Gary Barlow facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Gary Barlow OBE
Barlow performing in Glasgow in 2017
Born	Gary Barlow (1971-01-20) 20 January 1971 (age 54) Frodsham, Cheshire, England
Occupation	Singer songwriter record producer television personality
Years active	1984–present
Spouse(s)	Dawn Andrews ​ (m. 2000)​
Children	4 (1 deceased)
Musical career
Genres	Pop
Instruments	Vocals piano keyboards
Labels	Sony Polydor Universal Decca Atlantic Future San Remo

Gary Barlow (born 20 January 1971) is a famous English singer, songwriter, and record producer. He is best known as the lead singer of the popular pop group Take That.

Gary Barlow is one of the United Kingdom's most successful songwriters. He has written many hit songs, including fifteen number-one singles. Twelve of these were with Take That, two were solo songs, and one was for Robbie Williams. As a solo artist, he has had three number-one singles and three number-one albums. With Take That, he has had twelve number-one singles and eight number-one albums. Barlow has also been a judge on TV talent shows like The X Factor UK (from 2011 to 2013), Let It Shine (2017), and Walk the Line (2021).

He has won six Ivor Novello Awards for his amazing contributions to British music. In 2012, he was given an OBE award by the Queen for his work in entertainment and charity. Gary Barlow has sold over 50 million records worldwide.

Early Life and Musical Beginnings

Gary Barlow was born on 20 January 1971 in Frodsham, Cheshire. He was the second son of Colin and Marjorie Barlow. Gary loved music from a young age. He often danced in front of the TV, watching his reflection. He was inspired by pop music from the late 1970s and 1980s.

When he was 10, after seeing Depeche Mode perform, Gary got his first keyboard. He practiced playing it all the time. He also looked up to artists like Trevor Horn and OMD. Elton John inspired him to play the piano.

At 15, in 1986, Gary entered a BBC Christmas song competition with his song "Let's Pray for Christmas." He made it to the semi-finals and was invited to record his song in London. This experience encouraged him to perform his own songs and cover versions in clubs.

In 1989, Gary met casting agent Nigel Martin-Smith. Martin-Smith was very impressed by Gary's songwriting skills and decided to build a new band around him.

Take That: The Early Years

Forming the Band: 1989–1996

Gary Barlow became the lead singer and main songwriter for Take That. After choosing Gary, Nigel Martin-Smith brought in Howard Donald, Jason Orange, Mark Owen, and Robbie Williams. The group signed with RCA Records.

After a few songs that made it into the top 40, Take That got their first number-one hit with Gary's song "Pray." Other early hits included "A Million Love Songs" and "It Only Takes a Minute." Their first album, Take That & Party, came out in 1992 and reached number two in the UK.

Their second album, Everything Changes, released in 1993, went straight to number one. This album had four number-one singles. In 1994, Gary won an Ivor Novello Award for "Pray." He also sang backing vocals for Elton John's song "Can You Feel the Love Tonight" from The Lion King.

Take That's third album, Nobody Else, also went straight to number one. It included three number-one singles, like Gary's song "Back for Good." This song was so popular that it was released six weeks early! It even reached number seven in the US.

After Robbie Williams left the band, Take That released a Greatest Hits album. It featured their eighth number-one single, "How Deep Is Your Love." This was the last song they released before taking a break until 2005.

Solo Career and Producing Music

First Solo Albums: 1996–2004

Gary Barlow had big plans for his solo career. His first two solo songs, "Forever Love" (1996) and "Love Won't Wait" (written by Madonna), both went to number one in the UK. His first solo album, Open Road, also reached number one and sold 2 million copies worldwide.

His second album, Twelve Months, Eleven Days, came out in 1999. However, it didn't do as well as his first. After this, Gary decided to take a break from singing. From 2000 to 2004, he focused on producing music for other artists, including his bandmate Mark Owen. In 2005, he returned to singing after six years.

Take That Reunion and New Success

Coming Back Together: 2005–2011

Gary Barlow and Take That made a big comeback in 2005 with a TV documentary called Take That: For the Record. This led to a sold-out tour. The band released their comeback song "Patience" which was number one for four weeks. It was voted "Record of the Year" in 2006. Then came "Shine," which was their tenth number-one single.

Their first album of new songs in over ten years, Beautiful World, came out in 2006. It reached number one and sold over 2.8 million copies in the UK. In 2008, Take That won two Brit Awards for Best British Single and Best British Live Act.

In 2008, their song "Greatest Day" became their eleventh number-one single. Their album The Circus also went straight to number one. In 2009, their Take That Present: The Circus Live tour sold over one million tickets in just five hours!

Gary Barlow also released a duet with Robbie Williams called "Shame." This song reached number two in the UK.

In 2010, Take That released their album Progress, which was the first time the original five members had recorded together since 1995. The album sold over 235,000 copies on its first day, making it the fastest-selling record of the century at that time. It became their seventh number-one album. The band's Progress Live tour in 2011 sold a record-breaking one million tickets on the first day.

