Rag'n'Bone Man

Rag'n'Bone Man
Name	Rag'n'Bone Man
Caption	Rag'n'Bone Man performing in 2017
Birth name	Rory Charles Graham
Birth date	1985-01-29
Birth place	Uckfield, East Sussex, England
Origin	Brighton, East Sussex, England
Genres	Blues, Soul, R&B, Electronic
Occupations	Singer, songwriter
Years active	2010–present
Labels	Columbia Records, Lesser-known label

Rag'n'Bone Man is the stage name of Rory Charles Graham, an English singer and songwriter best known for a deep baritone voice and a blend of blues, soul, and contemporary pop. He rose from performing on the British pub and festival circuit to international prominence with a chart-topping single and a debut album that garnered critical and commercial acclaim. His work intersects with mainstream pop, independent roots, and collaborative projects across genres.

Early life and background

Graham was born in Uckfield and raised in Haywards Heath and Brighton, studying at Priory School, Lewes and later attending Brighton Institute of Modern Music. He comes from a family with interests in local music scenes and amateur theatre, and early influences included exposure to regional pubs and music festivals such as Glastonbury Festival and Reading and Leeds Festivals. As a teenager he worked with community projects and local artists in East Sussex, performing covers of songs by Otis Redding, Bill Withers, Led Zeppelin, and Nina Simone at open mic nights.

Career beginnings and breakthrough

Graham's earliest recordings and live appearances were with independent labels and collectives in the United Kingdom scene, collaborating with producers linked to Dubstep and Electronic music acts. He released EPs and singles while touring with artists connected to BBC Radio 1 playlists and BBC Radio 6 Music champions. His breakthrough single achieved mainstream airplay and cross-channel exposure after being championed by presenters from BBC Radio 1, Capital FM, and music television outlets such as MTV. The track's success led to appearances on Later... with Jools Holland, performances at Glastonbury Festival, and late-night television in the United States.

Debut album: Human and commercial success

The debut album, titled Human, was released on Columbia Records and produced by a team that included collaborators tied to Mark Ronson-era pop production and contemporary soul producers. Human topped the UK Albums Chart, reached high positions on the Billboard 200 and the ARIA Albums Chart, and spawned singles that entered the UK Singles Chart and European charts. The album's themes and production facilitated placements in television dramas and sports broadcasting, increasing visibility across platforms such as BBC One, ITV, and Sky Sports. Human earned nominations and wins at ceremonies including the BRIT Awards and the Ivor Novello Awards.

Subsequent albums and musical evolution

Following Human, Graham released further studio albums exploring a broader palette that incorporated elements from Hip hop, Gospel, and contemporary Electronic music production. He collaborated with producers and songwriters affiliated with acts like Sia, Calvin Harris, Paul Epworth, and members of the Stones Throw Records and XL Recordings circles. Later records showed a progression from stripped-back blues arrangements toward layered orchestration and programming used by artists associated with Kraftwerk-influenced electronic pop, while maintaining vocal traditions linked to Sam Cooke and Howlin' Wolf.

Musical style and influences

Graham's vocal approach is noted for its deep baritone timbre and dynamic range, drawing comparisons to singers from Gospel and Blues traditions such as Muddy Waters, Curtis Mayfield, and Louis Armstrong. His songwriting references narratives and characters reminiscent of Bruce Springsteen and Bob Dylan storytelling, while production choices echo techniques used by Quincy Jones, Rick Rubin, and contemporary producers on the Atlantic Records and Columbia Records rosters. He cites influences spanning Otis Redding, Aretha Franklin, Prince, Amy Winehouse, and modern acts like Adele and Sam Smith.

Live performances and tours

Graham's live résumé includes headline tours across the United Kingdom, Europe, and the United States, with performances at major festivals such as Glastonbury Festival, Montreux Jazz Festival, Lollapalooza, and Cosmopolite Festival. He has supported and shared bills with artists from diverse arenas, including Foo Fighters, Adele, Florence and the Machine, and James Bay, and appeared on televised stages like The Graham Norton Show and The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon. His touring ensembles have ranged from intimate acoustic lineups to full bands with horn sections and string arrangements similar to those used by Sharon Jones touring groups.

Awards and recognition

Graham's accolades include awards and nominations from institutions such as the BRIT Awards, the Ivor Novello Awards, and the Mercury Prize longlist, alongside international chart certifications from organizations like the BPI and the RIAA. He received songwriting honors connected to the PRS for Music community and was recognized by cultural outlets including Rolling Stone, NME, and The Guardian for both vocal performance and songwriting craft. His impact on contemporary British soul and pop has been noted in academic and industry discussions referencing cohorts like Adele, Sam Smith, and Florence Welch.

Category:English singers Category:English songwriters Category:People from East Sussex