Gary Barlow Biography
Gary Barlow is a renowned English singer, songwriter, record producer, and television personality, known primarily as the lead singer of the famous pop group Take That. Over his illustrious career, he has achieved remarkable success, writing fifteen number-one singles and selling over 50 million records worldwide. His influence on British pop music and songwriting has earned him numerous awards, including six Ivor Novello Awards and an OBE for his services to the industry.
Childhood
Gary Barlow was born on January 20, 1971, in Frodsham, Cheshire, to Colin and Marjorie Barlow. Growing up in a supportive family environment, he developed an early love for music, often dancing in front of the TV and mimicking his favorite artists. Inspired by Elton John and bands like OMD, Gary began self-teaching piano at age 10 after watching Depeche Mode perform on Top of the Pops. His familial encouragement played a significant role in nurturing his musical talent from a young age.
Education
Gary attended Weaver Vale Primary School and later Frodsham High School. Despite his focus on music, he finished school with six O levels. His passion for music was evident early on, and he dedicated much of his time to practicing piano and developing his songwriting skills, setting the foundation for his future success in the music industry.
Career
Gary's professional career took off when he reached the semi-finals of a BBC Christmas song competition at age 15 with his song "Let's Pray for Christmas." Shortly after, he began performing on the northern club circuit. His break came in 1989 when headhunted by Nigel Martin-Smith to become the lead singer of Take That, which became one of the UK's most successful bands of the 1990s with hits like "Back for Good." As a solo artist, Gary released albums such as "Open Road" and "Twelve Months, Eleven Days," and continued to write hit songs, earning accolades worldwide. Beyond performing, he became a judge on popular talent shows like The X Factor UK, nurturing new talent and maintaining his relevance in the music scene.
Family Life
Gary Barlow married Dawn Andrews in the 2000s, and they have three children: Daniel, Emily, and Daisy. The family splits their time between homes in West London, Santa Monica, and West Oxfordshire. Despite his fame, Gary keeps his family life mostly private; however, he occasionally shares glimpses of his personal life, including the achievements and pursuits of his children.
Achievements
Gary's achievements include winning six Ivor Novello Awards, being appointed an OBE, and co-writing numerous chart-topping hits. As part of Take That, he has experienced record-breaking tours and continued chart success beyond the band. His songwriting prowess has influenced British pop music profoundly, and he is celebrated for both his artistic and philanthropic contributions.
Controversies
Although largely admired, Gary Barlow has faced some controversies, including a tax evasion scandal in 2012 when Take That repaid £20 million to HMRC. Despite this, he has maintained a positive reputation, focusing on his music and charitable work. His career has seen ups and downs, but his resilience and talent have kept him a respected figure in the industry.
Gary Barlow Summary
Gary Barlow is a celebrated British musician whose career spans over three decades. From his early days in Frodsham to international stardom with Take That, he has demonstrated exceptional talent as a singer and songwriter. His contributions to music and his role as a mentor and TV personality have cemented his legacy as one of the UK's most influential artists.