Gary Barlow

Occupation:
Musician
Date of Birth:
20 January 1971
Sex:
Male
Height:
1.75

Introduction:

Gary Barlow is a highly influential British singer, songwriter, and record producer, best known as a founding member of the iconic boy band Take That. With a career spanning over three decades, Barlow has established himself as one of the UK’s most successful and respected musicians. Aside from his work with Take That, he has enjoyed a fruitful solo career, earned multiple awards, and become a familiar face as a judge on The X Factor. His impact on both pop music and the British entertainment industry is immense.

Early Life and Background:

Born on January 20, 1971, in Frodsham, Cheshire, Gary Barlow grew up in a musical family. His early musical influences included artists such as Depeche Mode, whose performance of 'Just Can't Get Enough' on Top of the Pops sparked his interest in music at the age of 10. Gary received a keyboard for Christmas and began teaching himself to play his favorite songs. This early passion led to a talent for songwriting, and after winning a songwriting competition on Pebble Mill at One, he began performing his own compositions in local clubs.

Music Career:

Gary Barlow’s career took a pivotal turn in 1990 when he was selected by manager Nigel Martin-Smith to be the lead singer of the boy band Take That. The group, which also included Howard Donald, Robbie Williams, Jason Orange, and Mark Owen, quickly rose to prominence. Their debut album, Take That & Party (1992), produced several hit singles, including 'Pray,' which marked their first number one.

Take That’s second album, Everything Changes (1993), was another major success, featuring multiple chart-topping hits and showcasing Barlow’s songwriting prowess. In 1994, Barlow won his first Ivor Novello Award for Best Contemporary Song for 'Pray,' solidifying his place in the music industry. As the principal songwriter for the group, Barlow continued to shape Take That's sound, including penning the hit 'Back For Good' from their 1995 album Nobody Else.

Following the band's initial split in 1996, Barlow launched a solo career, which began with two number one hits, 'Forever Love' and 'Love Won’t Wait,' both from his debut album Open Road (1997). His second album, Twelve Months, Eleven Days (1999), was less commercially successful but still featured notable tracks.

Take That reunited in 2005 without Robbie Williams, and their comeback was marked by the massive success of the single 'Patience' and the album Beautiful World, which debuted at number one in the UK. Over the next few years, Barlow continued to guide the band to success with albums like The Circus (2008) and Progress (2010), the latter marking the return of Robbie Williams to the group. Progress became their fastest-selling album to date, and the accompanying tour was one of the most attended in British history.

In addition to his work with Take That, Barlow has written songs for a wide range of artists, including Shirley Bassey, Will Young, Westlife, and Charlotte Church. His work extends to television, where he became a judge on The X Factor in 2011, replacing Simon Cowell. He held this role for several seasons, contributing to the show’s continued success.

Personal Life:

Gary Barlow married his long-time partner Dawn in 2000, and the couple has three children: Daniel (born 2000), Emily (born 2002), and Daisy (born 2009). Tragically, the family experienced the loss of their fourth child, Poppy, who was stillborn in 2012. Barlow has spoken publicly about the experience, offering support to others who have faced similar losses. In addition to his musical success, Gary is a philanthropist, known for his charitable work, including his role in organizing the Children in Need charity events.

Legacy and Influence:

Barlow’s influence extends beyond his successful songwriting and performances. As a leader of Take That, he helped redefine the boy band genre, blending pop with elements of contemporary music. His ability to write enduring songs has cemented his reputation as one of the UK's finest songwriters, and his work with Take That has left an indelible mark on pop culture. Barlow has also contributed to the broader music landscape, working with other artists and mentoring new talent.

Recent Activities:

In recent years, Barlow has focused on both his solo career and his role as a judge on The X Factor. He has continued to write and record music, releasing the album Music Played by Humans in 2020, which featured collaborations with artists such as Michael Bublé and James Corden. He remains a prominent figure in British entertainment, known for his engaging public persona and continued musical output.

Barlow has also continued to perform, with a notable return to live shows following the global pandemic. His legacy as one of the most influential British artists of his generation is assured, with his continued contributions to music and culture.