Post by ~Kati~ on May 13, 2006 23:52:49 GMT -5
here's the biography i got from 8notes! i'm not sure how recent it is, so if anyone wants to add anything, let me know!
Baby Steps Born in Los Angeles
Growing Pains
Pop and classical singer Josh Groban made his debut in the seventh grade, but then put music aside for a few years until he enrolled at the Interlochen Arts Program. As the years went on, the boys started to express their different interests. At the tender age of nine, Joshua started his very own comedy troupe- the boy just loved to laugh! He and his friend would put on shows for the local neighbours, friends and family. He also struck an interest with learning how to play drums. Now it was on with the music; keyboard, drums and even trumpet! While Josh was still exploring his interests, young Chris was already finding his in film making. It is assumed by an anonymous source that he was asked to do a documentary for a school project.
Growing up, both of the boys were involved in acting in and around the LA area, as their parents chose to expose them to many things. These plays eventually influenced Josh and were one of many factors that served to interest him in music and theater.
At this point, Josh was in grade 7 and Chris was in grade 3. Jack and Lindy both recognized Josh's love for theater and music and later decided to move him to Los Angeles County High School for the Arts which focuses on music and theater.
The following summer, the Groban's decided to send Josh off to Interlochen Arts Camp in Interlochen, Michigan. This was probably the most important decision that could be made. Not only did Joshua love spending the summer there, he had made many friends there but he also gained lots of experience for the future. During his summer there, he got to participate in one of his favourite musicals, 'Sweeny Todd'. However it was his first year and was only given a small role playing 'Broom Sweep #3'. Even so, this was enough to give Josh the real feeling of being on stage. He realized that he loved the stage presence he gained from participating in the plays, feeling the energy of the crowd and putting forward his best, something a spectator doesn't get to experience.
With Josh's mind set on theater and music, Chris' mind was set on video games and film making, an art that is difficult to capture. As long as the boys were happy, their parents were there to support them every step of the way.
Adolescence with a surprising twist
Josh was now in his sophomore year of high school. He had become a man, and he was beginning to notice this new voice he had. Though his interest remained with rock drumming and keyboards, he realized that his voice had star potential. On one occasion, Josh's music teacher asked him to sing a solo in the school choir. Josh accepted, and amazed everyone with his marvellous voice. His teacher raved to Josh and his parents about the amazing talent he possessed. This was wonderful praise for Josh to hear. Almost immediately,Josh enrolled in voice lessons with a local well-known music teacher, Seth Riggs, who has worked with many famous singers. Life lived itself normally, day to day, going to voice lessons once a week. Jack had a steady job, Lindy was enjoying the home life, the dog was still falling into the pool and the boys were adjusting to adolescence. Then one day, everything changed.
Josh's vocal coach, Seth Riggs, received a letter from acclaimed producer David Foster asking him for a young man with a good voice to sing at the inauguration ceremony of the Governor of California, Grey Davis. He sent in a demo tape of Josh; David was absolutely floored. The next week Josh was up on stage singing to over 20,000 people. The response that day was huge! Then, everything started coming together at once. In the crowd that day was the producer of the hit comedy series 'Ally Mcbeal', David E. Kelly, as well as many other notable celebrities and representatives of the industry. Apparently, that hadn't clued Josh to think anything major; he just went along, thinking:
'Oh, that was fun. I doubt that I will be hearing anything from them ever again' (source: ABC News, 20/20 interview 06/02)
A week following the Inauguration, Josh got another phone call from David Foster. David was helping out at the 1999 Grammy Rehearsals and had a huge favour to ask. Celine Dion's singing partner, Andrea Bocelli was stuck in Germany due to poor weather conditions. She had no one to do rehearsal with, but practice was crucial. David thought the only voice he knew that was good enough to fill Andrea Bocelli's was that of Josh Groban. When told the story, Josh refused at first. He wasn't thinking in terms of big break, but more in terms of respect.
