Maynard Keenan
| Maynard James Keenan | |
|---|---|
Keenan performing in October 2006
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| Background information | |
| Birth name | James Herbert Keenan |
| Born |
April 17, 1964 Ravenna, Ohio, U.S. |
| Genres | |
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| Years active | 1986–present |
| Associated acts | |
| Website | www.puscifer.com |
Maynard James Keenan (born James Herbert Keenan; April 17, 1964), often referred to by his initials MJK, is an American singer, songwriter, musician, record producer, actor, and winemaker. He is best known as the vocalist for the alternative rock bands Tool, A Perfect Circle, and Puscifer.
In addition to his music career, Keenan has ventured into fields such as acting, improvisational sketch comedy, and winemaking. He currently owns Merkin Vineyards and the associated winery Caduceus Cellars. Since rising to fame, he has been noted as being so private that he has been referred to as a recluse; however, he does emerge for the occasional interview and to support charitable causes.
James Herbert Keenan was born into a Southern Baptist family in Ravenna, Ohio, on April 17, 1964, the only child of Judith Marie (née Dougherty; November 22, 1943 – June 18, 2003) and Michael Loren Keenan (born March 4, 1946). When his parents divorced in 1968, his father moved to Scottville, Michigan and Keenan would only see him about once a year for the next 12 years. His mother remarried, bringing Keenan into an "intolerant and unworldly household" where his intelligence and creative expression would be stifled.
Keenan's mother suffered a paralyzing cerebral aneurysm in 1976, when Maynard was 11, which would later serve as the inspiration for creative works such as Tool's songs "Jimmy" and "Wings for Marie" as well as A Perfect Circle's "Judith". A few years later, she persuaded Keenan to live with his father in Scottville. Keenan considers this "the best move [he] ever made". In 1982, he graduated from Mason County Central High School in Scottville, where he was a member of the wrestling team. His father was one of the coaches for the team and left coaching at the same time Keenan graduated in 1982.
Inspired by Bill Murray's performance in the 1981 comedy film Stripes, Keenan joined the United States Army, with the intention of having the G.I. Bill fund his dream of attending art school. By this point, he had lived in Kansas, Michigan, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Oklahoma, and Texas. He initially served in the Army as a forward observer before studying at West Point Prep School from 1983 to 1984.
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