Michael Bolton Biography

Michael Bolton, born on February 26, 1953, is an acclaimed American singer, songwriter, and philanthropist known for his powerful voice and emotive ballads. He first gained recognition with his 1987 album "The Hunger," which marked a significant turning point in his career. This album featured a combination of original compositions and heartfelt covers, including a rendition of "(Sittin' On) The Dock of the Bay." However, it was his follow-up album, 鈥淪oul Provider鈥 (1989), that catapulted him to superstardom, spawning five Top Ten singles and earning quadruple platinum status, solidifying his reputation as one of the era's defining vocal artists.

The standout track from "Soul Provider," 鈥淗ow Am I Supposed to Live Without You,鈥 became Bolton鈥檚 hallmark song and earned him a Grammy Award for Best Male Pop Vocal Performance. The album also featured other chart-topping hits like 鈥淗ow Can We Be Lovers鈥 and 鈥淲hen I'm Back on My Feet Again.鈥 During the following years, Bolton released a series of successful albums, including "Time, Love & Tenderness," which sold six million copies and included classics like 鈥淲hen a Man Loves a Woman鈥 and 鈥淟ove Is a Wonderful Thing.鈥 His diverse catalog also includes "Timeless: The Classics," "The One Thing," and tributes to Frank Sinatra and Motown with 鈥淏olton Swings Sinatra鈥 and 鈥淎in鈥檛 No Mountain High Enough 鈥 Tribute to Hitsville,鈥 respectively.

In addition to his musical achievements, Bolton is a dedicated philanthropist, founding the Michael Bolton Charities, which focuses on various social issues such as poverty and abuse. To date, his philanthropic efforts have raised over $3.7 million. Boltons鈥檚 advocacy extends to his roles as a board member for the National Mentoring Partnerships and as national chairman for This Close for Cancer Research and Prevent Child Abuse America. His charitable contributions have earned him accolades, including the Martin Luther King Award and the Ellis Island Medal of Honor.

Bolton鈥檚 career has seen him sell over 75 million records, achieving numerous awards, including six American Music Awards and two Grammy Awards. He enjoyed a string of hits, including nine number-one singles, primarily on the Billboard and Adult Contemporary charts. Renowned for collaborating with an array of artists, Bolton has shared the stage with legends such as B.B. King, Celine Dion, and Luciano Pavarotti.

Though his popularity waned in the late 1990s, Bolton continued to find success in the adult contemporary genre, releasing albums and singles consistently. His 2017 album, "Songs of Cinema," showcases his ability to evolve with the times while maintaining his signature sound. Bolton remains an active performer, known for his engaging live shows and unique collaborations, including a notable appearance with The Lonely Island.

In recent years, Bolton has ventured into various media, making memorable appearances on shows like "Dancing with the Stars," "The Masked Singer," and even participating in the "American Song Contest." His personal life has included high-profile relationships with actress Nicollette Sheridan and a long marriage to Maureen McGuire, with whom he has three daughters. As Michael Bolton continues to perform and create music, he remains a significant figure in the industry, admired for both his vocal talents and charitable work.