'At first I said no. I was afraid the song was too high and I didn't want to embarrass myself.' (Josh Groban, www.joshgroban.com/jg_about.html)
David hung up that night, quite disappointed. Josh took some time to think about it and began to wish he hadn't said no. Luckily, David had enough faith in Josh and decided to call him back. Only this time he basically told Josh to go to the Shrine and sing with Celine Dion, and that he would not be let down. This time, Josh accepted. After going over a few hours of practicing the male part of the song 'The Prayer', Josh was as ready as he could be. David told him that no one would be there- good thinking. However, this was not the case when Josh gets there. When Josh got there, after struggling to get through security guards, he entered the Shrine only to see hundreds of celebrities in the front rows. Nerves were not an option. No one recognized him at first, and the stage director just kept asking where this Josh-kid was. Finally Josh made his presence known. To Celine and the stage director's surprise, Josh was just a young kid. They had been expecting someone older. Everyone in the crowd continued their chattering, back stage and onstage. The music starts, Celine's intro is done and Josh opens his mouth. As soon as that first note was belted out, everyone stopped and stared. Josh stood there shaking out of nerves while Celine did her best to calm him down. They got through the song, and Celine already adored Josh. In the crowd sat Rosie O'Donnell. After hearing Josh sing, she spoke to him backstage and invited him onto her show. Things had began to come together... for real.
Rising Star
The next week, Josh got a phone call from David E. Kelly, the producer of Ally McBeal asking him to play a short role in the final episode where he would sing his soon-to-be-recorded song 'You're Still You'. Kelly had not even seen Josh act, let alone know if he could. It was now, that all the Interlochen training would pay off. His role was first scheduled to be a little stand-in, but due to complications it was changed to that of main character Malcolm Wyatt. Josh went in, tapped the show and had a great time.
'Yes, it was quite huge [being on AllyMcBeal]. We were amazed that they wanted to do that. [David Kelly] said to me 'I want to put one of your songs in my show.' Wow, great. Then I got a script, and I was actually in the show. Wow. Great. Then I realized there were a LOT of lines. I thought, 'Well okay, I've done some acting in high school.' It was certainly fun to try that out and work with the cast and how talented they are.'(MusicMatch interview)
Of course, David Foster had other plans in mind. Josh was asked back to the show the following year, and in that time frame received much recognition.
Josh sang his new single, To Where You Are. He would get phone calls from radio stations explaining how they had pirated the song off the internet and had been playing it all morning. They all wanted to get to know Josh, and asked for interviews. It was now time to get down to the business.
Josh had just graduated from high school. He attended the prestigious Carnegie Mellon University while trying to juggle his budding career. He knew something would have to change. Josh told Foster that he either wanted to continue with school and or get into the studio and start working on an album. Foster, of course agreed to the album, and it was underway within a few weeks. Foster knew that this would be a success. When he first met Josh he just knew that:
'He's got the goods, I know he does,' (NBC news, 20/20 interview) and this would be the beginning of an amazing musical partnership.
So, Josh only ended up spending one semester at Carnegie, making the difficult decision to drop out and pursue a musical career. He explains in a 20/20 interview that:
'Leaving college to make this album was a big sacrifice for me and, as much as I stand by the decision I made, I would love to go back and take more classes. I hope to do so in the next year or two.'
With that decision behind him it was now time for lights, camera- sing!
Josh's life was coming together. All the stars seemed to be lining up for him, he was invited to do many interviews with big names in the media and asked to sing for a number of different events. As for his family, same goes. In 2000, Jack started up his own business again, Jack Groban and Associates. Chris was exploring his love for filmmaking in high school and Lindy was content staying at home and going through all the fan mail Josh was already receiving. Josh's debut album was released on November 20th, 2001. A few months following, a website was created with an online forum allowing all the fans to interact with each other and with Josh, who posted periodically. Web sites would launch his first single, To Where You Are and continually ask for interviews. Many would think the amount of interviews he did was overwhelming, but Josh states,
'No, not at all. I'm just really happy when people want to find out more about me.'(source: MusicMatch interview '01)
By 2002, Josh had a platinum album and a rising single. All he needed was a fan base. Well, that was no problem. With his appearances on popular daytime shows such as 'The View', and 'The Rosie O'Donnell Show', he was soon becoming known. With his name being put out there, fans were able to easily find his website and find everything they need right there. Eventually his diehard fans decided they needed a name. The term Grobanites was decided upon, and came to mean: Those who are fans of Josh Groban's music and who voluntarily promote him. Who could ask for more than fans who carry that description?
