James Blunt literally went from obscurity to stardom overnight – but maintaining stardom is arguably much more difficult than releasing a number one hit. Still, Blunt got off to a smashing start with his single, “You’re Beautiful,” which debuted in late 2005. By early 2006, “You’re Beautiful” was a bona fide hit, climbing to the top position of the Billboard Hot 100.

But, Blunt did more than achieve a number one hit – he officially became the first British artist since Elton John to make it to the top of the Billboard Hot 100. John accomplished the feat in 1997.

Born in the small English town of Wiltshire in 1974, Blunt’s musical prowess began early as he learned how to play the violin and the piano. He began playing the guitar when he was 14. Away at boarding school at the time, Blunt’s passion burst as he began writing songs and focusing his energies on one day becoming a professional musician.

But, his path veered away from music and straight into the Army, to follow family tradition, following his graduation from Bristol University. He earned a spot with the Household Calvary, an elite unit, and he would serve in both Canada and Kosovo before heading back to the United Kingdom, where his duties would become that of Life Guard.

It was in his final year in the Army that Blunt began to write an onslaught of songs, many of which would appear on his debut album, “Back to Bedlam.” When he was discharged in 2002, Blunt turned his energy to making a name for himself in the music industry.

He got his big break in 2004 when songwriter/producer Linda Perry offered him a record deal with her label Custard Records. That same year, “Back to Bedlam” hit store shelves across the United Kingdom, receiving rave reviews and poising Blunt for success.

In addition to critical acclaim and a hit single with “You’re Beautiful,” Blunt won plenty of fans. In fact, if his current success is any indication, James Blunt concert tickets are poised to be a hot commodity for years to come.