Paolo Nutini

Paolo Nutini (born 9.1.1987)

Paolo Nutini is a Scottish singer and songwriter who rose to fame in the UK with the release of his debut album These Streets.

Paolo Nutini: Childhood

Paolo Nutini was born and raised in Paisley, near Glasgow, Scotland. His father is descended from the Barga area of Tuscany in Italy, though his family has lived in Scotland for four generations. Paolo's family run a fish and chip shop in Paisley.

Paolo Nutini: Musical Career

For three and a half years, whilst he was growing up, Paolo Nutini received singing lessons from Avril McCusker. However, his parents still expected him to follow them into the family business - running a fish and chip shop. Despite this, a teacher at his school, St. Andrews Academy, recognised his talent and encouraged him to follow his songwriting career.

Paolo Nutini left school to work as a roadie for the band Speedway, as well as performing live himself. He performed solo, as well as with Dome and Dick from The Dongues. Paolo also went on to work at Glasgow's Park Lane Studio.

Paolo Nutini's big break was quite an unusual one. During a homecoming concert for David Sneddon, staged by local radio station 102.5 Clyde 1, Paolo won an impromptu quiz. He was given the chance to get onstage and perform a couple of his own songs, whilst the crowd waited for Sneddon's arrival. A member of the audience was so impressed with the performance that he offered to become Paolo's manager.

Nutini was then invited to perform on BBC Radio Scotland after a journalist from the Daily Record saw him perform at the Queen Margaret Union. At the age of 17, Nutini moved to London and performed regularly at Balham's Bedford pub. He was soon offered support slots with KT Tunstall and Amy Winehouse.

During 2006, Paolo Nutini gigged heavily around the UK, largely to sold-out venues, such as King Tut's Wah-Wah Hut, the Wireless Festival, T in the Park and an appearance on Later . With Jools Holland. Edinburgh's 2006 Hogmany celebration in Princes Street was cancelled, due to bad weather, so Nutini was drafted in at the last minute to perform in the Great Hall at Edinburgh Castle for BBC Scotland.

Paolo Nutini's debut album, These Streets, was produced by Ken Nelson, who has previously worked with Coldplay and Gomez. It spawned the singles 'Last Request', 'These Streets' and 'Jenny Don't Be Hasty'.

In 2007, Paolo Nutini performed on the Pyramid Stage at the Glastonbury Festival. He also performed at Wembley Stadium, as part of the Live Earth event, with a cover of Louis Armstrong's 'What A Wonderful World'. Nutini also performed on 'Covers', a song on The View's album, Which Bitch?

A number of his songs have featured in TV programmes such as Scrubs, CSI: Miami and the film The Jane Austen Book Club.

In June 2009, Nutini's second album, Sunny Side Up was released on Atlantic Records.