40 Facts About Gary Barlow

Early Life and Beginnings

Gary Barlow's journey to stardom began in a small town in Cheshire, England. His early years were filled with music and performances that set the stage for his future success.

1. Gary Barlow was born on January 20, 1971, in Frodsham, Cheshire, England. He is the second son of Colin and Anna Barlow.
2. He taught himself to play the piano at a young age. His parents encouraged his passion for music, which led him to become proficient in the instrument.
3. At age 11, he started performing at working men's clubs in Wales and the north of England. These early performances helped him develop his skills and confidence.
4. Barlow entered the BBC's "Pebble Mill at One" Christmas song competition as a teenager. Although he didn't win, he reached the semi-finals and recorded his song "Let's Pray for Christmas."
5. His first paid performance was at the Connah's Quay Labour Club in Cheshire. He performed on Saturday evenings for £18 per night, marking the start of his professional career.

Rise to Fame with Take That

Gary Barlow's big break came when he joined the boyband Take That. This group would become one of the most successful pop acts in British music history.

6. In 1989, Barlow appointed Wigan show business agent Barry Woolley as his manager. Under Woolley's guidance, he recorded a single called "Love Is in the Air," which was never commercially released.
7. Barlow was introduced to casting agent Nigel Martin-Smith by celebrity photographer Doc Braham. Martin-Smith was impressed by Barlow's self-written material and decided to use him as the lead singer for a new boyband.
8. Nigel Martin-Smith introduced Mark Owen, Robbie Williams, Jason Orange, and Howard Donald to form Take That. The group was signed to RCA Records and quickly gained popularity.
9. Take That's debut album, "Take That & Party," was released in 1992. It reached number two in the UK Album Chart.
10. Their second album, "Everything Changes," went straight to number one in the UK Albums Chart. It spawned four number-one singles.

Solo Career and Achievements

After Take That initially disbanded, Gary Barlow embarked on a solo career that showcased his talents as a singer and songwriter.

11. Following Take That's split in 1996, Barlow released his debut solo album, "Open Road." It reached number one in the UK Albums Chart and sold 2 million copies worldwide.
12. His first single in the United States as a solo artist was "So Help Me Girl." It reached number 44 on the Billboard Hot 100 singles chart and number one on the US Billboard Adult Contemporary chart.
13. Barlow's solo career included several chart-topping hits. His singles "Forever Love" and "Love Won’t Wait" both reached number one in the UK Charts.
14. Despite initial success, his second album, "Twelve months, eleven days," received minimal support and airplay. It peaked at number 24 in the charts.
15. Barlow and Robbie Williams had a complex relationship over the years. They were involved in public feuds and reconciliations, eventually collaborating on the single "Shame" in 2010.

Philanthropy and Television Appearances

Beyond music, Gary Barlow has made significant contributions to charity and television, further cementing his status as a beloved public figure.

16. Barlow has been actively involved in various charitable activities throughout his career. In 2009, he organized a concert at the Royal Albert Hall, raising over £2 million for charity.
17. He climbed Mount Kilimanjaro with other UK celebrities to raise millions for Comic Relief. This effort showcased his dedication to philanthropy.
18. Barlow served as a judge on "The X Factor UK" from 2011 to 2013. He later judged "Let It Shine" in 2017 and "Walk the Line" in 2021.
19. He has won six Ivor Novello Awards from the British Academy of Songwriters, Composers and Authors. This includes the award for Outstanding Services to British Music.
20. Barlow was appointed an Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE) at the 2012 Queen's Birthday Honours. This was for his services to the entertainment industry and charity.

Songwriting and Business Ventures

Gary Barlow's talents extend beyond performing. He has also made significant contributions as a songwriter and entrepreneur.

21. After leaving his solo career, Barlow returned to writing music. He signed a songwriting publishing deal with Sony and went on a six-month songwriting project in the US.
22. He set up True North Productions with Eliot Kennedy and Tim Woodcock. This independently run management company supports artists and songwriters.
23. In 2008, Barlow provided the score for ITV's Britannia High. The 9-episode series focused on the lives of teenagers at a fictional London theatre school.
24. Barlow launched his own wine label in 2021. He developed a taste for wine in his mid-twenties and has since become a connoisseur.
25. His album "Music Played By Humans" was released in November 2020. It marked his first solo release since 2013.

Personal Life and Legacy

Gary Barlow's personal life and legacy are as impressive as his professional achievements. He remains a beloved figure in British music and beyond.

26. Barlow met his wife, Dawn, in 1995 when she was a dancer on Take That’s Nobody Else tour. The couple has three children together: Daniel, Emily, and Daisy.
27. In 2017, Barlow made a cameo appearance in Star Wars: The Last Jedi. He played an X-wing fighter.
28. In 2012, Barlow organized the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee concert at Buckingham Palace. He performed a song he co-wrote with Andrew Lloyd Webber.
29. Barlow has organized several charity concerts throughout his career. His 40th birthday concert in 2011 at Shepherd’s Bush Empire raised significant funds for charity.
30. He has been voted the greatest British songwriter of all time in a 2009 OnePoll survey. He beat John Lennon and Paul McCartney to the top spot.

Continued Success and Influence

Gary Barlow continues to thrive in the ever-changing music landscape, proving his enduring talent and influence.

31. As a songwriter, Barlow has penned 15 number-one singles and 24 top-ten hits. His songs have been performed by various artists, including Elton John and Shirley Bassey.
32. Barlow has sold over 50 million records worldwide. This makes him one of the best-selling artists in history.
33. He has established himself as a television personality. Barlow has judged on several talent shows, including "The X Factor UK," "Let It Shine," and "Walk the Line."
34. Despite his immense success, Barlow remains down to earth and humble. He has been praised for his humility and dedication to his craft.
35. During the lockdown period, Barlow launched The Crooner Sessions. This popular online video series featured daily duets with artists like Robbie Williams, Chris Martin, and Sir Rod Stewart.

Fun Facts and Trivia

Gary Barlow's life is filled with interesting tidbits and achievements that showcase his diverse talents and interests.

36. Barlow developed a taste for wine in his mid-twenties. He has been involved in various wine-related projects, including launching his own wine label.
37. He has a music studio in Notting Hill. The studio is adorned with vintage sweets and candy-striped paper bags, reflecting his playful and creative personality.
38. Barlow is known for his energetic and engaging live performances. His UK arena tour in 2013 was a huge success.
39. He has collaborated with numerous artists over the years. This includes Shirley Bassey and Charlotte Church.
40. As of 2023, Gary Barlow’s net worth is estimated to be around £60 million. His successful music career and various business ventures have contributed significantly to his wealth.

Gary Barlow's Lasting Impact

Gary Barlow's journey from a young boy performing at working men's clubs to a celebrated music icon is truly inspiring. His dedication to music, philanthropy, and family showcases his multifaceted talent and character. With over 50 million records sold, numerous awards, and countless chart-topping hits, Barlow's influence on British music is undeniable. His ability to adapt, whether through solo projects, collaborations, or television appearances, keeps him relevant and beloved by fans. Barlow's philanthropic efforts, like organizing charity concerts and climbing Mount Kilimanjaro for Comic Relief, highlight his commitment to giving back. As he continues to evolve, Gary Barlow remains a significant figure in the entertainment world, leaving a lasting legacy that will be remembered for generations. His story is a testament to hard work, passion, and the power of music to bring people together.