Everything was coming up roses for Josh Groban, and though it all he remained a humble 21 year old, who just happens to have an amazing voice. In the summer of 2002 he was invited to participate in the annual event called Tanglewood with John Williams and the BostonPops. However, in the previous months, Josh had been suffering with numerous throat infections and bouts of tonsillitis. This was cutting into his performances, and he seemed to almost always be on medications. So, the doctor insisted he just get them removed. Unfortunately, Josh had to cancel his plans to be participating in Tanglewood, almost last minute actually. This was a huge set back for him and his fans, but Josh insured that:
'Having them out helps me to breathe and sing much easier. Now that they are gone a weight has been lifted off my shoulders. I don't fear that I am going to get a sore throat any more.' (USATODAY,'Tonsillectomy gave Groban reason to sing' interview)
Later on in the year, there was another huge stepping stone to his career. This was in November 2002 when he starred in his very own PBS Special on the Greatest Performances program. In it, he sang all the tracks on his self-entitled debut
album as well as a song from the A.I. sound track accompanied by the famous John Williams. He also surprised the viewers with the hauntingly beautiful ballad called, Broken Vow. When it aired, PBS would hold a pledge drive to get funding for their programming. The special aired on November 2nd 2002. Critics were amazed. This not only provided Josh with much needed publicity, but also allowed him to help out something he grew up relying on as a kid; the PBS network. The special was then released on DVD as a two part DVD and CD, including a breathtaking bonus Christmas track 'O Holy Night'.
The following holiday season, Josh, an Episcopalian, flew out to Italy to sing for the Pope on the Christmas at the Vatican special. This was the last major stepping stone in Josh's career. He was a rising star!
His debut album is now 3 times Platinum in the United States and 4 times Platinum in Canada. He has released another single, 'You're Still You' which is doing fairly well on the charts and is now currently working on a new upcoming album to be released sometime between September and November of this year. Until then he continues to do mini promotion gigs and charity events. So, What does Josh have to say about all of this?
'It's been like a dream so far- all I can say is stay tuned' (Josh Groban, www.joshgroban.com/jg_about.html)
UPDATE!!!!!!!!!: Josh has FINALLY gotten out of the studio, a place which he refers to as a 'hamster ball' (Josh Groban, 143 records, Closer: From LA to Paris) and has released his second album titled, Closer. In its first week it sold nearly 600, 000 and went on to being double platinum only a month after its release. This album explores various genre's of music including: latin, alternative, pop, rock, classical and gospel. He released his first single Closer, two weeks prior to the album's release, and it topped all the major charts. Right now, Josh is gearing up for a year long world tour. However, if you are looking to get some tickets of your own, you will have to wait until more tour dates are added! After two presales, all the shows sold out in nearly 15 minutes after open to public! Very impressive:) Stay tuned to www.joshgroban.com for added tour dates! Also be sure to check out Josh's brand new fanclub called 'friends of Josh Groban', with this you get very early presales for added tour dates, free dowloads, free gifts and much more!
NEW ALBUM UPDATE: Check out Josh's new cd 'Josh Groban at the Greek.' It is filled with several new and exciting songs that you'll definately want to check out. He's also changed the accompaniment of some of his original songs that puts an awesome twist to his songs!
EVEN NEWER ALBUM UPDATE: Josh is working on his third album(title unknown) and plans to have it on shelves in September or November!
9-4-06 UPDATE: the first single to the third album(titles still unknown), You are Loved, is out on aol first listen!
