Sam Smith, born Samuel Frederick Smith on May 19, 1992, in London, England, is a British singer-songwriter who achieved international recognition through collaborations with Disclosure on “Latch” and Naughty Boy’s chart-topping “La La La” before releasing their debut album “In the Lonely Hour” in 2014. The album won four Grammy Awards and became the UK’s best-selling debut of the 2010s, establishing Smith’s career with hits like “Stay With Me.” Their continued success encompasses advocacy for LGBTQ+ visibility and further musical achievements.
A voice that captured millions of hearts worldwide, Sam Smith emerged as one of Britain’s most distinctive contemporary artists through their emotionally resonant performances and groundbreaking approach to identity in popular music. Born Samuel Frederick Smith on May 19, 1992, in London, England, the artist displayed early musical inclinations during childhood, developing interests in singing and musical theater while attending St. Mary’s Catholic School in Bishop’s Stortford, Hertfordshire.
Smith’s musical foundation drew heavily from soul legends, particularly Aretha Franklin and Stevie Wonder, whose influences would later manifest in their distinctive vocal approach. The artist’s mother provided essential early support for these singing ambitions, leading to media attention as early as 2009 that foreshadowed future success in the entertainment industry.
The breakthrough moment arrived in 2012 when Smith served as featured vocalist on Disclosure’s single “Latch,” which peaked at number eleven on the UK Singles Chart and established their reputation for emotive, soulful delivery. This initial prominence expanded greatly with their 2013 feature on Naughty Boy’s “La La La,” which reached number one in the UK and demonstrated their versatility across dance music genres before shifting to solo releases.
Smith’s debut album, “In the Lonely Hour,” released in 2014 via Capitol Records UK, achieved immediate commercial success by reaching number one on the UK Albums Chart. The album’s singles, including “Stay With Me,” “Money on My Mind,” and “I’m Not the Only One,” achieved major chart success, with “Stay With Me” reaching number one in the UK and number two in the US, establishing themes of love and heartbreak that would define their artistic identity. This debut album became the best-selling debut of the 2010s in the UK, cementing Smith’s commercial impact.
Recognition followed swiftly at the 57th Annual Grammy Awards, where Smith won four awards for work on “In the Lonely Hour,” including Best Pop Vocal Album, Best New Artist, Record of the Year, and Song of the Year. Additional BRIT Awards and industry honors acknowledged their distinctive voice and songwriting abilities, particularly noting lyrics that subverted traditional romantic conventions. Smith later contributed to the Bond theme “Writing’s on the Wall” from the movie Spectre in September 2015.
Smith’s artistic identity encompasses vulnerability, longing, and heartbreak, explored through influences spanning soul, pop, and R&B genres. Their honest, autobiographical songwriting style has earned critical acclaim while challenging romantic and gender conventions through their music.
Personally, Smith publicly identifies as nonbinary, using they/them pronouns, and advocates for LGBTQ+ visibility within the music industry. This representation positions them among influential figures redefining gender and identity in contemporary pop culture while maintaining active involvement in music from 2008 to present, continuing to release chart-topping material and perform at major international festivals.
