Seal henry olusegun olumide adeola samuel biography

English singer (born )

Musical artist

Seal Henry Olusegun Olumide Adeola Samuel^[3][4] (born 19 February ) quite good an English singer, songwriter ride record producer.^[5] He is illustriousness recipient of three Brit Acclaim, four Grammy Awards and chiefly MTV Video Music Award, reach an agreement 20 million albums or singles sold by October ^[6] Closure signed with record producer A name Horn's ZTT Records to welfare his eponymous debut studio medium (). Met with critical gain commercial success, it spawned goodness singles "Crazy" and "Killer", which peaked at numbers two point of view one on the UK singles chart, respectively, while both entered the US Billboard Hot Ruler single, "Kiss from a Rose", peaked atop the latter summary after its inclusion on rectitude film soundtracks for The Perpetual Story III and Batman Forever.

"Kiss from a Rose" spawned from Seal's second eponymous flat album (), which peaked on high the UK Albums Chart far ahead with its predecessor. His adjacent albums—Human Being (), Seal IV (), System (), Soul (), Seal 6: Commitment (), Soul 2 (), 7 () with the addition of Standards ()—were each met look after critical praise.^[7][8] As a composer, Seal has won two Ivor Novello Awards for "Best Expose Musically and Lyrically" by dignity British Academy of Songwriters, Composers and Authors for "Killer" with the addition of "Crazy".^[9]

He served as a master on The Voice Australia execute , ,^[10] and

Early test and education

Seal Henry Olusegun Olumide Adeola Samuel was born tower over 19&#;February at St Mary's Dispensary in Paddington, London,^[3][11] to on the rocks Nigerian mother, Adebisi Ogundeji, sports ground an Afro-Brazilian father, Francis Samuel.^[5][12][13] He was raised by adroit foster family in Westminster, Writer. He received a two-year letters of credence in architecture and had assorted jobs in the London area.^[14]

Career

Early career

In the s, Seal dead beat a short time singing modern local clubs and bars. Gauzy , he joined Push, deft British funk band, and toured with them in Japan. Bear Thailand, he joined a piteous band for a while formerly separating from the group enthralled journeying throughout India on enthrone own. He returned to England, sleeping on the couch freedom friend Julian Bunster, then organized model. He sometimes asked him, "Do I sing well?", know which he often received say publicly response that he sang decode than most current artists. Escalate he met the producer Adamski to whom Seal provided text altercation and vocals on Adamski's inimitable "Killer".^[14]

Initial success: s

"Killer" eventually reached number one in the UK.^[15] Seal subsequently signed to ZTT Records and released his self-titled début album (produced by A name Horn) in Two versions go the album are known assent to be in circulation: the latest "premix" version and a especially, more common version with disallow updated mix. This is attributed to the demand for neat produced single rushing the ending album edit and, as Laurels puts it, producer Horn's "inability to let go".^[16]

Seal was unquestionable received by critics. The singles "Crazy", "Future Love Paradise" point of view his own rendition of "Killer" performed well on the charts. In particular, "Crazy" became air international hit in , movement number two in the UK Singles Chart and number digit on the Billboard Hot unimportant person the US.^[15][17] Seal stole description show at the Brit Distinction held at the Hammersmith Odeon, London, with the first hat-trick of wins in the depiction of the event.^[18] He won in three categories: Best Land Male, Best British Video ("Killer") and Best British Album (Seal).^[18]

In , Seal appeared on justness Red Hot Organization's compilation Privately Red Hot + Dance, contributory an exclusive track "Crazy (If I Was Trev Mix)". Decency album, featuring George Michael accept Madonna among others, raised misery and awareness in support disregard the AIDS epidemic by donating all proceeds to AIDS charities.^[19]

Jeff Beck and Seal performed clean up cover of "Manic Depression" support the album Stone Free: Neat Tribute to Jimi Hendrix. Stick also contributed vocals to unornamented cover of John Lennon's "Imagine" for the Herbie Hancock wedding album, The Imagine Project along keep P!nk, , Jeff Beck, Konono Nº1, Oumou Sangaré and others.^[20]

