Jermaine Paul facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Jermaine Paul
Paul performing with Alicia Keys in foreground; 2006
Background information
Birth name	Jeremiah Jermaine Paul
Born	(1979-07-26) July 26, 1979 (age 45) Harriman, New York, U.S.
Genres	R&B, gospel
Occupation(s)	Singer-songwriter
Instruments	Vocals, guitar
Years active	1996–present
Labels	T.W.Is.M A&M Universal Motown Republic

Jeremiah Jermaine Paul (born July 26, 1979) is an American singer and songwriter. He is well-known for singing backing vocals for famous artist Alicia Keys. He sang on her hit songs like "Diary" and "Unbreakable". He also sang on her cover of Marvin Gaye's "If This World Were Mine". This song was even nominated for a Grammy Award!

In 2012, Jermaine Paul won season 2 of the popular TV singing competition, The Voice. After winning, his cover of R. Kelly's song "I Believe I Can Fly" reached number 83 on the Billboard Hot 100 music chart.

Early Life and Musical Beginnings

Jermaine Paul was born on July 26, 1979, in Harriman, New York. He grew up in Spring Valley, New York. He was the fifth of ten children in his family. His father really encouraged him to get into music. Their living room was like a music studio, full of instruments. Jermaine and some of his siblings even formed a group. They sang gospel songs in local churches.

When he was two years old, Jermaine moved to Alabama with his brother and grandfather. There, he learned to play the guitar. He played his step-grandmother's old Gibson guitar at the local church. With some guitar skills, he wrote his very first song. He was eager to move back to New York.

At age 14, he returned to his birthplace in Harriman, New York. He went to Monroe-Woodbury High School. Here, he discovered new types of music like rock and jazz. He took guitar lessons and was chosen for special singing groups. These included the all-state and all-county chorus. He also joined a classically trained high school voice group.

Music Career Journey

When he was 15, Jermaine Paul joined a singing group called 1 Accord. They signed a record deal with basketball star Shaquille O'Neal's music label, T.W.Is.M Records. Jermaine also started writing and producing his own songs.

He tried out for the first season of American Idol. However, he did not get a callback from the show's producers. After that, he began singing backing vocals for many famous artists. These included Alicia Keys, Mary J. Blige, Joss Stone, and Blackstreet. He even received a Grammy nomination for his work with Alicia Keys. This was for the song "If This World Were Mine". It was part of a tribute album to the singer Luther Vandross.

Winning The Voice

In 2012, Jermaine Paul auditioned for the second season of The Voice. He sang the song "Complicated" by Avril Lavigne. Two of the four coaches, Blake Shelton and CeeLo Green, turned their chairs for him. Jermaine chose to join Team Blake.

He performed many songs during the competition. He sang "Livin' on a Prayer" by Bon Jovi and "Open Arms" by Journey. In the finale, he sang "I Believe I Can Fly" by R. Kelly. He also performed "God Gave Me You" and "Soul Man" with his coach, Blake Shelton. Jermaine Paul was announced as the winner of the second season of The Voice.

After The Voice Win

After winning The Voice, Jermaine Paul's cover of "I Believe I Can Fly" became very popular. It reached number 83 on the US Billboard Hot 100 chart. His song "Soul Man", which he sang with Blake Shelton, also did well. It reached number 108 on a related chart.

In November 2012, his new song "I Believe in This Life" was first played on The Voice. This song was expected to be on his upcoming album.

Discography

Singles

• ^ADid not enter the Hot 100 but charted on Bubbling Under Hot 100 Singles.

See also

In Spanish: Jermaine Paul para niños