Michael Bolton, a three-time Grammy Award winning American singer and songwriter, has had an incredibly successful and extraordinary music career. With over 53 million albums sold worldwide, including eight top ten albums and two No. 1 singles, Bolton has proven himself to be a prolific and talented artist. Not only has he written songs for renowned musicians like Barbra Streisand and Kenny Rogers, but he is also recognized for his soft rock ballads and tenor vocals. Despite initially performing in the hard rock and heavy metal genres, Bolton’s distinct strained vocal elegance and tenor and countertenor voice have made him a legend in the industry. Beyond his musical accomplishments, Bolton is also highly respected as a social and human rights activist. He founded the Michael Bolton Foundation, a charity that supports the poor, neglected, and abused. Some of his notable albums include “Time, Love & Tenderness,” “Soul Provider,” “Timeless: The Classics,” and “The One Thing.” Professionally known as Michael Bolton, his original name is Michael Bolotin.
Quick Facts
- Also Known As: Michael Bolotin
- Age: 70 Years, 70 Year Old Males
- Family:
- Spouse/Ex-: Maureen McGuire
- Father: George Bolotin
- Mother: Helen (née Gubin)
- Siblings: Orrin, Sandra
- Children: Holly, Isa, Taryn
- Born Country: United States
- Jewish Singers
- Musicians
- Height: 5’9″ (175 cm), 5’9″ Males
- Ancestry: Russian American
- U.S. State: Connecticut
- City: New Haven, Connecticut
Childhood & Early Life
Michael Bolton was born on 26 February 1953 to Jewish parents, Helen and George Bolotin, in New Haven, Connecticut. His parents divorced when he was very young and he lost his father at the age of thirteen.
Career
In 1975, he came out with his self-titled debut studio album, ‘Michael Bolotin’, which was released under the label of RCA Records. The album featured the tracks ‘Your Love’ and ‘Give Me a Reason’.
In 1976, he released his second album, ‘Everyday of My Life’, which featured four original songs. The album featured the tracks, ‘Rocky Mountain Way’ and ‘If I Had Your Love’.
In 1983, he came out with his third studio album, ‘Michael Bolton’, which was recorded under the Columbia Records label. The album received negative reviews.
Released in the year 1985, by the Columbia Records label, his fourth album ‘Everybody’s Crazy’, received criticism for muting his vocals. The title track of the album was a hit.
In 1987, he released his fifth studio album, ‘The Hunger’, which was one of his breakthrough albums. The album featured the hit songs, ‘That’s What Love Is All About’ and ‘The Dock of the Bay’.
In 1989, he came out with his sixth studio album titled, ‘Soul Provider’, which was one of his bestselling albums. The single ‘How Am I Supposed to Live Without You’ peaked at the No. 1 position on the music charts.
In 1991, he released his seventh studio album, ‘Time, Love & Tenderness’, which was one of his bestselling and hit albums. The album featured the hit track, ‘When a Man Loves a Woman’.
In 1992, he released his immensely successful album, ‘Timeless: The Classics’, which peaked at the No. 1 position on the music charts. The album sold nine million copies across the globe.
In 1993, he released the album, ‘The One Thing’, which is one of his bestselling albums. The album featured his hit song, ‘Said I Loved You…But I Lied’, which peaked at the charts.
Released in the year 1996, his album, ‘This Is The Time’, was a hit across the globe. The album was released under the Columbia label and sold many copies.
In 1997, he came out with the studio album, ‘All That Matters’, one of his albums that did not receive much success. The album failed to make an impact at the music charts.
In 2002, he released the album, ‘Only a Woman Like You’, which was widely considered his comeback album. The album did not do well and it failed to earn a good position on the music charts.
In 2005, he came out with the album, ‘Til the End of Forever’, which contained many of his live performances that were delivered during concerts.
In 2009, his album, ‘One World One Love’ was released. The album was in collaboration with other music artists, Tami Chynn, Ne-Yo and Lady Gaga. Some featured tracks include, ‘Ready For You’ and ‘Just One Love’.
In 2011, he came out with his 21st studio album, ‘Gems-The Duets Collection’, which also featured the works of musicians like A.R. Rahman. The featured tracks include, ‘Love Is Everything’ and ‘Fields of Gold’.
In 2013, he came out with the album ‘Ain’t No Mountain High Enough – A Tribute to Hitsville USA’. The album featured duets with Kelly Rowland, Melanie Fiona and Orianthi.
Major Works
His single ‘How Am I Supposed to Live Without You’ was one of his biggest hit songs that peaked at the No.1 position on the Billboard Hot 100 and Adult Contemporary charts.
His album ‘Time, Love & Tenderness’ sold eight million copies in the United States alone and a total of 16 million copies across the world, thus making it one of his bestselling albums till date.
Awards & Achievements
In 1990, he was the recipient of the Grammy Award in the category, Best Pop Vocal Performance – Male for ‘How Am I Supposed To Live Without You’.
He received the Grammy Award in the category, Best Pop Vocal Performance – Male for ‘Georgia On My Mind’ in 1991.
In 1992, he was the recipient of the Grammy Award in the category, Best Pop Vocal Performance – Male for ‘When A Man Loves A Woman’.
Personal Life & Legacy
In 1975, he married Maureen McGuire with whom he has three daughters. The couple later got divorced in 1990.
In 1992, he began dating Nicollette Sheridan and the couple got engaged in the year 2006. They broke their engagement in 2008.
He was also in a relationship with actress Teri Hatcher.
In 1993, he established the ‘Michael Bolton Charities, Inc.’, which aimed at providing aid to victims of poverty and abuse, be it physical, sexual or emotional.
Trivia
This Grammy Award winning singer admitted that he cannot whistle and hence it was required to dub for one of his whistling solos.