ALBUM UPDATE!: Josh has released Awake and is now touring.
Baby Steps Born in Los Angeles
Growing Pains
Pop and classical singer Josh Groban made his debut in the seventh grade, but then put music aside for a few years until he enrolled at the Interlochen Arts Program. As the years went on, the boys started to express their different interests. At the tender age of nine, Joshua started his very own comedy troupe- the boy just loved to laugh! He and his friend would put on shows for the local neighbours, friends and family. He also struck an interest with learning how to play drums. Now it was on with the music; keyboard, drums and even trumpet! While Josh was still exploring his interests, young Chris was already finding his in film making. It is assumed by an anonymous source that he was asked to do a documentary for a school project.
Growing up, both of the boys were involved in acting in and around the LA area, as their parents chose to expose them to many things. These plays eventually influenced Josh and were one of many factors that served to interest him in music and theater.
At this point, Josh was in grade 7 and Chris was in grade 3. Jack and Lindy both recognized Josh's love for theater and music and later decided to move him to Los Angeles County High School for the Arts which focuses on music and theater.
The following summer, the Groban's decided to send Josh off to Interlochen Arts Camp in Interlochen, Michigan. This was probably the most important decision that could be made. Not only did Joshua love spending the summer there, he had made many friends there but he also gained lots of experience for the future. During his summer there, he got to participate in one of his favourite musicals, 'Sweeny Todd'. However it was his first year and was only given a small role playing 'Broom Sweep #3'. Even so, this was enough to give Josh the real feeling of being on stage. He realized that he loved the stage presence he gained from participating in the plays, feeling the energy of the crowd and putting forward his best, something a spectator doesn't get to experience.
With Josh's mind set on theater and music, Chris' mind was set on video games and film making, an art that is difficult to capture. As long as the boys were happy, their parents were there to support them every step of the way.
Adolescence with a surprising twist
Josh was now in his sophomore year of high school. He had become a man, and he was beginning to notice this new voice he had. Though his interest remained with rock drumming and keyboards, he realized that his voice had star potential. On one occasion, Josh's music teacher asked him to sing a solo in the school choir. Josh accepted, and amazed everyone with his marvellous voice. His teacher raved to Josh and his parents about the amazing talent he possessed. This was wonderful praise for Josh to hear. Almost immediately,Josh enrolled in voice lessons with a local well-known music teacher, Seth Riggs, who has worked with many famous singers. Life lived itself normally, day to day, going to voice lessons once a week. Jack had a steady job, Lindy was enjoying the home life, the dog was still falling into the pool and the boys were adjusting to adolescence. Then one day, everything changed.
Josh's vocal coach, Seth Riggs, received a letter from acclaimed producer David Foster asking him for a young man with a good voice to sing at the inauguration ceremony of the Governor of California, Grey Davis. He sent in a demo tape of Josh; David was absolutely floored. The next week Josh was up on stage singing to over 20,000 people. The response that day was huge! Then, everything started coming together at once. In the crowd that day was the producer of the hit comedy series 'Ally Mcbeal', David E. Kelly, as well as many other notable celebrities and representatives of the industry. Apparently, that hadn't clued Josh to think anything major; he just went along, thinking:
'Oh, that was fun. I doubt that I will be hearing anything from them ever again' (source: ABC News, 20/20 interview 06/02)
A week following the Inauguration, Josh got another phone call from David Foster. David was helping out at the 1999 Grammy Rehearsals and had a huge favour to ask. Celine Dion's singing partner, Andrea Bocelli was stuck in Germany due to poor weather conditions. She had no one to do rehearsal with, but practice was crucial. David thought the only voice he knew that was good enough to fill Andrea Bocelli's was that of Josh Groban. When told the story, Josh refused at first. He wasn't thinking in terms of big break, but more in terms of respect.