Solo Projects and Royal Performances

New Solo Music and Jubilee Song: 2012–2014

In 2012, Gary Barlow worked with Andrew Lloyd Webber to write the official song for the Queen Elizabeth II's Diamond Jubilee. The song, called "Sing," was released as the main song from the album of the same name. The album Sing went to number one, becoming Gary's second solo number-one album. The song "Sing" also reached number one in the UK.

In October 2012, Gary announced his first solo tour in thirteen years. Tickets sold out very quickly, even faster than tickets for the Rolling Stones!

Barlow performing in concert in 2013

In September 2013, Gary announced his first full solo album in 14 years, called Since I Saw You Last. It was released in November 2013. The first song from the album, "Let Me Go," reached number two in the UK. The album itself debuted at number two and became Gary's most successful solo album in the UK.

Recent Projects and Tours

New Albums and Stage Shows: 2017–Present

In 2017, Gary Barlow announced a solo tour to celebrate his new book, A Better Me. This tour visited smaller, more personal venues.

In 2020, he released a new solo album called Music Played by Humans. This album featured a 60-piece orchestra. The first song from it, "Elita," featured Michael Bublé and Sebastián Yatra.

In 2021, Gary released his first Christmas album, The Dream of Christmas. It included new songs and classic Christmas covers.

In 2022, Gary announced a one-man stage show called A Different Stage. The show toured the UK and played in London's West End.

In November 2024, Gary announced his "Songbook Tour" for 2025. This tour will see him perform across the UK, returning to his roots. On 20 March 2025, he released a new song "If There's Not A Song About It" with Colbie Caillat.

Other Musical Work

Writing and Producing Music

After his solo career, Gary Barlow went back to writing music. He signed a deal with Sony and spent time in the US writing songs. He also set up his own production company. Gary has written songs for many famous artists, including Robbie Williams, Westlife, Elton John, and Olly Murs. He has written 14 number-one singles in the UK.

In 2007, he started San Remo Live Publishings to help new artists and songwriters. In 2008, he helped create the music for the ITV show Britannia High. In 2010, he signed a new songwriting deal with Sony Music.

Special Performances and Events

In May 2010, the Queen asked Gary Barlow to help organize her 86th birthday party and her Diamond Jubilee celebrations in 2012. Gary was the main organizer for the concert held outside Buckingham Palace. Many famous artists performed at this concert. Gary himself sang "Sing" with Andrew Lloyd Webber and his Commonwealth Band. He also sang with Girls Aloud's Cheryl Cole.

Future Records Label

In 2009, Gary Barlow started his own record label called Future Records. He signed artists like classical singer Camilla Kerslake and rapper Aggro Santos. His label also signed Emma's Imagination, who won Sky 1's Must Be The Music. In 2013, an artist Gary discovered, A*M*E, had a number-one single. Gary later closed the label to focus on his own career and family.

TV Appearances

The X Factor Judge

In 2011, Gary Barlow became a judge on The X Factor, replacing Simon Cowell. He joined Louis Walsh, Tulisa, and Kelly Rowland. Gary was in charge of the "Boys" category and helped Marcus Collins reach the final.

He returned as a judge for a second year in 2012, mentoring the "Over 28s" category. He guided Christopher Maloney to the final. In 2013, Gary returned for his third and final series, mentoring the "Groups" category. He announced that this would be his last series due to his solo tour and new Take That album.

Musical Theatre Work

In 2013, Gary Barlow announced he would be working on a new musical version of Finding Neverland. He co-wrote the music for the show. He said he had always wanted to do this. The musical opened on Broadway in 2015 and was very successful.

Gary also co-wrote a musical called The Girls (later called Calendar Girls The Musical) with his friend Tim Firth. It opened in London in 2017.

Let It Shine

In 2016, Gary Barlow launched his own TV talent show called Let It Shine. The show aimed to find five male singers to star in a new musical that would use the music of Take That. The musical would tour across the UK. Let It Shine started on BBC One in January 2017.

The Crooner Sessions

During the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, Gary Barlow started "The Crooner Sessions." He performed songs online with other artists. These videos became very popular and were shared on Instagram, YouTube, Facebook, and Twitter. He explained that since they couldn't perform on stages, this was their "new stage." The series returned for a second season in 2021.

Walk the Line

In 2021, Gary Barlow became a judge on the new talent show Walk the Line. He joined Craig David, Dawn French, and Alesha Dixon on the judging panel.

Awards and Recognition

Gary Barlow has received many honors for his long career in music and his charity work. In 2012, he was appointed an Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE) by the Queen. He received this award for his services to the entertainment industry and to charity. Gary said he was "absolutely thrilled" and that his family was very proud.

In July 2012, he also received the Music Industry Trusts Award. This award recognized his contributions to British music and charity.

