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James Blunt’s music has touched the hearts of millions, and his honest and heartfelt lyrics have made him one of the most beloved singer-songwriters of his generation.
With his seventh album, Who We Used to Be, set to be released in 2023, Blunt continues to share his stories and connect with audiences through his music.
James Blunt’s Biography
James Blunt, born James Hillier Blount on February 22, 1974, is an English singer, songwriter, and musician.
With the publication of his debut album, Back to Bedlam, in 2004, he catapulted to prominence and has since become a globally recognised performer. Blunt’s music has been described as pop rock and folk rock, with heartfelt and thoughtful lyrics.
Prior to his music career, Blunt was a reconnaissance officer in the British Army’s Life Guards regiment. During the 1999 Kosovo War, he saw active duty under NATO. Blunt’s military experiences affected his songwriting, particularly “No Bravery,” which he wrote while stationed in Kosovo.
Blunt maintained his musical love after leaving the military, signing with EMI Music Publishers and Twenty-First Artists Management. Back to Bedlam: his debut album was published in 2004 and soon became a financial hit.
It sold over 12 million copies worldwide and debuted at the top of the UK Albums Chart. The album included the number-one singles “You’re Beautiful” and “Goodbye My Lover,” both of which charted in many countries.
Blunt’s success continued with the publication of his second album, All the Lost Souls, in 2007. The album debuted at number one in twelve countries and went on to sell over 4.5 million copies worldwide.
He went on to record five more albums: Some Kind of Trouble (2010), Moon Landing (2013), The Afterlove (2017), Once Upon a Mind (2019), and Who We Used to Be, his seventh studio album, which was published in October 2023.
Blunt has sold over 20 million records globally during his career. He’s won a slew of honours, including two Brits for Best British Male and Best Pop Act. He has also garnered five Grammy nominations and an Honorary Doctorate of Music from the University of Bristol in 2016.
Blunt’s songs are noted for their emotional depth and intimate storytelling. Many of his songs are inspired by his personal experiences, such as his military duty and personal relationships.
His insightful lyrics and unusual voice have struck a chord with audiences worldwide, and he continues to tour and play live.
Blunt, in addition to his singing profession, is an ardent pilot with a fixed-wing private pilot’s licence. He enjoys skiing and has captained the Household Cavalry’s alpine ski squad. Blunt presently stays on the Spanish island of Ibiza and owns a chalet in Verbier, Switzerland.
James Blunt’s Age
James Blunt is 49 years old; he was born on February 22, 1974.
James Blunt’s Height
James Blunt stands at a height of 1.73 m.
Who Is James Blunt’s Wife?
English singer, songwriter, musician, and producer James Blunt is happily married to his wife Sofia Wellesley, with whom they tied the knot on September 6, 2014.
Sofia Wellesley is the granddaughter of Valerian Wellesley, 8th Duke of Wellington. She is also a proud mother of two sons.
James Blunt’s Discography
- Back to Bedlam (2004)
- All the Lost Souls (2007)
- Some Kind of Trouble (2010)
- Moon Landing (2013)
- The Afterlove (2017)
- Once Upon a Mind (2019)
- Who We Used to Be (2023)
Tours
- Headlining
- Back to Bedlam World Tour (2005–2006)
- All the Lost Souls Tour (2008–2009)
- Some Kind of Trouble Tour (2011–2012)
- Moon Landing World Tour (2014–2015)
- The Afterlove Tour (2017–2018)
- Once Upon a Mind Tour (2020)
- The Stars Beneath My Feet Tour (2022)
- Who We Used To Be Tour (2024)
- Opening act
- 2004 Tour (for Elton John) (2004)
- The Secret Migration Promo Tour (for Mercury Rev) (2004)
- Peachtree Road Tour (for Elton John) (2004)
- Fall Tour 2005 (for Jason Mraz) (2005)
- 2008 Summer Tour (for Sheryl Crow) (2008)
- ÷ Tour (for Ed Sheeran) (2017)
James Blunt Band
- Karl Brazil (drums, backing vocals): 2004–present
- Ben Castle (lead guitar, backing vocals): 2005–present
- John Garrison (bass, guitar, backing vocals): 2007–present
- Christopher Pemberton (keyboards, backing vocals): 2014–present
- Richard Cardwell (keyboards, backing vocals): 2014–present
- Kristoffer Sonne (drums): 2017–present
Former members
- Daisy Blount (backing vocals): 2004
- Paul Freeman (lead guitar, backing vocals): 2004–2005
- Malcolm Moore (bass, backing vocals): 2004–2007, 2010–2014
- Paul Beard (piano, keyboards, backing vocals): 2004–2014
- Simon Lea (drums): 2014–2015
- Morten Hellborn (drums): 2015
Awards and nominations
Brit Awards
Year | Nominee / work | Award | Result |
---|---|---|---|
2006 | James Blunt | British Pop Act | Won |
British Male Solo Artist | Won | ||
British Breakthrough Act | Nominated | ||
Back to Bedlam | British Album of the Year | Nominated | |
“You’re Beautiful” | British Single of the Year | Nominated | |
2008 | “1973” | British Single of the Year | Nominated |
BT Digital Music Awards
Year | Nominee / work | Award | Result |
---|---|---|---|
2005 | James Blunt | Best Pop Artist | Won |
Grammy Awards
Year | Nominee / work | Award | Result |
---|---|---|---|
2007 | James Blunt | Best New Artist | Nominated |
“You’re Beautiful” | Record of the Year | Nominated | |
Song of the Year | Nominated | ||
Best Male Pop Vocal Performance | Nominated | ||
Back to Bedlam | Best Pop Vocal Album | Nominated |
MTV Australia Awards
Year | Nominee / work | Award | Result |
---|---|---|---|
2006 | “You’re Beautiful” | Song of the Year | Won |
Best Male Artist | Nominated |
MTV Europe Music Awards
Year | Nominee / work | Award | Result |
---|---|---|---|
2005 | James Blunt | Best New Act | Won |
Best UK & Ireland Act | Nominated | ||
“You’re Beautiful” | Best Song | Nominated |
MTV Video Music Awards
Year | Nominee / work | Award | Result |
---|---|---|---|
2006 | “You’re Beautiful” | Best New Artist | Nominated |
Best Male Video | Won | ||
Best Cinematography | Won |
Q Awards
Year | Nominee / work | Award | Result |
---|---|---|---|
2005 | James Blunt | Best New Act | Won |
“You’re Beautiful” | Best Track | Nominated | |
Back to Bedlam | Best Album | Nominated |
Teen Choice Awards
Year | Nominee / work | Award | Result |
---|---|---|---|
2006 | James Blunt | Choice Music: Male Artist | Won |
Choice Music: Breakout Male Artist | Nominated | ||
“You’re Beautiful” | Choice Music: Single | Nominated | |
Choice Music: Love Song | Nominated |
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