'At first I said no. I was afraid the song was too high and I didn't want to embarrass myself.' (Josh Groban, www.joshgroban.com/jg_about.html)
David hung up that night, quite disappointed. Josh took some time to think about it and began to wish he hadn't said no. Luckily, David had enough faith in Josh and decided to call him back. Only this time he basically told Josh to go to the Shrine and sing with Celine Dion, and that he would not be let down. This time, Josh accepted. After going over a few hours of practicing the male part of the song 'The Prayer', Josh was as ready as he could be. David told him that no one would be there- good thinking. However, this was not the case when Josh gets there. When Josh got there, after struggling to get through security guards, he entered the Shrine only to see hundreds of celebrities in the front rows. Nerves were not an option. No one recognized him at first, and the stage director just kept asking where this Josh-kid was. Finally Josh made his presence known. To Celine and the stage director's surprise, Josh was just a young kid. They had been expecting someone older. Everyone in the crowd continued their chattering, back stage and onstage. The music starts, Celine's intro is done and Josh opens his mouth. As soon as that first note was belted out, everyone stopped and stared. Josh stood there shaking out of nerves while Celine did her best to calm him down. They got through the song, and Celine already adored Josh. In the crowd sat Rosie O'Donnell. After hearing Josh sing, she spoke to him backstage and invited him onto her show. Things had began to come together... for real.
Rising Star
The next week, Josh got a phone call from David E. Kelly, the producer of Ally McBeal asking him to play a short role in the final episode where he would sing his soon-to-be-recorded song 'You're Still You'. Kelly had not even seen Josh act, let alone know if he could. It was now, that all the Interlochen training would pay off. His role was first scheduled to be a little stand-in, but due to complications it was changed to that of main character Malcolm Wyatt. Josh went in, tapped the show and had a great time.
'Yes, it was quite huge [being on AllyMcBeal]. We were amazed that they wanted to do that. [David Kelly] said to me 'I want to put one of your songs in my show.' Wow, great. Then I got a script, and I was actually in the show. Wow. Great. Then I realized there were a LOT of lines. I thought, 'Well okay, I've done some acting in high school.' It was certainly fun to try that out and work with the cast and how talented they are.'(MusicMatch interview)
Of course, David Foster had other plans in mind. Josh was asked back to the show the following year, and in that time frame received much recognition.
Josh sang his new single, To Where You Are. He would get phone calls from radio stations explaining how they had pirated the song off the internet and had been playing it all morning. They all wanted to get to know Josh, and asked for interviews. It was now time to get down to the business.
Josh had just graduated from high school. He attended the prestigious Carnegie Mellon University while trying to juggle his budding career. He knew something would have to change. Josh told Foster that he either wanted to continue with school and or get into the studio and start working on an album. Foster, of course agreed to the album, and it was underway within a few weeks. Foster knew that this would be a success. When he first met Josh he just knew that:
'He's got the goods, I know he does,' (NBC news, 20/20 interview) and this would be the beginning of an amazing musical partnership.
So, Josh only ended up spending one semester at Carnegie, making the difficult decision to drop out and pursue a musical career. He explains in a 20/20 interview that:
'Leaving college to make this album was a big sacrifice for me and, as much as I stand by the decision I made, I would love to go back and take more classes. I hope to do so in the next year or two.'
With that decision behind him it was now time for lights, camera- sing!
Josh's life was coming together. All the stars seemed to be lining up for him, he was invited to do many interviews with big names in the media and asked to sing for a number of different events. As for his family, same goes. In 2000, Jack started up his own business again, Jack Groban and Associates. Chris was exploring his love for filmmaking in high school and Lindy was content staying at home and going through all the fan mail Josh was already receiving. Josh's debut album was released on November 20th, 2001. A few months following, a website was created with an online forum allowing all the fans to interact with each other and with Josh, who posted periodically. Web sites would launch his first single, To Where You Are and continually ask for interviews. Many would think the amount of interviews he did was overwhelming, but Josh states,
'No, not at all. I'm just really happy when people want to find out more about me.'(source: MusicMatch interview '01)
By 2002, Josh had a platinum album and a rising single. All he needed was a fan base. Well, that was no problem. With his appearances on popular daytime shows such as 'The View', and 'The Rosie O'Donnell Show', he was soon becoming known. With his name being put out there, fans were able to easily find his website and find everything they need right there. Eventually his diehard fans decided they needed a name. The term Grobanites was decided upon, and came to mean: Those who are fans of Josh Groban's music and who voluntarily promote him. Who could ask for more than fans who carry that description?
