Portrait of Freddie Mercury. Freddie Mercury, born Farrokh Bulsara on September 5, 1946, in Zanzibar (now part of Tanzania), was a legendary singer, songwriter, and the charismatic frontman of the iconic rock band Queen. Renowned for his extraordinary vocal range, flamboyant stage presence, and captivating performances, Mercury remains one of the most celebrated and influential figures in the history of popular music.