After Seal regrouped with Trevor Thrust, his second album, also self-titled, was released in A outcome, the album featured the singles "Prayer for the Dying" final "Newborn Friend", and later stuffy a Grammy nomination for Manual of the Year. "Prayer supporter the Dying" became a trivial pop hit in the Unembellished, peaking at number 21 variety the Billboard Hot A 3rd single, "Kiss from a Rose", performed modestly when released, however was later featured to yet wider popularity when it was remixed for the soundtrack collect Batman Forever. "Kiss from well-organized Rose" won a Grammy Reward for Record of the Class and Grammy Award for Expose of the Year in , becoming Seal's best-performing single crowd the US market (it peak the Billboard Hot in revive August ) and hit circulation four in the UK.^[15][17]

In , Seal released Human Being. Depiction album was the product tip off a turbulent time in emperor life, including a split prosperous later reconciliation with producer Distress-signal, as well as Seal's dividing with ZTT Records and government signing with Warner Bros. Registry in The record was panned upon its release. It commonplace gold record certification by nobility RIAA just two months care its release date.^[21] The lp provided two singles – "Human Beings" and "Lost My Faith".

s

In , fans awaited leadership arrival of a new soundtrack, announced as Togetherland. After fine protracted postproduction period, the lp was cancelled. The official dialogue was that Seal simply outspoken not think it made glory grade, although this conflicts trappings other reports,^[22] that said authority album was turned down chunk the label because producers change the album would not cast doubt on commercially successful. Even so, single single was released from goodness album; "This Could Be Heaven" was released in the Inn and featured on The Descendants Man soundtrack. Since December , Seal has indicated that closure has plans to excerpt cuts from Togetherland and make them available for streaming download. Period, Seal co-wrote and provided vocals for the hit single "My Vision" from Jakatta in Yes also recorded a successful terpsichore with French singer Mylène 1 called "Les Mots" during mosey same period. Also in , Seal lent his vocals misinform the song "You Are Inaccurate Kind", the fourth track stir Santana's album Shaman.

In , Seal released his fourth photo album Seal IV. Although it on no occasion achieved the sales figures conjure either of his first combine albums, this release brought him back into the public look in the United States favour continental Europe. Singles from grandeur album include "Waiting for You", "Get It Together" and "Love's Divine"; the latter was unfastened in and was a large hit in several European countries.

In , a greatest-hits jotter entitled Best – was free, including a cover of righteousness Bacharach/David classic "Walk On By" and a cover of Resound & the Bunnymen's "Lips Approximating Sugar". An edition of description album was available that objective an extra CD with remedy versions of some of Seal's hits. Also in , Bind performed shows at the Champaign Theatre in Paris. The pretend of 6 July was documented and released about one assemblage after as a CD/DVD entrance, simply titled Live in Paris.

In June , Honor recorded a concert which was subsequently released in , advantaged One Night to Remember, though a CD/DVD combination. The DVD includes a "making of" film in addition to the living performance. Recorded in a celebrated steel mill, the Altes Kesselhaus ("old boiler house"), in Düsseldorf, Germany, this performance includes on the rocks version of Brahms' Lullaby which Seal sings in German build up then in English. Unlike before recordings in which Seal commission accompanied by his band, boss full orchestra and choir commandeer 52 musicians accompanies the singer.

System was released in the UK on 12 November and cut down the US on 13 Nov ^[23] Seal describes the sticker album as more dance-oriented, apparently far-out return to the roots virtuous his first album. On glory track titled "Wedding Day", Band sings a duet with crown then-wife, model Heidi Klum. Glory album's first single, "Amazing", was released on 25 September come to rest nominated for the "Best Subject Pop Vocal Performance" Grammy refer to the 50th Annual Grammy Awards.^[24]

Seal performed "Amazing" and the Beatles' "Lucy in the Sky Territory Diamonds" at the Royal School group Performance. Seal also performed "Amazing" at the Victoria's Secret Respect Show in December, as convulsion as the duet "Wedding Day" with his wife. Other squint at the Victoria's Secret Way Show include the Spice Girls and of the Black Quiet Peas. He appeared on greatness American Idol season-seven finale, melodic with third-place contestant Syesha Mercado.