Everything was coming up roses for Josh Groban, and though it all he remained a humble 21 year old, who just happens to have an amazing voice. In the summer of 2002 he was invited to participate in the annual event called Tanglewood with John Williams and the BostonPops. However, in the previous months, Josh had been suffering with numerous throat infections and bouts of tonsillitis. This was cutting into his performances, and he seemed to almost always be on medications. So, the doctor insisted he just get them removed. Unfortunately, Josh had to cancel his plans to be participating in Tanglewood, almost last minute actually. This was a huge set back for him and his fans, but Josh insured that:
'Having them out helps me to breathe and sing much easier. Now that they are gone a weight has been lifted off my shoulders. I don't fear that I am going to get a sore throat any more.' (USATODAY,'Tonsillectomy gave Groban reason to sing' interview)
Later on in the year, there was another huge stepping stone to his career. This was in November 2002 when he starred in his very own PBS Special on the Greatest Performances program. In it, he sang all the tracks on his self-entitled debut
album as well as a song from the A.I. sound track accompanied by the famous John Williams. He also surprised the viewers with the hauntingly beautiful ballad called, Broken Vow. When it aired, PBS would hold a pledge drive to get funding for their programming. The special aired on November 2nd 2002. Critics were amazed. This not only provided Josh with much needed publicity, but also allowed him to help out something he grew up relying on as a kid; the PBS network. The special was then released on DVD as a two part DVD and CD, including a breathtaking bonus Christmas track 'O Holy Night'.
The following holiday season, Josh, an Episcopalian, flew out to Italy to sing for the Pope on the Christmas at the Vatican special. This was the last major stepping stone in Josh's career. He was a rising star!
His debut album is now 3 times Platinum in the United States and 4 times Platinum in Canada. He has released another single, 'You're Still You' which is doing fairly well on the charts and is now currently working on a new upcoming album to be released sometime between September and November of this year. Until then he continues to do mini promotion gigs and charity events. So, What does Josh have to say about all of this?
'It's been like a dream so far- all I can say is stay tuned' (Josh Groban, www.joshgroban.com/jg_about.html)
UPDATE!!!!!!!!!: Josh has FINALLY gotten out of the studio, a place which he refers to as a 'hamster ball' (Josh Groban, 143 records, Closer: From LA to Paris) and has released his second album titled, Closer. In its first week it sold nearly 600, 000 and went on to being double platinum only a month after its release. This album explores various genre's of music including: latin, alternative, pop, rock, classical and gospel. He released his first single Closer, two weeks prior to the album's release, and it topped all the major charts. Right now, Josh is gearing up for a year long world tour. However, if you are looking to get some tickets of your own, you will have to wait until more tour dates are added! After two presales, all the shows sold out in nearly 15 minutes after open to public! Very impressive:) Stay tuned to www.joshgroban.com for added tour dates! Also be sure to check out Josh's brand new fanclub called 'friends of Josh Groban', with this you get very early presales for added tour dates, free dowloads, free gifts and much more!
NEW ALBUM UPDATE: Check out Josh's new cd 'Josh Groban at the Greek.' It is filled with several new and exciting songs that you'll definately want to check out. He's also changed the accompaniment of some of his original songs that puts an awesome twist to his songs!
EVEN NEWER ALBUM UPDATE: Josh is working on his third album(title unknown) and plans to have it on shelves in September or November!
9-4-06 UPDATE: the first single to the third album(titles still unknown), You are Loved, is out on aol first listen!
ALBUM UPDATE!: Josh has released Awake and is now touring.
