James Hetfield has been the face and voice of Metallica since the very beginning. When fans think of Metallica, it’s impossible not to hear Hetfield’s signature growl ring through their heads. He embodies all that is mighty Metallica. Born on Aug. 3, 1963, to parents Cynthia and Virgil, Hetfield grew up in Downey, Calif., for most of his childhood. The first instrument he learned to play was not the guitar; he took piano lessons at the age of nine. It didn’t take long for him to leave the keys to pick up a pair of drumsticks and jam on his half-brother David’s set. Finally, before he hit his t…