Josh Groban facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Josh Groban
Groban at the 2009 Grammys charity auction
Background information
Birth name	Joshua Winslow Groban
Born	(1981-02-27) February 27, 1981 (age 44) Los Angeles, California, U.S.
Genres	Easy listening vocal adult contemporary classical crossover gospel operatic pop
Occupation(s)	Singer songwriter actor
Instruments	Vocals piano drums guitar
Years active	1997–present
Labels	143 Reprise Warner Bros.
Signature

Joshua Winslow Groban (born February 27, 1981) is an American singer, songwriter, and actor. He is known for his powerful voice. His first four albums sold millions of copies. By 2007, he was the top-selling artist in the United States. He has sold over 25 million records around the world.

Groban first studied acting. But he switched to singing as his voice grew stronger. He attended a special arts high school in Los Angeles. There, he received training like a professional artist. Famous producer David Foster discovered him. Groban even rehearsed a song with Celine Dion for the 1999 Grammy Awards. This led to many exciting opportunities. He appeared on TV shows and sang at important events.

He has also acted in movies and TV shows. These include Crazy, Stupid, Love and Muppets Most Wanted. In 2016, he made his first appearance on Broadway. He starred in the musical Natasha, Pierre & The Great Comet of 1812. He was nominated for a Tony Award for this role. In 2018, he hosted the 72nd Tony Awards and was nominated for two Primetime Emmy Awards. He also starred in the TV series The Good Cop. In 2022, he played the Beast in a TV special. He returned to Broadway in 2023. He played the main character in Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street. This earned him another Tony Award nomination.

Early Life and Education

Josh Groban was born in Los Angeles. His father, Jack Groban, was a businessman. His mother, Melinda Groban, was a school teacher. His father's family came from Poland and Ukraine. His mother's family had roots in England, Germany, and Norway.

Groban first sang in public when he was in seventh grade. His music teacher asked him to sing a solo. He sang " 'S Wonderful" at a school event. At that time, he was more interested in acting. He played Tevye in his high school's play, Fiddler on the Roof. In the summers of 1997 and 1998, he attended a music camp in Michigan. He studied musical theater and took singing lessons. He graduated from the Los Angeles County High School for the Arts in 1999. He was accepted into Carnegie Mellon University to study musical theater. But after four months, he was offered a record deal. He left college to become a singer.

Music Career Highlights

Early Career and First Album

In 1997, when he was 16, Josh Groban met producer David Foster. Foster is a very famous music producer. Groban worked for Foster as a singer for rehearsals. He even stood in for Andrea Bocelli to practice with Celine Dion. This was for the 1999 Grammy Awards. His performance impressed TV host Rosie O'Donnell. She invited him to her talk show.

Later, he appeared on the TV show Ally McBeal. The show's creator, David E. Kelley, wrote a part just for him. Groban sang "You're Still You" on the show. Fans loved it so much that the show received thousands of emails. This song was later on his first album. His self-titled album, Josh Groban, came out in November 2001. It quickly sold millions of copies.

Closer and More Success

Groban in concert in Manchester, New Hampshire, July 2007. He is wearing a Manchester Monarchs hockey jersey.

In 2002, Groban sang "The Prayer" with Charlotte Church. This was at the Winter Olympics in Salt Lake City. He also had his own TV special on PBS. In December 2002, he sang at the Nobel Peace Prize Concert in Norway.

His second album, Closer, was released in November 2003. Groban felt this album showed more of his true self. He said, "These songs are a giant step closer to who I really am." Two months after it came out, Closer became the number one album on the Billboard charts. His song "You Raise Me Up" became very popular. He also sang "Believe" for the movie The Polar Express. This song was nominated for an Academy Award.

Awake and World Tours

Groban received his first Grammy Award nomination in 2005. This was for "You Raise Me Up." His third album, Awake, was released in November 2006. On this album, he worked with artists like Imogen Heap and Ladysmith Black Mambazo.

His "Awake" world tour visited 71 cities in 2007. He also sang duets with Barbra Streisand and Mireille Mathieu. Groban said he was excited about many future possibilities. He wanted to write more music and explore acting in films and TV.

Illuminations and All That Echoes

Groban's fifth album, Illuminations, came out in November 2010. He wrote 11 of the 13 songs on this album. Many songs were about love and relationships. He worked with Rick Rubin on this album. The first song, "Hidden Away", was available for free download. He also sang a song in Portuguese called "Você Existe Em Mim."

His sixth album, All That Echoes, was released in February 2013. It debuted at number one on the charts. He promoted this album with the All That Echoes World Tour.

Broadway Debut and Stages

In March 2015, Groban announced his album Stages. This album featured his favorite songs from Broadway musicals. It was released in April 2015.

In October 2016, Groban made his Broadway debut. He played Pierre Bezukhov in Natasha, Pierre & The Great Comet of 1812. This musical was based on a part of War and Peace. He was nominated for a Tony Award for his performance. He also sang "Evermore" for the 2017 Disney movie Beauty and the Beast.

Bridges and Harmony

In 2018, Groban went on his Bridges Tour with special guest Idina Menzel. His album Bridges was released in September 2018. It included new songs and a cover of a Céline Dion song.

