Avril Lavigne

Avril Lavinge and husband Deryk Whibley (babble.com)

Quotes:

1."Deryck and I have been together for 6-an-a-half years. We have been friends since I was 17, started dating when I was 19, and married when I was 21. I am grateful for our time together, and I am grateful and blessed for our remaining friendship."
2."I'm gonna dress what's me, I'm gonna act what's me, and I'm gonna sing what's me."

Childhood/Family Life:

Avril Lavigne was born on September 27, 1984 in a town called Belleville, which is located in Ontario. As the middle child she always tried to grab the attention when it wasn't on her. Avril started wowing people with her voice and character at the age of 2. She has an older brother named Matt, a younger sister named Michelle, a mom named Judy and a dad named John. When Avril was 5, her family moved to the farming town of Napanee, Ontario. In Napanee many people play sports and listen to country music. She played hockey in a boy's hockey league with her brother. She played baseball and was a excellent pitcher. When Avril was in grade 10 she discovered skateboarding. At the age of 11 Avril began teaching herself how to play the guitar. She first learned how to play the guitar on her father's guitar. At the age of 10 she began singing solos. Avril participated in many talent shows as a child. When Avril was little she would pretend that her bed was a stage. She would stand on it and sing.

This is Avril Lavigne in high school (people.com)

Education:

Avril attended Napanee Distract Secondary School. She has a picture hanging up in Napanee Distract Secondary School to honor and recognize her achievements in music. Avril dropped out of school in grade 11 and moved to New York to record her first album.

Achievements:

Avril knew that she would have to work hard to be successful. She practiced often and worked hard. Avril has achieved great things for someone so young. One of Avril's albums called 'Let Go' sold over 14 million copies world wide. "Let Go" had many number one songs. "Under My Skin" was also a best selling album with many hit songs such as: "My Happy Ending" and "Don't Tell Me". Avril's first award that she won was in 2002. It was an MTV Video Music Award for her song "Complicated."

In 2003 Avril received 4 Juno Awards. These included awards for best new artist and best album. She won 3 more Juno Awards in 2005. Avril has been nominated for 8 Grammy Awards.

In 2006 Avril was the voice of Heather the opossum in the children's movie, Over the Hedge. She had small parts in the movies Fast Food Nation and The Flock.

In 2007 Avril released her third album and the song "Girlfriend" was on the Billboard Hot 100 charts at number five. This was the best debut of Avril's career.

Avril Lavigne

Overcoming Obstacles:

Avril has faced many challenges in her life. Before Avril became well known her manager sometimes had a difficult time booking her for performances. This was because many of the places where live bands played only allowed adults to perform. Avril was too young. Even when Avril was given a contract to record an album in New York City, there were difficulties. The record company thought Avril would sing country music. In the past, that was the type of music she had performed. Avril wanted to sing rock and roll. The record company sent songwriters to help Avril create her songs. However, she did not want to sing the songs they wrote.

Avril is also overcoming a very public separation from her husband, Deryk.

Free Choice Paragraph:

Avril is a muti talented performer who can play many instruments on stage. Not only does she sing in her concerts but she also plays the guitar, drums, keyboard, and piano. Avril also writes or co-writes all of her own music and refuses to lip sync. She sings all of her music live on stage. Avril makes young girls feel like they can do anything that they set their minds to. She had a dream of becoming a famous singer and she made it all happen. She inspires me!

Thoughts From Avril:

1. Avril always planned on being a rock star. Here are some things she has said about her life.
2. Avril travels to New York City.
"I just got there and I was like, Ok I have work to do."
3. Avril always had a strong personality.
"To understand me you have to meet me and be around me. And then, only if I'm in a good mood..."
4. Avril's CD Let Go is a success.
"I have this awesome opportunity to fulfill my dream".
5. Avril performs with Shania Twain.
"It was the biggest rush of my life...I was the happiest person in the world!"
6. Growing up, Avril liked playing sports on boys teams.
"I was always a tomboy and I guess I still am." Influences:

Many people influenced Avril's career in music. Her parents supported her interest in music and always encouraged her. Avril's father also played music and her parents bought her a guitar when she was 11 years old. Avril's parents agreed to let her go to New York City to record her first CD. They sent her older brother with her for company.

Country musician Garth Brooks was an important influence on Avril. He first became well known in 1989. Although he sang country music, Garth added rock and roll to his songs. This made country music more popular than it had been before. Many young people, such as Avril, began listening to country music. Avril then started to dream about rock and roll.