Charles Otto Puth Jr. began his trajectory in the music industry by posting acoustic covers and comedy sketches to his YouTube channel, Charlies Vlogs, in 2009. His subsequent transition from a viral internet presence to a chart-topping songwriter and producer highlights the shift in modern music discovery, underpinned by formal training in jazz piano and music engineering.
Early Development and Training
Born in 1991 in Rumson, New Jersey, Puth received early musical instruction from his mother, a music teacher. He studied jazz at age ten and participated in youth ensembles at the Count Basie Theatre. His formal education included the Manhattan School of Music Pre-College program and graduation from the Rumson-Fair Haven Regional High School. In 2013, he completed his studies at the Berklee College of Music, majoring in music production and engineering.
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Before his mainstream arrival, Puth established himself as a creator of digital content, producing jingles and theme songs for fellow YouTubers. In 2011, he signed with Ellen DeGeneres’s label, eleveneleven, following an online singing competition win. Though his initial tenure there was brief, he continued independent projects until 2015, when he signed with Atlantic Records and Artist Partner Group. This period saw the release of his debut single, "Marvin Gaye," featuring Meghan Trainor.
Global Recognition and Songwriting
Puth attained widespread commercial success through his collaboration on "See You Again" with Wiz Khalifa, a track featured on the Furious 7 soundtrack. The song secured the top position on the US Billboard Hot 100 for twelve non-consecutive weeks and earned nominations for a Golden Globe Award and three Grammy Awards. Beyond his performance career, Puth has exerted influence as a producer, notably co-writing and producing the 2021 hit "Stay" for Justin Bieber and the Kid Laroi.
Studio Albums and Discography
His debut studio album, Nine Track Mind, released in 2016, reached the top ten in the United States and the United Kingdom. He followed this with the 2018 album Voicenotes, which included the single "Attention" and received a Grammy nomination for Best Engineered Album, Non-Classical. His third studio album, Charlie, was released in 2022, followed by the 2026 release of his fourth project, Whatever's Clever!.
Fast facts
- Born: 1991, Rumson, United States
- Education: Berklee College of Music
- Debut Single: Marvin Gaye (2015)
- Languages: English, Hebrew
- Notable Works: Nine Track Mind, Voicenotes, Charlie
- Major Recognition: Billboard Music Award for Top Rap Song (2016)
Questions readers ask
What is Charlie Puth's academic background?
He attended the Manhattan School of Music Pre-College program and is a 2013 graduate of the Berklee College of Music, where he studied music production and engineering.
Which major songs did he co-write for other artists?
His notable songwriting and production work for others includes "Stay" by the Kid Laroi and Justin Bieber, as well as "Celebrate" by Pitbull.
Achievements
- Notable work: Charlie
- Notable work: Voice Notes
- Notable work: Nine Track Mind
- Instruments: piano and voice
- Genres: pop music and contemporary R&B