Groban released his album Harmony in November 2020. In December 2022, he played The Beast again in a TV special. This was Beauty and the Beast: A 30th Celebration.

He returned to Broadway in 2023. He played the main character in Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street. This role earned him another Tony Award nomination. He also performed with Little Big Town and hosted his own holiday show. In May 2025, Groban performed at Caesars Palace in Las Vegas.

Notable Performances

Groban at the ET Post-Emmys Party, September 21, 2008

In 2007, Groban recorded a Christmas album called Noël. It became the best-selling album of 2007 in the United States. On July 1, 2007, he performed with Sarah Brightman at the Concert for Diana. This concert was watched by over 500 million people worldwide. In February 2008, Groban sang with Andrea Bocelli at the Grammy Awards. This was a tribute to the famous singer Luciano Pavarotti.

In May 2008, Groban performed in "Chess in Concert" in London. This was a live version of the musical Chess. This performance was later released as a DVD and CD. In September 2008, he performed a funny mix of TV theme songs at the 60th Primetime Emmy Awards. In January 2009, he sang "My Country 'Tis of Thee" at the Presidential Inauguration ceremonies. He sang with Heather Headley.

Film and Television Appearances

Groban has appeared on many popular TV shows. These include The Oprah Winfrey Show, The Ellen DeGeneres Show, and The Tonight Show with Jay Leno. He has also been a guest co-host on Live with Kelly.

He played Malcolm Wyatt on Ally McBeal in 2001. He also appeared as himself on Glee. Groban was on the British music quiz show Never Mind the Buzzcocks. He also played Andy Bernard's brother on The Office. In 2011, he surprised Petra Němcová by singing "You Raise Me Up" on Dancing with the Stars.

In the comedy movie Crazy, Stupid, Love (2011), Groban played a character named Richard. In 2013, he appeared on CSI: NY and in the comedy film Coffee Town. He also appeared on It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia. From 2013 to 2014, he was on the CBS comedy The Crazy Ones with Robin Williams.

Groban appeared in the 2014 film Muppets Most Wanted. He played a prisoner in a maximum security prison. He also had cameo roles in Parks and Recreation (2015) and Crazy Ex-Girlfriend. In September 2018, Netflix released The Good Cop. Groban starred as a detective alongside Tony Danza. In 2022, he was a guest on the game show That's My Jam. He also played Beast in the 2022 TV musical Beauty and the Beast: A 30th Celebration.

Voice Type

Music critics have different ideas about Josh Groban's voice. Some call him a tenor, while others call him a baritone. Groban himself has said he is a "tenor in training." He also mentioned he is a high lyric baritone. He has also said he is a baritone "with some high notes up my sleeve." Sometimes, his voice is described as a "baritenor." It can be tricky to classify voices in non-classical music. This is because different styles use different singing techniques.

Giving Back

Josh Groban in concert at Atlantic City's Boardwalk Hall in July 2007

Josh Groban has been involved in many charity events. He performed for VH1 Save the Music Foundation and Tsunami Aid: A Concert of Hope. He also sang on the song "We Are The World 25 for Haiti" in 2010.

After visiting Nelson Mandela in South Africa in 2004, Groban started the Josh Groban Foundation. This foundation helps children in need. It supports education, healthcare, and the arts. Mandela even made Groban an ambassador for his Project 46664. This project helps raise awareness about HIV/AIDS in Africa. In 2007, Groban performed with the African Children's Choir on American Idol. He also donated $150,000 to schools for music education.

For his 27th birthday, his fans raised over $44,000 for his foundation. This money helped a children's orphanage in South Africa. Groban called it "the best birthday present ever." He has also supported the Global Poverty Project. This project raises awareness about extreme poverty. In 2013, his Find Your Light Foundation donated to Little Kids Rock. This helps keep music education in public schools.

Impact and Recognition

Josh Groban has been influenced by artists like Radiohead, Sting, and Luciano Pavarotti. He looks up to singers who tell a story with their songs.

He has sold more than 20 million albums. In 2008, People magazine put him om their list of "100 Most Beautiful People."

Personal Life

Josh Groban has been in relationships with actresses January Jones and Kat Dennings. He was also in a relationship with Schuyler Helford. Since 2022, Groban has been in a relationship with Natalie McQueen.

Discography

Studio albums

• Josh Groban (2001)
• Closer (2003)
• Awake (2006)
• Noël (2007)
• Illuminations (2010)
• All That Echoes (2013)
• Stages (2015)
• Bridges (2018)
• Harmony (2020)

Concert Tours

Headlining Tours

• Closer Tour (2004–05)
• Awake Tour (2007)
• Straight to You Tour (2011)
• All That Echoes World Tour (2013)
• Josh Groban on Stage (2015–16)
• Bridges Tour (2018)
• Harmony Tour (2021)

Symphonic Tours

• All That Echoes Symphony Tour (2013)
• Summer Symphony Tour (2014)

Promotional Tours

• Before We Begin (2010)

Residencies

• Josh's Great Big Radio City Show (2020–2022)
• Gems (2025)

Acting Roles

Film Roles

Television Roles

Theatre Roles

Awards and Nominations

Music Awards

Television Awards

Theatre Awards

See also

In Spanish: Josh Groban para niños