Quick Wiki
- Full Name Samuel Frederick Smith
- Birth Date May 19, 1992
- Age 32 Years, 11 Months
- Birthplace London, United Kingdom
- Occupation Singer, song writer
- Mother Kate Cassidy
- Father Frederick Smith
Sam Smith | Biography
Sam Smith is a nonbinary singer from London who gained fame with their debut album and has won multiple Grammy awards for their heartfelt music.
Who is Sam Smith?
Sam Smith is an acclaimed nonbinary singer-songwriter hailing from London, known for their powerful vocals and emotive songwriting. Born on May 19, 1992, Smith first gained significant attention as a featured vocalist on Disclosure's hit song “Latch” in 2012. This breakout moment set the stage for their meteoric rise in the music industry, culminating in the release of their debut album, In the Lonely Hour, in 2014. The album featured the hauntingly beautiful track "Stay With Me," which not only topped charts but also established Smith as a prominent figure in contemporary music. Their artistry, characterized by vulnerability and sincerity, resonates with audiences worldwide.
Smith's journey in the music scene has been marked by numerous accolades, including four Grammy Awards in 2015, solidifying their status as a major artist. Their quest for personal authenticity has also led to significant milestones; in 2019, Smith publicly embraced their nonbinary identity and began using they/them pronouns. This decision highlights their commitment to self-acceptance and has further connected them with fans, particularly within the LGBTQ+ community. With a repertoire that includes collaborations with major artists and contributions to culturally significant projects like the James Bond theme song "Writing's on the Wall," Sam Smith continues to be a vital voice in music today.
Early Life and Education
Sam Smith was born on May 19, 1992, in London, England. Growing up in a family that supported creative pursuits, Smith showed an early talent for singing, performing in various settings as a child. Their mother, a successful banker, faced media attention in 2009 when she was dismissed from her position after allegedly promoting her son's budding music career at work. Despite this unconventional entry into the spotlight, Smith continued to pursue music with determination. They attended St. Mary's Catholic School in Bishop's Stortford, Hertfordshire, where they balanced academics with their passion for music, finding inspiration in legendary artists like Aretha Franklin and Stevie Wonder.
Throughout their teenage years, Smith cultivated their vocal abilities while navigating the complexities of adolescence. Influenced by a mix of soulful sounds and personal experiences, they began to write songs that resonated with their feelings and emotions. This period of exploration and growth was crucial for Smith, allowing them to hone their craft and prepare for a future career in music. By the time they were featured on Disclosure’s 2012 hit "Latch," Smith had already laid a strong foundation for their remarkable rise to fame, highlighting both their unique voice and compelling musical style.
First Hits with "Latch" and "La La La"
Sam Smith's rise to fame began when they lent their powerful vocals to the 2012 hit "Latch," performed by the British electronic duo Disclosure. This track showcased Smith's unique melodic falsetto against Disclosure's infectious beats and quickly became a chart-topper, reaching No. 1 on the UK singles chart. The success of "Latch" not only put Smith on the map as a solo artist but also captivated music lovers and critics alike. The song marked a significant milestone in Smith's career, providing a solid foundation for their future success.
Following "Latch," Smith's next breakthrough came with their collaboration on Naughty Boy's chart-topping single "La La La." Released in the spring of 2013, the song was inspired by Bollywood music and became an instant favorite, solidifying Smith's reputation in the music industry. With lead vocals that captivated audiences, "La La La" topped the UK Singles Chart and further showcased Smith's extraordinary talent. These early hits not only demonstrated Smith's vocal prowess but also paved the way for their forthcoming successful solo endeavors, leading to a remarkable career marked by numerous accolades and charting successes.
Coming Out and Awards Success
Sam Smith's journey in the music industry took a significant turn in 2014, the same year they released their heartfelt debut album, "In the Lonely Hour." Shortly after the album's debut, Smith courageously shared their sexuality with the world, coming out as gay. This revelation came alongside the admissions that, despite the album's emotive love songs, they had never been in a romantic relationship before. "In the Lonely Hour" was inspired by a heartbreaking experience of unrequited love, revealing the deep emotional resonance of their music, which connected with countless fans. Smith's honesty and vulnerability transformed their artistry, making it relatable to many.