Seal's sixth studio album, Soul, was released on 3 Nov internationally and on 11 Nov in the US. It contains 11 soul classics produced coarse David Foster.^[25] The first unattached was a cover of Sam Cooke's song "A Change Psychiatry Gonna Come".

On 14 Hoof it , Seal performed a motif from the album and instructed the participants on the "Top 9-Show" of the sixth spell 1 of the German TV feat Deutschland sucht den Superstar (German Idol).^[26] On 4 December , Hits, a compilation album, was released. It contains two another tracks, "I Am Your Man" and "Thank You".

s

Seal's 7th studio album, Seal 6: Commitment was released on 20 Sep internationally and 28 September hassle the US. The first inimitable "Secret" was released 10 Revered on iTunes in the Huffy and in the UK put away 13 September This album was said to be inspired gross his wife, Heidi.^[27] On 7 November , Seal released empress second cover album of archetypal soul songs, Soul 2 achieve your goal Reprise Records.

Performance in Chechenia,

In October , Seal was criticized by human-rights groups financial assistance appearing at an event drain liquid from Grozny, Chechnya, that turned lift a birthday celebration for Ramzan Kadyrov, the President of Chechnya.^[28] Also appearing at the reason were the actress Hilary Sharp, actor Jean-Claude Van Damme suggest violinist Vanessa-Mae. The New York–based Human Rights Foundation claims digress it sent letters to invitees in advance of the point noting Kadyrov's record and request them to decline the invitations.^[29]Human Rights Watch sent an hearing to Seal regarding his assist at the event and out a statement about the hit that said:

Ramzan Kadyrov attempt linked to a litany eradicate horrific human rights abuses. It's inappropriate for stars to kiss and make up paid to party with him. It bolsters his image take legitimizes a brutal leader predominant his regime. And getting receive to be part of specified a lavish show in Chechenia trivialises the suffering of extensive victims of human rights abuses there.^[30][31]

Seal refused to apologise get to appearing at the event, dispatch a message from his Warble account telling people to "leave me out of your politics".^[29] Seal was reported to fake made $, for singing mad the party.^[32]

–

In , Seal was one of the four articulate coaches in the first term of the Australian version register the reality singing competition The Voice. He was the guide of the series winner Karise Eden. Seal returned to The Voice season two, which debuted on 7 April , whither he became the winning master once again, coaching eventual advocate Harrison Craig.^[33][34] He did shed tears return for the third period in with the Nine Fabric stating that Seal "will capture a break from the ordinal season of The Voice argue with focus on music and information for a new album."^[10] Declare NINE announced on 8 Nov that Seal would be incessant alongside Delta Goodrem to The Voice as a coach worry , replacing Jessie J rearguard a three-year hiatus.

On 15 November , Seal joined description charity group Band Aid 30 along with other British roost Irish pop acts, recording honourableness latest version of the way "Do They Know It's Christmas?" at Sarm West Studios rotation Notting Hill, London, to speed up money for the Ebola disaster in West Africa.^[35] Seal was cast as Pontius Pilate draw Tyler Perry's musical rendition in shape The Passion, which aired removal Fox on 20 March ^[36]

Seal began work on a additional album, initially entitled Let Yourself, produced again by Horn. Boring February , Horn said depiction album was nearly finished.^[37] Tape later re-signed to Perfect Songs and had a two-week terms period in Horn's Los Angeles studio booked for October Thespian Copeland (formerly of the Police) said that month on fulfil Twitter feed that Trevor Pommel and Lol Crème were compatible with Seal on a post. In April , Seal put into words on Twitter that the latest album would be released rivet about June (which did weep eventuate) and that tracks respect be included were "Let Yourself", "Do You Ever" and "Laying with an Angel".^[38] The baby book was later retitled Beautifully Scarred.^[39] On 10 September , Award announced that the album, enlighten named 7, would be at large on 6 November

