Eddie Van Halen

Considered one of the best and most innovative guitarists of all time, Eddie Van Halen (born in Amsterdam, Netherlands to Jan van Halen and Eugenia (van Beers) van Halen) moved with his family (which included his older brother, Alex) to the US in 1962. Both Alex and Eddie began piano lessons, although Eddie later admitted he couldn't read music: He learned to play by watching and listening and often improvised, even in recitals. Alex moved on from piano to guitar and Eddie moved over to the drums but after hearing Alex play "Wipe Out," Eddie thought the guitar was more interesting - switching again! Alex and Eddie then formed their first band (with three other boys, Eddie was in the 4th grade) called "The Broken Combs" (if you were around in the '60s, your first thought may be men's long hair!) In 1972, they went on to form their first professional band, later named "Van Halen," that performed in and around Los Angeles. In 1977, they got their first contract with Warner Records and by the early 1980s, Van Halen became "one of the most successful rock acts of the time." Eddie also played in other venues and was the holder of three patents related to guitars. In 1981, he married actress Valerie Bertinelli and they had one son (Wolfgang). They officially divorced in 2007 and Eddie married his girlfriend, Janie Liszewski in 2009. Both Valerie and Wolfgang attended the ceremony. In 2000, Eddie received treatment for tongue cancer - which resulted in the loss of 1/3 of his tongue. Then, around 2014, he developed throat cancer. It eventually spread throughout his body and resulted in his passing 5+ years later. Speaking at an event at the Smithsonian's National Museum of American History in 2015, Eddie discussed his life and the American Dream, saying "We came here with approximately $50 and a piano, and we didn't speak the language. Now look where we are. If that's not the American dream, what is?"