Gary Jules facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Gary Jules
Gary Jules performing live at the Hotel Café on December 9, 2008
Background information
Birth name	Gary Jules Aguirre Jr.
Born	(1969-03-19) March 19, 1969 (age 56) Fresno, California, United States
Genres	Rock, pop, folk, soft rock
Occupation(s)	Singer-songwriter, musician
Instruments	Vocals, guitar, piano, mandolin, harmonica, ukulele
Years active	1990–present
Labels	A&M, Sanctuary, Down Up Down Music

Gary Jules Aguirre Jr. (born March 19, 1969) is an American singer and songwriter. He is best known for his cover version of the song "Mad World". He recorded this song with his friend Michael Andrews for the movie Donnie Darko. The song became the number-one Christmas single in the UK in 2003.

Early Life of Gary Jules

Gary Jules was born in Fresno, California. His parents were Marie and Gary Aguirre. His family has roots from Oklahoma, Ireland, France, Mexico, and Spain. He went to The Bishop's School in La Jolla, California.

Popular Songs and Covers

Jules recorded a cover of the song "Mad World" by Tears for Fears. This was for the 2001 movie Donnie Darko. He released it as a single in December 2003. This made it the Christmas Number One song in the UK that year.

He performed "Mad World" live with French singer Mylène Farmer. This happened during her "Timeless" tour in 2013.

The "Mad World" cover was also used in many TV shows. These included General Hospital, The O.C., Smallville, and House. It was also in the trailer for the 2010 movie The Crazies.

In 2016, artist Jennifer Ann released a piano cover of "Mad World". This version was used in a commercial for Lloyd's Bank.

Adam Lambert sang a cover of "Mad World" on American Idol. His version was very similar to Jules's. After this, Jules's cover became very popular on iTunes Store.

Electronic music producer Phutureprimitive also remixed Gary Jules's "Mad World" in 2011.

Jules's song "Something Else" was featured in an episode of the NBC show Scrubs.

His song "Gone Daddy" was inspired by a personal experience. A difficult event happened near his home in Los Angeles. This led Jules to move his family to North Carolina.

The song "Wichita" was inspired by a class Jules took at UCLA. He learned about Native American history and how they followed bison herds.

Gary Jules was a special guest at Mylène Farmer's "Timeless" concerts in Paris in September 2013. He sang "Mad World" as a duet with Mylène Farmer. They also sang "Les Mots" together.

Gary Jules's Career

Music Videos He Made

• "Mad World" (2004) – Directed by Michel Gondry.
• "Broke Window"
• "Beautiful" (2009) – This video used stop-motion animation by Tony Clavelli.

His Music in TV Shows

Gary Jules's songs, especially "Mad World," have been used in many television shows.

• CSI: Crime Scene Investigation used "Mad World" multiple times.
• Smallville featured "Mad World" in 2003.
• Scrubs used "Something Else" in 2006.
• Grey's Anatomy featured "Falling Awake" in 2007.
• Jericho used "Mad World" in 2007.
• Friday Night Lights featured "Beautiful" in 2009.
• Family Guy used "Mad World" in 2017.

His Music in Movies

Jules's songs have also appeared in films.

• Donnie Darko (2001) – Featured "Mad World."
• Catch and Release (2006) – Included "Pills."
• Fireflies in the Garden (2008) – Featured "Greetings from the Side."
• The Boondock Saints II: All Saints Day (2009) – Used "Mad World."

Songs in Movie Trailers

• Xbox 360 Gears of War (2006) – Used "Mad World."
• The Crazies (2009) – Featured "Mad World."

Documentaries Featuring His Music

• Michel Gondry 2: More Videos (Before and After DVD 1) (2009) – "Mad World" segment.
• Joseph Aguirre's Next Year Country (2009) – Used his music for the soundtrack.

His Music in Theater

The play The Little Flower of East Orange by Stephen Adly Guirgis mentions Gary Jules. The songs "Goodnight Billie" and "Little Greenie" were part of the play. A character in the play even says that a Gary Jules song helped them during a tough time.

Gary Jules's Music Albums

Albums He Released

• Greetings from the Side (1998)
• Trading Snakeoil for Wolftickets (2001) – This album reached number 144 in the U.S.
• Gary Jules (2006)
• Bird (2008)

EPs (Extended Plays)

• Live at Lime Presents Gary Jules (2009)
• Daytrotter Session (2009)

Singles (Individual Songs)

Collaborations with Other Artists

Gary Jules has worked with several other musicians.

• Michael Andrews – On the Donnie Darko soundtrack (2001), he was featured on "Mad World."
• Jim Bianco – Provided background vocals on songs like "Tennessee Wedding" (2004) and "Sing" (2008).
• Esquimaux – Featured on the duet "Honey & Dear" (2005).
• Angel Taylor – Played guitar, mandolin, and sang background vocals on her album Love Travels (2009).
• Mylène Farmer – Performed live duets on "Mad World" and "Les mots" for her Timeless 2013 album (2013).
• Equal – Provided vocals for "Lost in the Evening" (2013).

See also

In Spanish: Gary Jules para niños