Josh Groban is among the most popular singers straddling the classical and pop genres. It can be said his voice does some straddling as well, ranging from upper baritone well into the tenor range, making classification somewhat problematic. What is not problematic for the listener is the warm, mellifluous sound produced by it, the chief reason for Groban's meteoric rise. As a first-semester music theater student at Carnegie Mellon University in 1999, Groban left with the offer of a major recording contract and soon began appearing in concert with Sarah Brightman, Elton John, Stevie Wonder, and other vocal superstars. His first solo album, the eponymously titled Josh Groban, was released in 2001 and was an instant hit, auguring international stardom. Groban has made numerous television appearances, including on Oprah, Good Morning America, Today, two PBS specials, the 2004 Superbowl pregame ceremonies, two Ally McBeal episodes (2002-2003), and on the BBC. He has had a number of gold and platinum recordings, mostly for the various Warner Bros. labels (Atlantic, 143 Records, WEA/Reprise, etc.).
Groban was born in Los Angeles, CA, on February 27, 1981. His first advanced vocal studies were at the Interlochen Arts Camp in 1997-1998. From 1998, he was mentored by producer and arranger David Foster, who secured Groban's recording contract in 1999.
After leaving Carnegie Mellon, Groban appeared with Brightman on her La Luna World Tour (2000-2001). His first appearance on a recording came in 2001, when he teamed up with Lara Fabian in For Always, a number on the A.I.: Artificial Intelligence film soundtrack.
After the success of his aforementioned first album, Groban followed with a string of hit recordings, including Closer (2003), Live at the Greek (2004), Awake (2006), and Noel (2007). He also gave numerous acclaimed concerts and special appearances, among the more notable being the Christmas Concert at Vatican City (2002), Chess: Actors' Benefit Fund Concert (2002), singing the National Anthem at the 2005 World Series, and his duet with Brightman at the Concert for Diana (2007).
Among Groban's later recordings is the 2008 CD/DVD Awake Live, which also features collaborative numbers with violinist Lucia Micarelli and singer Angélique Kidjo. In 2008 Groban enhanced his popularity in the U.K. with appearances on the Charlotte Church Show (August 29) -- where he sang "The Prayer" with Church -- and on the panel game show Never Mind The Buzzcocks on December 11.
Robert Cummings
AllMusic.com