The impact of Smith's music was undeniable, culminating in a stellar performance at the 2015 Grammy Awards, where they won four prestigious awards, including Best New Artist and Song of the Year for "Stay With Me." During their acceptance speeches, Smith expressed that embracing their true self allowed their music to flourish, as people began to listen. This remarkable achievement not only solidified their position in the music industry but also highlighted the importance of authenticity in artistic expression, paving the way for discussions surrounding LGBTQ+ representation within the mainstream music scene.
More Disclosure Collaborations and Bond Theme
Sam Smith's rise to fame continued to flourish with a series of significant collaborations and notable contributions to popular music. After the monumental success of their debut album, Smith teamed up with the electronic music duo Disclosure once again for the track "Omen," which was featured on their sophomore album, "Caracal". This collaboration further solidified Smith's versatility as an artist, showcasing their unique vocal style and ability to seamlessly blend genres. The track received widespread acclaim, adding to Smith’s accolades and demonstrating their strong connection with the influential duo.
In addition to their work with Disclosure, Sam Smith made a historic mark by contributing to the James Bond franchise with the hauntingly beautiful "Writing's on the Wall," created for the film "Spectre". Co-written with Jimmy Napes, the song emerged as a critical and commercial triumph, landing at No. 1 on the UK Singles Chart. Smith's haunting delivery and the orchestral arrangement captured the essence of the Bond theme, earning them both a Golden Globe and an Academy Award in 2016. This significant recognition not only highlighted their artistic prowess but also positioned Smith as one of the contemporary voices of their generation, particularly within the LGBT community.
Second Album: "The Thrill of It All"
Sam Smith's second album, "The Thrill of It All," was released in November 2017, following the commercial success of their debut, "In the Lonely Hour." The lead single, "Too Good at Goodbyes," marked a significant return for Smith, showcasing their signature emotional vocal style and lyrical vulnerability. The song quickly ascended to the top of the charts, reinforcing Smith's place as a major force in contemporary pop music. The album features a blend of heartfelt ballads and powerful anthems, allowing Smith to explore themes of love, heartbreak, and self-discovery while continuing to captivate audiences around the world.
The album not only received critical acclaim but also achieved commercial success, hitting No. 1 on both the UK and US charts. Alongside "Too Good at Goodbyes," three additional singles were released, each resonating with fans through Smith's relatable storytelling and haunting melodies. Following "The Thrill of It All," Smith collaborated with prominent artists, including Calvin Harris on "Promises" and Normani on "Dancing with a Stranger," further solidifying their versatility as a singer and musician. Smith's ability to navigate various genres while maintaining their distinct authenticity continues to endear them to a diverse audience.
Personal Life: Dating and Nonbinary Identity
Sam Smith, the acclaimed British singer, identifies as nonbinary and has embraced the pronouns they/them. This significant decision came after a lifetime of grappling with gender identity. In 2019, Sam courageously shared their journey on Instagram, expressing excitement and nervousness alike about this step. They stated, "After a lifetime of being at war with my gender, I’ve decided to embrace myself for who I am, inside and out." This announcement resonated deeply within the LGBTQ+ community and among fans, showcasing Smith's commitment to authenticity and self-acceptance.
In addition to their nonbinary identity, Smith has openly discussed their experiences with relationships and love. Interestingly, despite the romantic themes in their music, they revealed in interviews that they have never been in a romantic relationship. The album "In the Lonely Hour" was inspired by unreciprocated love for a man, reflecting their emotional depth and vulnerability. Sam’s lyrics have often touched upon themes of heartbreak and longing, resonating with many who relate to feelings of love and loss, thereby creating a deeply personal connection with their audience.
Net Worth and Earning: Salary Insights
Sam Smith has established themselves as a formidable presence in the music industry, which has significantly bolstered their financial standing. As of 2023, Smith’s estimated net worth is around $45 million. Their earnings come from a combination of record sales, streaming revenue, concert tours, and lucrative endorsements. Notably, their debut album, "In the Lonely Hour", was a commercial success, selling over 12 million copies worldwide and earning numerous awards, including four Grammy Awards. Such achievements not only enhanced their visibility but also translated into substantial financial gains.
In addition to album sales, Smith has benefitted from extensive touring. Their concerts attract large audiences, often resulting in sold-out venues, which contributes to their income significantly. Collaborations with artists like Calvin Harris and appearances on prime platforms, including The James Bond franchise with the song "Writing's on the Wall," have further strengthened their financial portfolio. These projects highlight the diverse avenues through which Smith earns, indicating a robust business acumen alongside their artistic talent.
