Meat Loaf‘s grand rock ‘n‘ roll epics play out like high-budget, hot-blooded theater. With subject matter ranging from fiery odes to backseat action to the twisted metal of a highway motorcycle crash, the singer, born Marvin Lee Aday, could glide between ballads filled with weeping strings, operatic prog, and ‘50s-inspired malt shop confections. His piano-driven set pieces play with character development and explore the poignant complexities of life's most dramatic moments. His best tunes suggest what might‘ve happened had Bruce Springsteen been a drama major. He died 20 January 2022 at the age of 74.