Who is David Gray?

David Gray is an English singer-songwriter who has been making music since 1992. He is best known for his award-winning single “Babylon” from his fourth studio album White Ladder. He has since released nine albums, including a live album, and has collaborated with Natalie Imbruglia and Annie Lennox.

Early Life and Career

David Gray was born in Manchester, England, in 1968. He grew up in Sale, Cheshire, where he attended Altrincham Grammar School for Boys. After leaving school, he moved to Liverpool to study at the Liverpool Institute of Performing Arts. During this time, he started writing songs and performing in local pubs and clubs.

Debut Album and Rise to Fame

In 1993, Gray released his debut album A Century Ends. It sold poorly but eventually caught the attention of Dave Matthews of ATO Records, who signed him to a record deal. His second album Flesh was released in 1994, followed by Sell, Sell, Sell in 1996.

White Ladder and Success

In 1998, Gray released his fourth studio album White Ladder which featured the hit single “Babylon”. The album was an immediate success and sold over seven million copies worldwide. It reached number one on the UK Albums Chart and earned him two Brit Awards for Best British Male and Best British Album.

Collaborations and Later Career

In 2001, Gray collaborated with Natalie Imbruglia on her single “Slow Down”. He also sang backing vocals on Annie Lennox’s single “Universal Child” in 2005. In 2009, he released his ninth studio album Draw the Line which featured the singles “Fugitive” and “Full Steam Ahead”.

Awards and Nominations

Gray has won numerous awards throughout his career including two Brit Awards for Best British Male and Best British Album for White Ladder, an Ivor Novello Award for Songwriter of the Year in 2003, and two Grammy Award nominations for Best Pop Vocal Album for Life in Slow Motion in 2006. He has also been nominated for five Brit Awards and three Grammy Awards.

Personal Life

Gray is married to Claudia Schiffer, a German model and actress. They have two children together, Maximilian (born 2004) and Clementine (born 2006). He currently resides in London with his family.