Pharrell Williams facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Pharrell Williams
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Williams in 2024
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Pharrell Lanscilo Williams
April 5, 1973 Virginia Beach, Virginia, U.S.
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| Education | Northwestern University (dropped out) |
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| Years active | 1992–present |
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| Spouse(s) |
Helen Lasichanh
(m. 2013) |
| Children | 4 |
| Relatives | Timbaland (cousin) |
| Awards | Full list |
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Pharrell Lanscilo Williams (born April 5, 1973), often known just as Pharrell, is an American musician, singer, songwriter, rapper, record producer, and fashion designer. He is known as one of the most important music producers of his time. Many people first heard of him as part of the music production duo the Neptunes, which he started with his friend Chad Hugo in 1992.
The Neptunes produced many hit songs for other artists. In 1999, Williams, Hugo, and their friend Shay Haley formed the band N.E.R.D., where Williams is the lead singer. He has also created music for all the Despicable Me movies, including the worldwide hit song "Happy".
Williams has won 13 Grammy Awards and has been nominated for two Academy Awards. He is also a successful fashion designer and businessman. He founded the clothing brand Billionaire Boys Club and has been the Men's Creative Director for the famous fashion house Louis Vuitton since 2023.
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Early Life
Pharrell Lanscilo Williams was born in Virginia Beach, Virginia. He is the oldest of three sons. His mother, Carolyn, was a teacher, and his father, Pharoah, was a handyman.
He met his future music partner, Chad Hugo, at a summer band camp when they were in the seventh grade. Williams played the drums, and Hugo played the tenor saxophone. They both went to Princess Anne High School and were part of the school's marching band. After high school, Williams went to Northwestern University for two years before leaving to focus on his music career.
Music Career
1992–2004: The Neptunes and N.E.R.D.
In the early 1990s, Williams and Hugo formed a group called the Neptunes. They were discovered by music producer Teddy Riley, whose recording studio was right next to their high school. Soon, they were writing and producing songs for famous artists.
As The Neptunes, Williams and Hugo became one of the most successful production teams in music. They created hit songs for artists like Jay-Z ("I Just Wanna Love U (Give It 2 Me)"), Nelly ("Hot in Herre"), and Britney Spears ("I'm a Slave 4 U"). Their unique sound was a mix of hip-hop, R&B, and pop. In 2003, a survey found that The Neptunes had produced almost 20% of the songs being played on British radio.
In 2001, Williams, Hugo, and Shay Haley released the first album for their own band, N.E.R.D.. The band's name stands for "No one Ever Really Dies." N.E.R.D. mixed rock music with hip-hop and funk, showing a different side of Williams's musical talent.
2005–2014: Solo Success and "Happy"
In 2006, Williams released his first solo album, In My Mind. It was a success, reaching number 3 on the U.S. Billboard 200 album chart. During this time, he also continued to produce big hits for other artists, like Gwen Stefani's song "Hollaback Girl".
The year 2013 was huge for Williams. He was featured on two of the biggest songs of the year. The first was "Get Lucky" by the French electronic group Daft Punk. The second was "Blurred Lines" by Robin Thicke. Both songs were massive international hits.
That same year, Williams wrote the song "Happy" for the movie Despicable Me 2. The song became a global sensation, reaching number one in many countries. It was known for its cheerful feeling and its unique 24-hour-long music video. "Happy" earned Williams an Academy Award nomination for Best Original Song. Following this success, he released his second solo album, Girl, in 2014.
2014–Present: The Voice and Other Projects
In 2014, Williams became a coach on the popular TV show The Voice, where he helped new singers develop their talent. He also continued to work in film, helping to create the music for movies like The Amazing Spider-Man 2 and Hidden Figures.
In 2019, Williams started a music festival in his hometown of Virginia Beach called Something in the Water. The festival brings together famous musicians and celebrates the local culture.
Williams has also worked with major artists like Ariana Grande and produced songs for Disney's 2019 version of The Lion King. In October 2024, an animated movie about his life, called Piece by Piece, was released. The film tells his story using Lego animation.
Fashion and Business
Williams is also very successful in the world of fashion. In 2005, he started two streetwear brands, Billionaire Boys Club and Ice Cream footwear, with Japanese fashion designer Nigo.
He has worked with many famous brands, including Louis Vuitton, Adidas, and Chanel. In 2014, he partnered with G-Star Raw on a project called "RAW for the Oceans," which made denim clothing out of recycled plastic found in the ocean.
In February 2023, Louis Vuitton named Williams its new men's creative director. This is one of the most important jobs in the fashion industry. His first collection was shown in Paris in June 2023.
Personal Life
Williams married model and fashion designer Helen Lasichanh in 2013. They have a son named Rocket, who was born in 2008. The song "Rocket's Theme" from the movie Despicable Me was written for him. The couple also has triplets who were born in January 2017.
Williams is known for his charity work. He started a non-profit organization called "From One Hand To AnOTHER" to help children in need. In 2019, he offered internships to 144 students in Harlem, New York City, to give them valuable work experience.
In March 2021, Williams's cousin, Donovan Lynch, was killed during a shooting incident in Virginia Beach. Williams called for a federal investigation into the event to find out what happened.
Discography
Solo Albums
- In My Mind (2006)
- Girl (2014)
Albums with N.E.R.D.
- In Search of... (2002)
- Fly or Die (2004)
- Seeing Sounds (2008)
- Nothing (2010)
- No One Ever Really Dies (2017)
Album with The Neptunes
- Clones (2003)
Filmography
- Despicable Me (2010) – Composer
- Despicable Me 2 (2013) – Composer
- The Voice (2014–16) – Himself/Coach
- The Amazing Spider-Man 2 (2014) – Co-composer
- The Simpsons (2015) – Himself (voice role)
- Hidden Figures (2016) – Producer, composer
- Despicable Me 3 (2017) – Composer
- The Grinch (2018) – Narrator (voice role)
- Sing 2 (2021) – Alfonso (voice role)
- Despicable Me 4 (2024) – Composer
- Piece by Piece (2024) – Himself (voice role); producer, composer
Tours
- Dear Girl Tour (2014)
Images for kids
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Williams (left) performing with Tyler, the Creator in April 2011
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Williams performing at the Coachella festival in 2014
See also
In Spanish: Pharrell Williams para niños
- Pharrell Williams v. Bridgeport Music
- List of people with synesthesia
