's view of the rock music scene during the 1970s and 1980s. Filmmaker Cameron Crowe cited Buell as an inspiration for the character Penny Lane in his 2000 film Almost Famous.
???? Music Career
Buell's passion for music led her to pursue a singing career. She formed the band The B-Sides in the early 1980s, releasing an EP titled A Side of the B-Sides. In 1985, she started another band, The Gargoyles, and released a couple of singles. After a hiatus, Buell returned to music in the 1990s, recording solo albums such as Free To Rock (2000) and Hard Love (2011), produced by her husband, Jim Wallerstein.
???? Personal Life
Buell married musician and actor Coyote Shivers in 1992; they divorced in 1999. In 2002, she married Jim Wallerstein, a musician with the band Das Damen. The couple resides in Nashville, Tennessee. Buell is also a mother to Liv Tyler, who has followed in her footsteps to become an actress and model.
???? Legacy and Influence
Bebe Buell's life and career have left an indelible mark on the music and fashion industries. Her experiences and insights continue to inspire new generations interested in the intersection of music, culture, and personal expression.
If you're interested in exploring more about Bebe Buell's music or reading her autobiography, feel free to ask!