Harry Styles
Funk, Pop, Rock, Soul • Redditch, England
Harry Styles
Harry Edward Styles is an English singer, songwriter, and actor born on February 1, 1994, in Redditch, Worcestershire. He rose to international prominence as a member of One Direction, the iconic boy band formed on the British television series The X Factor in 2010. After being eliminated from the solo competition, Styles was grouped with four other contestants to form One Direction, which became one of the best-selling boy bands of all time, selling 70 million records worldwide before going on indefinite hiatus in 2016.
As a solo artist, Styles has achieved unprecedented commercial and critical success. His self-titled debut album (2017) debuted at number one globally, establishing him as a formidable solo force. His second album, Fine Line (2019), broke records for the biggest first-week sales by an English male artist in the US, while the single "Watermelon Sugar" became his first US number-one hit. His third album, Harry's House (2022), solidified his status as a generational artist, with the lead single "As It Was" becoming the number-one song of 2022 globally and the album winning Album of the Year at the Grammy Awards.
Beyond music, Styles has made significant strides in cinema, appearing in Christopher Nolan's Dunkirk (2017), Marvel's Eternals (2021), and the psychological thriller Don't Worry Darling (2022). He has become a cultural icon known for his gender-fluid fashion aesthetic, pioneering looks that challenge traditional masculine norms. In 2020, he became the first man to appear solo on the cover of Vogue, wearing a blue Gucci dress—a moment that sparked important conversations about fashion and gender expression.
Styles' influence extends beyond entertainment into philanthropy and advocacy. He is a vocal supporter of LGBTQ+ rights, gender equality, and racial justice. His impact on popular culture is reflected in his numerous accolades, including six Brit Awards, three Grammy Awards, and recognition as a fashion icon and trendsetter whose career represents one of the most successful transitions from boy band member to solo superstar.
Quotes
“I think with music it's so important to evolve—and that extends to clothes and videos and all that stuff. That's why you look back at David Bowie with Ziggy Stardust or the Beatles and their different eras—that fearlessness is super inspiring.”
“To not wear [something] because it's females' clothing, you shut out a whole world of great clothes”
“what's exciting about right now is you can wear what you like”
“Pink is the only true rock & roll colour.”
“Am I sprinkling in nuggets of sexual ambiguity to try and be more interesting? No.”
“the expectation that he should publicly label his sexual orientation is outdated.”
“I burst into tears when he signed a solo contract without these clauses because he felt free.”
Career Timeline
Marathon Achievement
Completed Berlin Marathon in 2:59:13 (personal best) under pseudonym "Sted Sarandos," becoming second World Marathon Major completion. Also completed Tokyo Marathon earlier in year.
Love On Tour Conclusion
Love On Tour concluded in July 2023 as fifth-highest-grossing tour of all time, earning $617.3 million. Collaborated with Stevie Nicks at British Summer Time festival in tribute to Christine McVie.
Harry's House Album of the Year
Released third album Harry's House which won Grammy Award for Album of the Year and Best Pop Vocal Album. "As It Was" became global number-one song of 2022. Headlined Coachella to crowd over 100,000. Occupied top spot of album and singles charts in over 15 countries simultaneously.
Richest Young Musician in UK
Topped Sunday Times Rich List of musicians under 30 in UK with estimated net worth of £100 million, marking first time at top of the list.
Madison Square Garden Banner Achievement
Performed 15 sold-out shows at Madison Square Garden in August and September. Became third musical artist in history to have permanent banner raised inside venue.
Grammy Recognition and Eternals Appearance
Won three Grammy nominations at 63rd Annual Grammy Awards, winning Best Pop Solo Performance. Made cameo appearance as Eros/Starfox in Marvel's Eternals. Launched gender-neutral skin and nail care brand Pleasing.
Vogue Cover Historic Moment
Became first man to appear solo on cover of Vogue, December issue, wearing blue Gucci dress. Sparked important cultural conversation about gender-fluid fashion and challenged right-wing criticism.
Fine Line Release and US Chart Records
Released second album Fine Line in December, breaking record for biggest first-week sales by English male artist in US. Won Grammy Award for Best Pop Solo Performance for "Watermelon Sugar." Album ranked 491 on Rolling Stone's 500 Greatest Albums.
Solo Debut Success
Released self-titled debut album in May, debuting at number one in multiple countries including UK and US. Won Brit Award for British Video of the Year for "Sign of the Times." Made feature film debut in Dunkirk.
One Direction Indefinite Hiatus
Band went on indefinite hiatus after completing promotional activities for Made in the A.M., allowing Styles to pursue solo career. Styles suggested the hiatus to avoid exhausting the fanbase.
One Direction Historic Billboard Record
After release of album Four, One Direction became only group in 58-year history of Billboard 200 chart to have first four albums debut at number one.
One Direction Chart Records
Album Midnight Memories became world's best-selling album of 2013. Accompanying Where We Are Tour became highest-grossing tour of 2014, earning Styles recognition as co-writer on multiple album tracks.
One Direction Record Deal and Debut
Signed recording contract with Syco Records in January. Released debut single "What Makes You Beautiful" (UK number one) and debut album Up All Night, which debuted at number one in the US.
One Direction Formation
Auditioned as solo contestant on The X Factor, was eliminated, then grouped with four other contestants to form One Direction. The band was mentored by Simon Cowell and competed in the Groups category, eventually becoming finalists.
