Born in Los Angeles, California, in 1981, Groban grew up in a musical family. His father was a businessman who also played drums in a successful jazz group, while his mother was a classically trained pianist who worked as a schoolteacher. Groban started singing in school productions and local theater groups when he was in his teens, and he soon gained a reputation for his powerful voice.
In 1998, Groban was introduced to David Foster, a Grammy-winning producer, and songwriter who was looking for a young singer to perform at the 1999 Grammy Awards. Foster was impressed by Groban’s talent and invited him to record a demo of “To Where You Are,” a song written by Richard Marx and Linda Thompson. The demo caught the attention of Warner Bros. Records, which signed Groban to a recording contract.
Groban’s debut album, “Josh Groban,” was released in 2001 and became a massive commercial success, selling over 5 million copies in the United States alone. The album, which featured a blend of classical and pop music, included several hit singles such as “You’re Still You” and “To Where You Are.”
Groban’s subsequent albums, including “Closer,” “Awake,” and “Noel,” continued to receive critical acclaim and commercial success. His live performances and collaborations with artists such as Celine Dion, Andrea Bocelli, and Barbra Streisand further cemented his reputation as one of the most talented and versatile singers of his generation.
Apart from his singing career, Groban has also made several appearances in film, television, and theater. He made his acting debut in 2001 with a guest appearance in the television sitcom “Ally McBeal,” for which he received an Emmy nomination. He also appeared in films such as “Crazy, Stupid, Love” and “The Hollars” and performed on Broadway in “Natasha, Pierre & The Great Comet of 1812.”
Furthermore, Groban has been actively involved in various charities and social causes. He has supported organizations such as the Andre Agassi Foundation for Education, the American Red Cross, and the National Endowment for the Arts. In 2018, he founded the Find Your Light Foundation, which supports art education in schools and communities.
Groban’s unique voice and his ability to merge various genres of music, from classical to pop, have made him a force to be reckoned with in the music industry. With millions of fans around the globe, Groban continues to inspire and captivate audiences with his soulful performances and humanitarian work.