Munky

Early Life

James Christian Shaffer, known by his stage name "Munky," was born on June 6, 1970, in Rosedale, California. Adopted as an infant, he grew up alongside two siblings in the agricultural town of Bakersfield, California. His nickname, "Munky," originated from the appearance of his toes, which resembled a monkey's fingers. A pivotal moment in his youth occurred when he accidentally severed the tip of his finger while riding a three-wheeled ATV. This incident led to a doctor's recommendation for him to play an instrument as physical therapy, ultimately guiding him to the guitar.

Career

Munky's musical journey began in the late 1980s when he formed the band L.A.P.D. with future Korn members David Silveria and Reginald Arvizu. After releasing an EP and a full-length album, L.A.P.D. disbanded. Shaffer then joined forces with Silveria, Arvizu, Brian Welch, and Jonathan Davis to create the iconic nu metal band Korn in 1993. The band's name was a creative twist on the word "corn," inspired by the logo of Toys R Us. Korn quickly rose to fame, becoming a defining force in the nu metal genre. Munky has been recognized for his guitar skills, ranking No. 26 on Guitar World's list of the 100 Greatest Heavy Metal Guitarists of All Time.

Personal Life

Munky married Stephanie Roush on January 15, 2000, and they welcomed a daughter, Carmella Star Shaffer, in 2001. However, the couple divorced in 2004. He later began a relationship with actress and model Evis Xheneti, marrying her on January 2, 2012, in Paris. Together, they have three children, with their first son, D'Angelo Draxon Shaffer, born in November 2012. Munky's family life reflects his commitment to both his personal and professional endeavors, balancing the demands of a successful music career with his role as a father.