Life Outside Music

Acting Roles

In 2000, Gary Barlow acted in the ITV1 drama Heartbeat. He played a hitch-hiker named Micky Shannon. He also had small roles in the films Keith Lemon: The Film (2012) and Star Wars: The Last Jedi (2017). In 2013 and 2015, he appeared in the BBC1 show Miranda. In 2023, he played a busker in the Take That movie musical Greatest Days.

Connecting on Social Media

In October 2011, Gary Barlow joined Twitter live on The Xtra Factor. He wanted to connect with fans and support the contestants he was mentoring. He quickly gained over 1 million followers within two months.

TV Shows and Travel

In November 2024, Gary Barlow released a new series called Gary Barlow Wine Tours. In this show, he explores food and drink in South Africa with special guests like Mica Paris and Ben Shephard. A second series, filmed in Australia with guests like Sophie Ellis-Bextor and Dannii Minogue, is set to air from 11 April 2025.

Helping Charities

Gary Barlow is well-known for his charity work. In 2009, he organized a climb to the top of Mount Kilimanjaro to raise money for Comic Relief. He and eight other celebrities successfully reached the top, raising millions of pounds.

His charity efforts in 2009, including the Kilimanjaro climb and organizing Children in Need Rocks the Royal Albert Hall, raised over £6 million. He also supported other artists' charity events.

In November 2009, Gary organized a special concert at the Royal Albert Hall for charity. This event even saw Take That perform with Robbie Williams on stage. Gary was awarded the prestigious Blue Peter Gold Badge in December 2009 for his achievements and for inspiring children.

In 2010, Gary was part of the 'Helping Haiti' project organized by Simon Cowell. They brought together many music stars to record a charity song, "Everybody Hurts," to help after the 2010 Haiti earthquake. This song became the fastest-selling charity record of the 21st century in Britain.

Gary also donated the original handwritten lyrics to his hit song "Back for Good" to raise money for the Teenage Cancer Trust. The lyrics sold for £1,200.

In January 2011, Gary held a special concert called GB40 to celebrate his 40th birthday. All the money from the show went to charity. He also organized the Children in Need Rocks Manchester concert and helped create the official single for the charity.

Gary has also donated money from his concerts to the Prince's Trust charity, which helps young people. In 2013, he stepped in to turn on the Blackpool illuminations when the original act pulled out, asking for a donation to Children In Need instead. He also visited the Armed Forces in Afghanistan to perform a concert for them. In November 2016, Gary became a Patron for Child Bereavement.

Personal Life

Family Life

In 2000, Gary Barlow married Dawn Andrews, who was a dancer on Take That's 1995 tour. They have three children. Sadly, in August 2012, they shared that their daughter, Poppy, was stillborn. Gary performed at the London 2012 Olympic Games Closing Ceremony just one week after this sad event, showing great strength.

Gary is a supporter of Liverpool F.C., a football team, and the Warrington Wolves rugby team. He has said that the song "Don't Give Up" by Peter Gabriel and Kate Bush has inspired him greatly.

Discography

Studio albums as a solo artist

• Open Road (1997)
• Twelve Months, Eleven Days (1999)
• Sing (2012)
• Since I Saw You Last (2013)
• Music Played by Humans (2020)
• The Dream of Christmas (2021)

Studio albums with Take That

• Take That & Party (1992)
• Everything Changes (1993)
• Nobody Else (1995)
• Beautiful World (2006)
• The Circus (2008)
• Progress (2010)
• III (2014)
• Wonderland (2017)
• Odyssey (2018)
• This Life (2023)

EPs

• Progressed (2011)

Tours

Solo Tours

• The Open Road Tour (1998–99)
• For the Fans Tour (1999)
• GB40 (2011)
• Gary Barlow: in Concert (2011–13)
• Since I Saw You Last Tour (2014)
• Gary Barlow: in Concert (2018)
• All the Hits Live (2021)
• A Different Stage (2022)
• The Songbook Tour (2025)

Take That Tours

• Party Tour (1992–93)
• Everything Changes Tour (1993–94)
• Pops Tour (1994–95)
• Nobody Else Tour (1995)
• The Ultimate Tour (2006)
• Beautiful World Tour 2007 (2007)
• Take That Present: The Circus Live (2009)
• Progress Live (2011)
• Take That Live (2015)
• Wonderland Live (2017)
• Greatest Hits Live (2019)
• This Life on Tour (2024)

Songs Written by Gary Barlow

Awards and Nominations

Books by Gary Barlow

• Gary Barlow: My Take. Bloomsbury UK 2006, ISBN: 0-7475-8764-7.
• Gary Barlow: My Take. Bloomsbury Press 2007, ISBN: 978-0-7475-8806-1 (paperback edition, updated to include Take That's comeback).
• Gary Barlow: A Better Me: The Official Autobiography. Blink Publishing 2018, ISBN: 978-1-911600-97-8.

See also

In Spanish: Gary Barlow para niños