Sam Smith

Sam Smith is a renowned British Singer and Songwriter known for their powerful, soulful voice and emotionally charged songwriting style, which has drawn comparisons to Adele, Amy Winehouse, and Lady Gaga. Born in London, England, Smith rose to fame in the early 2010s with their unique blend of Pop, R&B, and Soul influences, citing artists like Aretha Franklin, Etta James, and Dusty Springfield as key inspirations. With their breakthrough single La La La, a collaboration with Naughty Boy and featuring Wiz Khalifa and Beyoncé-inspired production, Smith gained widespread recognition and critical acclaim, leading to performances at Glastonbury Festival, Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival, and Lollapalooza.

Early Life

Sam Smith was born on May 19, 1992, in London, England, to Kate Cassidy and Frederick Smith. They grew up in a musical family, with their mother, a former Royal Opera House performer, introducing them to the works of Elton John, Stevie Wonder, and Whitney Houston. Smith attended St Mary's Catholic School in Bishop's Stortford and later studied at Youth Theatre UK in London, where they honed their vocal skills and developed a passion for Theatre and Musical theatre. They were also influenced by Jazz and Blues legends like Billie Holiday, Ella Fitzgerald, and Ray Charles, which is reflected in their soulful and emotive singing style, often compared to John Legend, Alicia Keys, and Emeli Sandé.

Career

Sam Smith's music career began in 2010, when they started performing at local Music venues in London, including the O2 Academy Brixton and KOKO. They gained a following on YouTube and SoundCloud, where they uploaded covers of songs by Adele, Beyoncé, and Rihanna. In 2012, Smith was discovered by PMR Records founder Ben Ash, who signed them to a record deal and introduced them to Naughty Boy, with whom they collaborated on the hit single La La La. The song's success led to Smith signing with Capitol Records and releasing their debut album, In the Lonely Hour, which featured the hit singles Money on My Mind and Stay With Me, and was influenced by the works of James Blake, Bon Iver, and The Weeknd.

Artistry

Sam Smith's music is characterized by their powerful, soulful voice and emotionally charged songwriting style, which often explores themes of Love, Heartbreak, and Identity. They have cited a range of influences, including Soul and R&B legends like Aretha Franklin, Etta James, and Dusty Springfield, as well as contemporary artists like Adele, Amy Winehouse, and Lady Gaga. Smith's vocal style has been compared to John Legend, Alicia Keys, and Emeli Sandé, and they have been praised for their unique ability to convey emotion and vulnerability through their music, often incorporating elements of Electronic music and Hip hop music into their sound, as seen in collaborations with Disclosure, Calvin Harris, and The Weeknd.

Personal Life

Sam Smith is openly Gay and has been an advocate for LGBTQ+ rights and Mental health awareness. They have been open about their struggles with Anxiety and Depression, and have used their platform to raise awareness and reduce stigma around mental health issues, often speaking about the importance of Self-care and Mindfulness. Smith has also been involved in various charitable initiatives, including supporting organizations like Terry Higgins Trust and Stonewall, and has performed at benefits for Elton John AIDS Foundation and Prince's Trust. In 2019, Smith announced that they would be using They/Them pronouns, and have since become a prominent advocate for Non-binary and Transgender rights, often speaking about the importance of Inclusivity and Diversity in the Music industry.

Discography

Sam Smith's discography includes their debut album In the Lonely Hour (2014), which featured the hit singles Money on My Mind and Stay With Me, and was influenced by the works of James Blake, Bon Iver, and The Weeknd. Their second album, The Thrill of It All (2017), included the singles Too Good At Goodbyes and Pray, and featured collaborations with Timbaland and Poo Bear. Smith's third album, Love Goes (2020), featured the singles To Die For and Diamonds, and included collaborations with Labrinth and Normani. Throughout their career, Smith has released several EPs and Singles, and has collaborated with a range of artists, including Disclosure, Calvin Harris, and The Weeknd, and has been influenced by the works of Kendrick Lamar, Frank Ocean, and Björk. Category:British singers