Josh Groban

Josh Groban
Name	Josh Groban
Caption	Groban in 2019
Background	solo_singer
Birth name	Joshua Winslow Groban
Birth date	27 February 1981
Birth place	Los Angeles, California, U.S.
Genre	Pop, classical crossover, adult contemporary
Occupation	Singer, songwriter, actor
Years active	1997–present
Label	143 Records, Reprise Records, Warner Bros. Records
Website	joshgroban.com

Josh Groban is an American singer, songwriter, and actor renowned for his baritone voice and success in the classical crossover genre. His career was launched after a standout performance at the 1999 Grammy Awards rehearsal, leading to a recording contract with Warner Bros. Records. With multiple multi-platinum albums, Groban has become one of the best-selling musical artists of the 21st century, also establishing a presence on Broadway and in film.

Early Life

Joshua Winslow Groban was born in Los Angeles to a schoolteacher mother and a father who worked in business. He attended the Los Angeles County High School for the Arts, where he studied theatre. His vocal training began with teacher Seth Riggs, and he later briefly attended the Carnegie Mellon School of Drama before leaving to pursue music. Early exposure to artists like Sting, Paul Simon, and Luciano Pavarotti shaped his eclectic musical tastes during his formative years in California.

Career

His professional break came when his vocal coach introduced him to producer David Foster, who enlisted him as a rehearsal substitute for Andrea Bocelli at the 1999 Grammy Awards. This led to television appearances on Ally McBeal and a recording contract. His self-titled debut album, Josh Groban, was released in 2001, followed by the multi-platinum Closer in 2003. Subsequent albums like Awake and Noël topped the ''Billboard'' 200 chart. He has performed at major events including the 2002 Winter Olympics closing ceremony and the Nobel Peace Prize Concert. His acting career includes a starring role in the 2016 film The Hollars and a Tony Award-nominated performance in the 2016 Broadway revival of Natasha, Pierre & The Great Comet of 1812.

Musical Style and Influences

Groban's music is primarily classified as classical crossover and adult contemporary, often featuring songs in multiple languages including Italian, Spanish, and French. His powerful baritone voice is frequently accompanied by orchestral arrangements and collaborations with artists like Lara Fabian and Charlotte Church. Key influences include Peter Gabriel, Radiohead, and classical tenors such as Plácido Domingo. His work often incorporates elements of pop, world music, and theatrical show tunes, contributing to his broad international appeal.

Discography

His studio albums are: Josh Groban (2001), Closer (2003), Awake (2006), Illuminations (2010), All That Echoes (2013), Stages (2015), and Bridges (2018). The holiday album Noël (2007) became the best-selling album in the United States for that year. His live albums include Awake Live and Josh Groban in Concert. Several of his releases have been certified multi-platinum by the Recording Industry Association of America.

Personal Life

Groban has maintained a relatively private personal life. He has been in relationships with actress January Jones and musician Courtney Love. He is an avid fan of video games and has spoken publicly about his experiences with anxiety. He resides in New York City and is known for his self-deprecating humor, often showcased on his social media accounts and during appearances on shows like The Late Late Show with James Corden.

Philanthropy and Activism

He is the founder of the Josh Groban Foundation, established to support music and arts education for children. He has been a longtime supporter of the Make-A-Wish Foundation and The Art of Elysium. Groban has performed at numerous charity events, including David Foster's annual Miracle Gala and Stand Up to Cancer telecasts. His activism also includes work with the UNESCO and advocacy for LGBTQ rights through performances and partnerships with organizations like The Trevor Project.

Category:American male singers Category:Classical crossover singers Category:People from Los Angeles