James Blunt is one of the most successful and versatile artists of the 21st century. He has sold over 20 million records worldwide, won several awards, and charmed millions of fans with his distinctive voice and witty personality. But did you know that he also has a remarkable military background and a noble ancestry? Here are some fascinating facts about James Blunt, the singer, the soldier, and the star.
The Singer
James Blunt was born James Hillier Blount on February 22, 1974, in Tidworth, Hampshire, England. He grew up in a musical family, as his mother was a violinist and his father played the organ. He learned to play the piano, guitar, and violin at a young age and wrote his first song when he was 14. He also developed a passion for skiing and spent many winters in the French Alps, where his mother ran a ski chalet company.
Blunt pursued a career in music after leaving the army in 2002. He signed a record deal with Custard Records, a label owned by Linda Perry, the former lead singer of 4 Non Blondes. He recorded his debut album, Back to Bedlam, in Los Angeles, with Perry as the producer. The album was released in 2004, and became a huge hit, thanks to the singles “You’re Beautiful” and “Goodbye My Lover”. Both songs reached number one in several countries, including the UK and the US. Back to Bedlam was the best-selling album of the 2000s in the UK, and one of the best-selling albums in UK chart history.
Blunt followed up his success with five more albums: All the Lost Souls (2007), Some Kind of Trouble (2010), Moon Landing (2013), The Afterlove (2017), and Once Upon a Mind (2019). His latest album, Who We Used to Be, was released in October 2023. Blunt’s music spans various genres, such as pop, rock, folk, and soft rock. He is known for his emotional lyrics, catchy melodies, and unique vocal style. Some of his most popular songs include “1973”, “Carry You Home”, “Stay the Night”, “Bonfire Heart”, “OK”, and “Monsters”.
Blunt has also collaborated with other artists, such as Ed Sheeran, Ryan Tedder, Elton John, Laura Pausini, and Sinéad O’Connor. He has performed at various events, such as Live 8, Live Earth, the Diamond Jubilee Concert, and the Invictus Games. He has received several awards, such as two Brit Awards, two MTV Video Music Awards, and two Ivor Novello Awards. He has also been nominated for five Grammy Awards and received an Honorary Doctorate of Music from the University of Bristol in 2016.
The Soldier
Before he became a famous singer, Blunt was a commissioned officer in the British Army. He joined the army in 1996, after graduating from the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst. He served in the Life Guards, a cavalry regiment of the Household Cavalry. He rose to the rank of captain and was trained in reconnaissance, armoured warfare, and helicopter piloting.
Blunt saw active service in the Kosovo War in 1999, as part of the NATO peacekeeping force. He was in charge of a troop of 30 soldiers and was involved in several missions, such as securing the Pristina International Airport, escorting refugees, and patrolling the border. He also witnessed the aftermath of the ethnic cleansing and the mass graves. He later said that the experience changed his perspective on life and death, and inspired some of his songs, such as “No Bravery” and “High”.
Blunt left the army in 2002, after six years of service. He said that he enjoyed his time in the military, but felt that he had a different calling. He also said that he was grateful for the skills and discipline that the army taught him and that they helped him in his music career. He remains a supporter of the armed forces and has performed for the troops in Iraq, Afghanistan, and Kosovo. He is also a patron of Help for Heroes, a charity that supports wounded veterans.
The Star
Blunt is not only a talented singer and a brave soldier but also a charismatic star. He has a reputation for being funny, charming, and self-deprecating. He is especially known for his hilarious comebacks on Twitter, where he often responds to trolls and critics with witty remarks. He has over 2 million followers on the social media platform and is considered one of the most entertaining celebrities online.
Blunt is also a family man and a proud father of two sons. He married Sofia Wellesley, the daughter of Lord and Lady John Henry Wellesley, and the granddaughter of the eighth Duke of Wellington, in 2014. They live in a farmhouse in Ibiza, Spain, where they grow their own vegetables and fruits. They also own a pub in Chelsea, London, called the Fox & Pheasant, which they renovated and reopened in 2017.
Blunt is also a philanthropist and a supporter of various causes. He is an ambassador for Médecins Sans Frontières, a humanitarian organization that provides medical aid in conflict zones. He is also involved with the Elton John AIDS Foundation, the British Red Cross, and the Prince’s Trust. He has donated money and items to various charities, such as Oxfam, War Child, and Children in Need.
James Blunt is a remarkable person, who has achieved success in different fields. He is a singer, a soldier, and a star, but also a human being, who has faced challenges and overcome them. He is an inspiration to many and a joy to listen to.
