Sam Smith
Pop, Soul • London, United Kingdom
Early Life and Career
Samuel Frederick Smith was born on May 19, 1992, in London, growing up in the village of Great Chishill, Cambridgeshire. From an early age, Smith showed musical promise, participating in youth theater, jazz bands, and the Cantate Youth Choir. Their musical journey began with early singles "Bad Day All Week" (2008) and "When It's Alright" (2009), hinting at the talent that would soon emerge.
Breakthrough and Rise to Fame
Smith's breakthrough came in 2012 with featured vocals on Disclosure's hit single "Latch", which introduced them to a wider audience. The following year, their collaboration on Naughty Boy's "La La La" reached number one in the UK, establishing Smith as a rising star in the music industry.
Their debut album, "In the Lonely Hour" (2014), marked a defining moment in Smith's career. Described as a deeply personal exploration of unrequited love, the album became a massive commercial and critical success. Singles like "Stay with Me" and "I'm Not the Only One" dominated international charts, showcasing Smith's extraordinary vocal range and emotional depth.
The album's success was unprecedented, earning Smith four Grammy Awards, including Best New Artist and Record of the Year. Their performance of the James Bond theme "Writing's on the Wall" for the film Spectre (2015) further solidified their status, winning both a Golden Globe and an Academy Award.
Musical Style and Achievements
Smith's musical style is characterized by powerful, soulful vocals often compared to legendary singers like Whitney Houston and Adele. Their influences range from R&B to pop, with a distinctive emotional vulnerability that resonates with audiences worldwide.
Subsequent albums "The Thrill of It All" (2017) and "Love Goes" (2020) continued to showcase Smith's artistic evolution. In 2022, their collaboration with Kim Petras on "Unholy" became a groundbreaking moment, making Smith the first openly non-binary artist to reach number one on the Billboard Hot 100.
Throughout their career, Smith has consistently pushed boundaries, both musically and personally. They have been openly vocal about their identity, coming out as gay in 2014 and later identifying as non-binary, using they/them pronouns.
Recognition and Legacy
Smith's impact extends beyond musical achievements. They have been recognized as a significant cultural figure, breaking barriers for LGBTQ+ representation in the music industry. Their numerous awards include five Grammy Awards, three Brit Awards, and multiple Billboard Music Awards.
Their fourth album, "Gloria" (2023), further demonstrated Smith's continued artistic growth and commitment to authentic self-expression. The album and its accompanying world tour continued to expand their global reach and musical influence.
As of 2023, Sam Smith stands as a pivotal contemporary artist who has not only delivered remarkable musical performances but also become an important voice for gender identity and emotional authenticity in popular music. Their ability to blend vulnerable storytelling with powerful vocal performances has established them as a unique and influential figure in modern pop music.
Quotes
“I want to thank the man this record is about, whom I fell in love with last year. Thank you so much for breaking my heart because you got me four Grammys!”
“After a lifetime of being at war with my gender I've decided to embrace myself for who I am, inside and out ...”
“I feel just as much a woman as I am a man”
“It's all I listened to. I actually didn't listen to male vocalists until about two years ago. I just listened to Whitney Houston, Chaka Khan. Massive voices.”
Career Timeline
Grammy for Best Pop Duo/Group Performance
Smith won the Grammy Award for Best Pop Duo/Group Performance for 'Unholy' with Kim Petras, making Smith the first openly non-binary artist to win a Grammy in a major category.
First US Number One Single with 'Unholy'
'Unholy' featuring Kim Petras became Smith's first number one single on the US Billboard Hot 100. Smith became the first openly non-binary artist to achieve this milestone.
Coming Out as Non-Binary
Smith came out as non-binary and changed pronouns to they/them, becoming an important figure in LGBTQ+ representation in mainstream music.
Second Album Debuts at Number One in UK and US
The Thrill of It All became Smith's first number one album on the US Billboard 200, expanding their international chart dominance and critical acclaim.
Four Grammy Awards at 57th Annual Grammy Awards
Smith won four Grammy Awards including Best New Artist, Record of the Year, Song of the Year, and Best Pop Vocal Album. This was a defining moment establishing Smith as a major international artist.
Academy Award for 'Writing's on the Wall'
Smith won the Academy Award for Best Original Song for the James Bond theme 'Writing's on the Wall,' along with a Golden Globe Award. This marked Smith's achievement in film music.
Debut Album 'In the Lonely Hour' Released
Smith released their debut studio album through Capitol Records UK which debuted at number one on the UK Albums Chart. The album showcased Smith's vocal talents and emotional songwriting.
Number One with 'La La La'
Smith featured on Naughty Boy's single 'La La La' which became a number one single in the UK, solidifying their emerging status as a major recording artist.
Breakthrough with Disclosure's 'Latch'
Smith rose to prominence by featuring on Disclosure's breakthrough single 'Latch' which peaked at number eleven on the UK Singles Chart. This marked the beginning of Smith's ascent in the music industry.
