Charlie Puth has become a household name, known for his soulful voice, catchy tunes, and undeniable charm. Born on December 2, 1991, in Rumson, New Jersey, Charlie's journey from a YouTube sensation to a global music star is nothing short of inspiring. With a background rich in music, thanks to his mother, a music teacher, Charlie started playing piano at just four years old. His unique scarred eyebrow, a result of a dog attack at age two, has become part of his signature look. From his early days selling homemade Christmas albums to topping charts worldwide, Charlie Puth's story is a testament to talent, perseverance, and passion.
Key Takeaways:
- Charlie Puth's musical journey began in New Jersey, shaped by his diverse cultural background and early exposure to jazz and classical music. His unique scarred eyebrow became a distinctive part of his identity.
- From selling Christmas albums in sixth grade to collaborating with international artists, Charlie Puth's career is a testament to his musical talent, perfect pitch, and advocacy for mental health. His viral TikTok success and collaborations with BTS showcase his adaptability and creativity.
Early Life and Family
Charlie Puth's journey began in Rumson, New Jersey, where his family played a significant role in shaping his musical talents.
- Charlie Puth was born on December 2, 1991, to Debra, a music teacher, and Charles Otto Puth Sr., a builder and real estate agent.
- His mother is Jewish, and his father is Catholic, giving him a diverse cultural background.
- He has two younger siblings, twins Stephen and Mikaela Puth.
The Scarred Eyebrow
A childhood incident left Charlie with a distinctive feature that has become part of his identity.
- At the age of two, Charlie was attacked by a dog, which left him with a permanently scarred right eyebrow.
Musical Beginnings
Charlie's early exposure to music set the stage for his future career.
- His mother introduced him to classical music and began teaching him the piano at the age of four.
- By ten, he started studying jazz and participated in a summer youth jazz ensemble at Count Basie Theatre's Cool School in Red Bank, New Jersey, at twelve.
Early Career
Charlie showed entrepreneurial spirit and musical talent from a young age.
- In sixth grade, he went door-to-door selling a Christmas album called Have a Very Charlie Christmas, making $600 in sales.
Education
Charlie's educational journey was as diverse as his musical influences.
- He attended Holy Cross School and Forrestdale Middle School before graduating from Rumson-Fair Haven Regional High School in 2010.
- From seventh grade to senior year, he attended the Manhattan School of Music Pre-College as a jazz piano major and classical studies minor.
- He later graduated from Berklee College of Music in 2013, majoring in music production and engineering.
YouTube Career
Charlie's rise to fame began on the internet.
- In September 2009, he started his own YouTube channel, Charlies Vlogs, posting comedy videos and acoustic covers.
- His inspiration for creating the channel came from Philip DeFranco and Dave Days.
Breakthrough and Signing with Eleveneleven
Charlie's talent caught the attention of a major TV personality.
- In December 2010, he released his debut extended play, The Otto Tunes, independently.
- *He won an online video competition sponsored by Perez Hilton, Can You Sing?, with a version of Adele's "Someone like You" performed with Emily Luther.*
- Ellen DeGeneres signed Charlie and Emily Luther to her label, eleveneleven, after seeing their performance on The Ellen DeGeneres Show.
Independent Releases and Collaborations
Charlie continued to build his career through various projects and collaborations.
- In December 2012, he released a promotional single, "Break Again," with additional vocals by Emily Luther.
- On October 23, 2013, he released his second independent extended play, Ego, to streaming online.
- In 2014, he co-wrote the song "Celebrate" on Pitbull's eighth studio album Globalization.
Perfect Pitch
Charlie possesses a rare musical ability.
- He has perfect pitch, allowing him to identify musical notes accurately.
Debut Album and Grammy Nominations
Charlie's first major album and recognition in the industry.
- His debut album, Nine Track Mind, was released on January 29, 2016, debuting at No. 3 in the UK and No. 6 on the Billboard 200 chart.
- In 2016, he was nominated for numerous Grammy Awards, including Best Pop Song.
Signing with Atlantic Records and Touring
Charlie's career continued to soar with new opportunities.
- He signed with Atlantic Records in 2016, becoming the first artist under the label's new deal with Deutsch Music.
- He embarked on the Don’t Talk and Nine Track Mind tours in 2016 and supported acts in the 2017 Illuminate World Tour.
Second Album and Collaborations
Charlie's second album showcased his evolving musical style.
- His second album, Voicenotes, was released in 2018, receiving positive feedback.
- The lead single, "Attention," became an instant hit.
- He collaborated with Selena Gomez on "We Don’t Talk Anymore" and with Kehlani on "Done For Me."
- He also worked with Boyz II Men on "If You Leave Me Now."
Jazz Influences
Charlie's music often reflects his love for jazz.
- Influenced by legends like Frank Sinatra, he incorporates jazz elements into his music.
Mentorship and Mental Health Advocacy
Charlie uses his platform to support others.
- He played the role of a mentor on the television show Songland.
- Charlie is an advocate for mental health, openly discussing his struggles with anxiety and depression.
Third Album and Viral TikTok Success
Charlie's latest projects show his adaptability and creativity.
- After scrapping his initial work for his third album, he released "Girlfriend" and "Hard on Yourself" featuring Blackbear.
- He documented his musical process on TikTok, leading to the viral success of Light Switch, the first single of his third studio album, Charlie.
Collaboration with BTS and New Music
Charlie continues to collaborate with international artists and release new music.
- He collaborated with BTS's Jungkook on "Left & Right" from Charlie.
- Last year, he released Lipstick, the lead single for his next album.
Social Media Presence and Personal Life
Charlie's connection with fans extends beyond his music.
- He has a large following on social media, with millions of fans across various platforms.
- Charlie stands at 5’9” (1.8 meters) tall and has a King Charles Spaniel named Brady.
- His favorite meal is sesame entrée, and he loves Tootsie Pops.
- He enjoys coding and spent much of his time in 7th and 8th grades learning to write code for video games.
- He has several hidden talents, including hula hooping.
- Charlie couldn't tell the time until he was twelve years old.
Charlie Puth: A Multifaceted Talent
Charlie Puth's journey from a YouTube sensation to a global music star is nothing short of remarkable. With his perfect pitch, soulful voice, and knack for songwriting, he's captured the hearts of millions. His early life, marked by a dog attack that left him with a scarred eyebrow, adds a unique touch to his persona. From selling a Christmas album door-to-door to collaborating with big names like Selena Gomez and BTS, Charlie's story is inspiring. He's also a mental health advocate, openly discussing his struggles with anxiety and depression. Whether it's his jazz influences, quirky habits like eating breakfast in the shower, or his advocacy against bullying, Charlie Puth continues to be a multifaceted talent who resonates with fans worldwide. His music and personal journey inspire millions, making him a beloved figure in the industry.
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