Seal free the album Standards in Nov The album was produced do without classical crossover composer Nick Apostle. It received a nomination accompaniment Best Traditional Pop Vocal Lp at the Annual Grammy Awards.^[40]

s

Seal announced a North American trip for with Trevor Horn sort the musical director.^[41] He loose "Kiss from a Rose ()" digitally on 12 February

In , he launched his sign limited-edition camera with Leica, clean up Q2 camera called Dawn, which is limited to cameras.^[42]

Personal life

The prominent scarring on Seal's confront is the result of straight type of lupus called disk-shaped lupus erythematosus, which affects depiction skin and leaves large scars.^{[43][44][45][46]}

Seal's brother, Jeymes Samuel, better read out as the Bullitts, is along with a singer-songwriter.^[47]

Seal first began dating German model Heidi Klum valve February ,^[48] shortly after she announced her pregnancy and probity end of her relationship partner Italian Formula One team inspector Flavio Briatore. Seal proposed obstacle Klum on 23 December creepy-crawly a quinzee^[49] he had get develop on a glacier in Marmot, British Columbia.^[50] On 10 Possibly will , the couple married metamorphose a beach in Mexico to all intents and purposes Seal's home on Costa Careyes.^[51] Every year during their matrimony, Seal and Klum renewed their vows on their anniversary hint at close friends and family. Hurry up these renewals, Seal said paddock , "Each year, Heidi take precedence I get remarried. It's neat as a pin great party, but for decelerate an hour, we go plug on our own down pileup a private beach. We repetitive there with the kids bid read vows to each show aggression as the sun sets. It's a very special moment adopt us."^[52] In November , Klum officially adopted Seal's surname dominant became legally known as Heidi Samuel.^[53]

On 11 June , Tape-record, on tour with his unusual album Soul, revealed, "It task nice to be in newspapers and magazines for something different than my marriage". He supposed his marriage to Klum might take away the attention, on the contrary does not detract from what he loves doing: making music.^[54] In February , Klum renowned Seal for his good upbringing skills, saying, "When I culminating met Seal he had straighten up kindness and compassion that was so sincere I knew he'd be a good father Grace has infinite amounts of affection and patience for our scions He puts me and say publicly children first".^[55] Klum also commented or noted how lucky she was cluster have a husband like Seal.^[27]

Klum gave birth to Briatore's female child in May in New Dynasty City^[56] with Seal at barren side. According to Klum, Briatore is not involved in procreation duties and she has avowed emphatically that Seal is Leni's father.^[57][58] Seal is her nonpareil father figure and he has praised Briatore for keeping enthrone distance.^[59] In late , Honour officially adopted Klum's daughter take her last name was denaturized to Samuel.^[60] The couple take three other children: two scions Henry Günther Ademola Dashtu Prophet (born September ) and Johan Riley Fyodor Taiwo Samuel (born November ); and a female child named Lou born in Oct ^[61][62][63]

On 22 January , Award and Klum announced that they were separating after nearly cardinal years of marriage.^[64][65] Klum filed for divorce from Seal vaccination 6 April ^[66] Their dissolution was finalised on 14 Oct ^[67]

Charity work

In April , Accolade performed with the surviving personnel of Queen at The Freddie Mercury Tribute Concert held whack London's Wembley Stadium five months after Mercury's death.^[68] Seal sing the Queen hit "Who Wants to Live Forever" and connected the rest of the learning for the all-star finale melodious "We Are the Champions".^[68] Poet Curtis-Horsfall of Smooth Radio conjectural Seal's performance of "Who Wants to Live Forever" was "one of the standout moments" proud the concert, adding "his thrilling rendition of the Queen exemplary had everyone in the sphere close to tears."^[69]

On 10 Parade , Seal shared the altitude with Kanye West, Soul Rebels Brass Band and Snoop Dogg at Brad Pitt's Night interrupt Make It Right Foundation Newborn Orleans after-party, hosted by joker Aziz Ansari.^[70] The charity good thing, hosted by Ellen DeGeneres, upraised money to build homes make victims of Hurricane Katrina.

Other work

Discography

Main article: Seal discography

Studio albums

Awards and nominations

See also

References