Eddie Vedder is an American singer, songwriter, and guitarist born Edward Louis Severson III in Evanston, Illinois, in 1964. He moved to the San Diego area as a child and began performing in local bands before joining Pearl Jam in 1990. Vedder became the band’s lead vocalist and primary lyricist, and Pearl Jam emerged from the early 1990s alternative rock and grunge scene. Outside Pearl Jam, Vedder has released solo material, including the soundtrack album for Into the Wild and the solo album Ukulele Songs. He has also recorded with Temple of the Dog and contributed music for film projects. His live work is associated with Pearl Jam performances, solo concerts, and acoustic material that often includes ukulele and folk-rock elements.