The collaborative track Latch, released in October 2012 alongside the electronic duo Disclosure, served as the catalyst for Sam Smith’s rise to prominence. Peaking at number eleven on the UK singles chart, this performance provided the momentum for a career defined by rapid commercial success and significant recognition within the international music industry.
Early Development and Training
Born in London in 1992, Smith attended St Mary's Catholic School and Ed W. Clark High School. During their formative years, they studied songwriting and singing under jazz pianist Joanna Eden. Smith’s performance background included participation in the Cantate Youth Choir and roles with the Bishop's Stortford Junior Operatics. In 2007, they appeared in a Youth Music Theatre UK production of Oh! Carol.
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Following the success of Latch, Smith featured on Naughty Boy’s number one single La La La in 2013. Their debut studio album, In the Lonely Hour, released via Capitol Records UK in 2014, achieved widespread reach. The record produced successful singles including Lay Me Down, Money on My Mind, and Stay with Me, the latter reaching number two on the US Billboard Hot 100.
Awards and Continued Output
At the 2015 Grammy Awards, Smith secured four prizes: Best New Artist, Best Pop Vocal Album, Record of the Year, and Song of the Year. In 2016, they received an Academy Award for Best Original Song for Writing's on the Wall, the theme for the film Spectre. Subsequent studio releases include The Thrill of It All in 2017, Love Goes in 2020, and Gloria in 2023.
Fast facts
- Born: 1992, London
- Citizenship: United Kingdom
- Occupations: Singer, songwriter, composer, musician, hip hop producer
- Education: Ed W. Clark High School, St Mary's Catholic School
- Grammy Award for Song of the Year: 2015
- Academy Award for Best Original Song: 2016
- Languages: English
Questions readers ask
What was Sam Smith's first number one single in the United States?
The 2022 single Unholy, recorded with Kim Petras, marked their first number one single in the US.
Which major film theme song won Sam Smith an Academy Award?
Writing's on the Wall, the theme for the 2015 James Bond film Spectre, won the Academy Award for Best Original Song.
Achievements
- Grammy Award for Record of the Year — 2015
- Grammy Award for Song of the Year — 2015
- Grammy Award for Best New Artist — 2015
- Grammy Award for Best Pop Vocal Album — 2015
- Academy Award for Best Original Song — 2016
- Instruments: voice
- Genres: soul, contemporary R&B and pop music
