Simplify the following text for a Grade 7 native English-speaking person.
Original: James Alan Hetfield ( born August 3 , 1963 in Downey , California , United States ) is the rhythm guitarist , co-founder , main songwriter , and lead vocalist for the American heavy metal band Metallica .
Simplified: James Alan Hetfield ( August 3 , 1963 ) is an American singer , songwriter and guitarist . He is a member of the thrash metal band Metallica .