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You surely know Gary Barlow, the British musician who marked the 90s with Take That. Born on January 20, 1971, in Frodsham, Cheshire, he is now 54 years old and about 1.75 m tall. His journey is quite crazy, you’ll see.
Honestly, from his childhood, music already smelled very strong. His first keyboard at 11 was the beginning of a beautiful love story with notes and melodies. And then, he grew up in that pop atmosphere that would soon explode with his band.
Want to know? Gary didn’t just cut his teeth anywhere. From the age of 14, he played in clubs, earning his first money, and at 15, he was already participating in BBC competitions. That’s where he met Mark Owen, who would become his partner in Take That. It’s crazy how sometimes, a simple coincidence can change everything.
We’re telling you all this because Gary is more than a singer, he is a true complete artist: songwriter, producer, pianist, and even a judge on The X Factor. And you know what? His solo career also has its ups and downs, with unexpected and sincerely touching moments.
Who really is Gary Barlow? The British leader between music and hearts
So, to keep it simple, Gary is the kind of guy who doesn’t leave you indifferent. From Frodsham, England, he has made his mark on British pop since the 90s. Leader of Take That, he wrote most of the hits you might have sung without knowing it.
The guy is also a respected songwriter, with several awards to his name, notably the famous Ivor Novello Awards for his writing talents. His life is a mix of notes, emotions, and a true passion for music. No wonder he was also made an officer of the Order of the British Empire in 2012 for his contribution, both in music and socially.
Before fame: from the small town to the big dream
Before becoming a mega star, Gary was a teenager who taught himself how to play the keyboard. His first small musician jobs paid for his schools at Weaver Vale and Frodsham. Ah, it wasn’t easy, but he had the drive.
Already at 15, he was writing his songs, a true budding producer taking part in contests auditioned by the BBC. His first band, Cutest Rush, launched with Mark Owen, sang covers and his first compositions. It was already promising big things.
The brilliant career of Gary Barlow with Take That and solo
Well, it was with Take That that Gary became a star. A natural leader, he wrote and sang most of the hits and the band exploded in the 90s. But after the split in 1996, he tried his luck solo with “Open Road,” a hit in Great Britain.
However, it didn’t always go as planned. In a media duel with Robbie Williams – you know, those nice rivalries that sell papers – Gary hit a rough patch. His second solo album flopped, and he had to hang up his solo singing boots for a while.
A comeback worthy of a movie
After a break producing for other artists (Blue, Lara Fabian), Gary didn’t disappear. His stunning return with Take That then solo was a pleasure to hear. The album “Since I Saw You Last” in 2013 showed he still had that knack for writing unbeatable hits.
Since then, he hasn’t let go: judge on The X Factor, managing grand events like the Queen’s Jubilee concert, and sold-out tours in the UK. Yes, he has that something that makes sure he never really leaves.
Private life and juicy anecdotes about Gary Barlow
You know what? Gary married Dawn Andrews, his former dancer, in 2000, and they have two children, Emily and Daniel. Family life seems to mean a lot to him, and you can feel it in his music, often driven by emotion.
A bit of a crazy thing: damals, at 14, he was already earning £140 per night in a club, which is pretty wild for a kid, right? And then, Madonna even collaborated with him, which is quite a nod in his solo career.
Recent projects and what awaits you in 2025
So, in 2025, don’t be surprised: Gary is still here, more active than ever. He is preparing his “The Songbook Tour” and continues writing for himself and others. He even recently released an EP, and his energy on stage still receives unanimous praise.
If you want to listen to his greatest hits, I strongly recommend this YouTube playlist. And to keep up with all his news, a visit to the AllForMusic site is a must.
- 🎹 Award-winning composer with 4 Ivor Novello Awards
- 🎤 Leader and lead singer of Take That
- 🎶 Successful solo albums despite hardships
- 👨👩👧👦 Father of two children and married since 2000
- 🌟 Judge on The X Factor and organizer of royal events
The must-hear hits of Gary Barlow
Impossible to talk about him without mentioning some gems like “Forever Love,” “Love Won’t Wait” (written with Madonna, crazy!), “Pray,” or the classics with Take That. His writing really is the key to his success.
Some keys to his solo discography
- 👑 Open Road (1997): a blazing solo debut
- 💔 Twelve Months, Eleven Days (1999): a mixed album
- 🎉 Sing (2012): royal contribution and anthems
- 🔥 Since I Saw You Last (2013): successful comeback
To learn more about Gary Barlow
The curious will find plenty of fascinating info on Wikipedia or on Gala which closely follows his life and projects. Not forgetting his exclusive videos on his official YouTube channel or his Facebook page that offers a real contact with him.
What is Gary Barlow’s age?
Born on January 20, 1971, Gary Barlow is 54 years old in 2025.
What role does he have in Take That?
Gary is the leader, main songwriter, and singer of the group.
What are his best solo albums?
His most known albums are Open Road and Since I Saw You Last.
Is he involved in TV shows?
Yes, he was a judge on The X Factor in England from 2011 to 2013.
What are his current projects?
In 2025, he is preparing The Songbook Tour and continues recording.
