What is James Blunt's Net Worth?
James Blunt is an English singer, songwriter, musician, and producer with a net worth of $18 million. He rose to fame in the mid-2000s with hits like "You're Beautiful" and "Goodbye My Lover."
His debut album, "Back to Bedlam," recorded in 2003 and released in the U.K. in 2004, became a massive hit. Its first single, "High," initially struggled but gained attention following the release of "You're Beautiful." The single "You're Beautiful" peaked at number one in both the U.K. and U.S. charts, making Blunt the first British artist to reach number one in the United States in nearly a decade.
"Back to Bedlam" sold more than eleven million copies worldwide, achieving ten times platinum status in Britain. Blunt's second album, "All the Lost Souls," sold over four million copies and reached gold status in just four days in the U.K.
Early Life
James Blunt was born on February 22, 1974, in Tidworth, Hampshire, England, as the first of three children to Colonel Charles Blount and Jane Ann Farren. His father had a distinguished career in the Army Air Corps, while his mother operated a ski chalet company in France. The Blount family's military history can be traced back to the 10th century.
Growing up, Blunt’s family frequently relocated due to his father's job, living both in the U.K. and abroad. He developed interests in motorbikes and airplanes, earning his pilot's license at 16. He also took piano and violin lessons before transitioning to the electric guitar at 14.
Blunt attended prestigious schools such as Elstree School in Berkshire and Harrow School in London. He pursued aerospace manufacturing engineering and sociology at the University of Bristol. Upon graduation in 1996, Blunt was obligated to serve in the armed forces due to an army bursary sponsorship. He trained at the Royal Military Academy and was commissioned into the Life Guards, rising to the rank of captain.
In 1999, Blunt joined a NATO peacekeeping mission in Kosovo, where he wrote many songs. He extended his service until November 2000 and served with the Queen’s Guard in London until leaving the army in October 2002 after six years of service.
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Music Career
Upon leaving the army, Blunt pursued a music career, adopting the stage name Blunt for ease of pronunciation. He signed with EMI music publishers after someone heard his demo for "Goodbye My Lover." Following a performance at the South by Southwest Music Festival, he secured a record deal with Linda Perry's Custard Records and recorded "Back to Bedlam" in Los Angeles.
Blunt's debut single "High" initially performed poorly but later became a top hit in Italy. Success came swiftly with the release of "You're Beautiful," which topped charts in both the U.K. and the U.S. This success led to a world tour, Grammy nominations, and multi-platinum album sales. His second album, "All the Lost Souls," also achieved significant success.
Blunt's subsequent albums continued to perform well. "Some Kind of Trouble" (2010) sold over a million copies. "Moon Landing" (2013) featured the single "Bonfire Heart," topping charts in several countries. He released "The Afterlove" in 2017 and announced "Once Upon a Mind" in 2019. A greatest hits album was announced for 2021.
Personal Life
James Blunt owns homes in Ibiza, Spain, and Verbier, Switzerland, where he also opened the restaurant La Vache. In September 2014, he married Sofia Wellesley, and they have two sons, with godparents including Ed Sheeran and Carrie Fisher.
Blunt is actively involved in charity work. He supports Help for Heroes and has raised funds for Doctors without Borders and environmental causes by screening the documentary "An Inconvenient Truth" at his concerts.
