Like many of the music industry’s
icons and legends, David Gray’s love of music started
early in childhood in the United Kingdom, first in the
city of his birth, Manchester, England, and later in the
tiny country of Wales. When Gray left Wales for the University
of Liverpool in England, he was embarking on a journey
that would quickly change his life.
While at university, Gray focused much of his energy
as a member of several punk bands, and he soon realized
his talent for writing touching lyrics. Following his
tour of duty at the University of Liverpool, Gray headed
south to London, the place to be for aspiring musicians.
The move paid off, and Gray was quickly signed to Hut
Records. While his debut album, “A Century Ends,”
wasn’t released until 1993, music fans got a taste
of what was to come with the 1992 single “Birds
Without Wings.”
Following the release of his debut album, Gray hit
the road, first starring in his own show and later opening
for solo artist Shawn Colvin. His sophomore release,
while highly anticipated, was a major flop. “Flesh”
hit store shelves in 1994 and proceeded to tank, resulting
in Gray losing his contract with Hut Records. But, out
of despair came hope when EMI Records offered him a
record deal.
Still, it was two years before Gray would produce another
album, this time the aptly titled, “Sell, Sell,
Sell,” referring to the popularity he’d
gained in Ireland. In another attempt to breakthrough
in the cutthroat industry, Gray embarked on series of
tours as the opening act for mega-artists such as the
Dave Matthews Band and Radiohead. While it was a valiant
effort, it did little to propel Gray to stardom, instead
ending with him leaving EMI Records.
Having had little luck with traditional record labels,
Gray decided to pursue a new avenue, this time financing
and recording his next album, 1998’s “White
Ladder.” And, Gray hit pay dirt. More than six
million copies of “White Ladder” were sold
worldwide, and Gray became a superstar in Ireland. Amazingly,
“White Ladder” became the best ever selling
album in Ireland, quite an accomplishment for a country
that has produced the well-loved band, U2. Overnight
Gray became a sensation, and David Gray concert tickets
became the hottest ticket in every town he performed.
Gray followed “White Ladder” with “Lost
Songs – 95-98 (2001)”, “The EP’s
– 92-94 (2001),” “A New Day at Midnight”
(2002), and “The Other Side” (2002).
His latest album “Life in Slow Motion”
was released in 2005. To date, Gray’s popularity
has remained on the other side of the Atlantic, but
his persistence and passion promise it’s only
a matter of time before he becomes a major hit in the
United States.
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