Robin Thicke facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Robin Thicke
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Thicke in 2024
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Robin Alan Thicke
March 10, 1977 Los Angeles, California, U.S.
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| Years active | 1994–present (as a singer) |
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Works
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April Love Geary
(m. 2025) |
| Children | 4 |
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| Relatives | Todd Thicke (half-uncle) |
| Awards | Full list |
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Robin Alan Thicke (born March 10, 1977) is an American singer, songwriter, and record producer. He is famous for his 2013 hit single "Blurred Lines", which featured T.I. and Pharrell Williams. The song became one of the best-selling singles of all time and was nominated for two Grammy Awards.
Thicke is the son of actress Gloria Loring and actor Alan Thicke. Before becoming a famous singer, he wrote and produced songs for many other artists, including Brandy Norwood, Color Me Badd, and 3T. He signed his first record deal with Interscope Records when he was only 16.
His first album, A Beautiful World (2001), was not a big success. But his second album, The Evolution of Robin Thicke (2006), did much better. It included his first major hit, "Lost Without U". Since 2019, Thicke has been a judge on the popular TV show The Masked Singer.
Contents
Musical Journey
Early Life and First Steps in Music
Robin Thicke was born in Los Angeles, California, on March 10, 1977. His mother is actress and singer Gloria Loring, and his father was Canadian actor Alan Thicke, who was famous for the TV show Growing Pains. His parents divorced when he was seven years old. As a child, Robin had small acting roles in shows like The Wonder Years and Growing Pains.
His parents supported his interest in music. His dad helped him write his first songs. When he was a teenager, Thicke and his singing group wanted to record a demo tape. Jazz singer Al Jarreau helped pay for it. The demo impressed R&B singer Brian McKnight, who invited Thicke to work with him.
Thicke began writing songs for famous artists. He co-wrote "Love Is on My Side" for Brandy's first album. He also worked with Jordan Knight from New Kids on the Block, co-writing the hit song "Give It to You". He also wrote songs for Christina Aguilera and Mýa.
First Albums and Breakthrough Success
In 2002, Thicke released his first single, "When I Get You Alone". The song used a sample from a disco version of Beethoven's Fifth Symphony. The song was a hit in other countries like Australia, New Zealand, and the Netherlands. His first album, A Beautiful World, came out in 2003 but didn't sell many copies.
Even though his first album wasn't a huge success, other artists like Usher were impressed with his talent. In 2005, Thicke signed with Pharrell Williams's record label, Star Trak Entertainment. This led to his second album, The Evolution of Robin Thicke (2006).
The album's second single, "Lost Without U", became his breakout hit. It reached number 14 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart. It was also number one on the Billboard R&B/Hip-Hop chart for 11 weeks. He was the first white male artist to top that chart since George Michael in 1988. The album sold over 1.5 million copies in the U.S. and was certified Platinum.
Continued Success with More Albums
Thicke's third album, Something Else, was released in 2008. It reached number three on the Billboard 200 chart. The album included the hit single "Magic". He later toured with singer Jennifer Hudson.
His fourth album, ... Therapy: The Session, came out in 2009. The title track became his second song to top the Hot R&B/Hip-Hop chart. During this time, he also appeared on songs with artists like Leighton Meester and Lil Wayne.
In 2011, Thicke released his fifth album, Love After War. The title song was a hit on the Adult R&B chart. He also served as a guest mentor on the TV show The Voice for Adam Levine's team. In 2012, he was a judge on the show Duets alongside Kelly Clarkson and John Legend.
Global Fame with "Blurred Lines"
In 2013, Thicke released "Blurred Lines" with T.I. and Pharrell Williams. The song became a massive worldwide hit. It reached number one in over 13 countries, including the U.S. and the United Kingdom. His album of the same name, Blurred Lines, also went to number one.
The song and its music video caused a lot of debate. Some people felt the lyrics were disrespectful towards women. The song was also the subject of a famous lawsuit. The family of singer Marvin Gaye claimed the song copied Gaye's 1977 hit "Got to Give It Up". A court agreed, and Thicke and Williams were ordered to pay millions of dollars.
Despite the controversy, the song earned Thicke three Grammy Award nominations. He performed the song with the band Chicago at the 2014 Grammy Awards.
Recent Work and The Masked Singer
After the success of "Blurred Lines," Thicke released the album Paula in 2014, which was dedicated to his then-wife, Paula Patton. The album's lead single was "Get Her Back".
He then took some time away from the spotlight. In 2015, he released the single "Morning Sun" and collaborated with Nicki Minaj on the song "Back Together".
In 2019, Thicke became a panelist on the hit TV show The Masked Singer, where he guesses the identities of costumed celebrities. In 2021, he released his eighth album, On Earth, and in Heaven. He said the album was about new beginnings and the people who have shaped his life.
Artistry and Musical Style
Thicke is a self-taught piano player. He was influenced by gospel artists like Take 6 and soul legends like James Brown, Stevie Wonder, and Marvin Gaye. He also looks up to artists like Prince, The Beatles, and Bob Marley. His music is often described as a mix of R&B, soul, and pop.
Throughout his career, Thicke has written and produced songs for many famous artists. He has worked with Christina Aguilera, Usher, Jennifer Hudson, and Lil Wayne. Albums featuring his work have sold over 60 million copies worldwide.
Personal Life
In 1991, when he was 14, Thicke met actress Paula Patton, who was 15. They married in 2005 and have a son, who was born in 2010. The couple separated in 2014, and their divorce was finalized in 2015.
In 2014, Thicke began dating model April Love Geary. The couple got engaged on Christmas Eve in 2018 and married in May 2025. They have three children together: two daughters, born in 2018 and 2019, and a son, born in 2020.
In 2018, Thicke's home in Malibu, California was destroyed by the Woolsey Fire. He shared that nothing was left of the house but rubble.
Discography
Studio albums
- A Beautiful World (2002)
- The Evolution of Robin Thicke (2006)
- Something Else (2008)
- ... Therapy: The Session (2009)
- Love After War (2011)
- Blurred Lines (2013)
- Paula (2014)
- On Earth, and in Heaven (2021)
See also
In Spanish: Robin Thicke para niños
- List of awards and nominations received by Robin Thicke
- Pharrell Williams v. Bridgeport Music
Images for kids
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Thicke performing in 2014
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Thicke performing at the Indonesian Choice Awards in 2017
