Josh Groban Biography - A Popular Artist with Amazing Talent

Josh Groban, a young and very talented star with an amazing career, was born in 1981. He is best known for his mature and versatile baritone voice and his style ranges from classical to pop. Groban was born in America to a Jewish American father and a Norwegian American mother. His father converted to Christianity at marriage and Groban was raised Episcopalian (derived from the English church). Groban is the oldest of two boys, his younger brother is four years younger and was born the same day.

Groban began singing in seventh grade, however, he put the singing on hold when his grades started to slip. In order to improve his grades he attended Bridges Academy from 9am-1pm and had theatre classes in the afternoon. While Groban was in grade school, his musical talent consisted of playing the penny whistle.

In 1997 and 1998, Groban attended the Interlochen Arts Camp and majored in musical theatre. It was also at this time that Groban began taking voice lessons outside of school. Groban's baritone voice continued to develop and he continued to pursue and develop a greater interest in musical theater. After the arts camp, Groban began performing in school productions through acting and singing.

At the end of 1998, 17-year-old Groban was introduced to Grammy-winning producer/arranger David Foster. Groban worked for Foster as a rehearsal singer. In the 1999 Grammy Awards, Groban rehearsed Foster's "The Prayer" with Celine Dion. Groban then auditioned for the "Phantom of the Opera" and attended the Los Angeles County High School for the Arts as a theatre major. Groban graduated from that high school in 1999 and planned to attend Carnegie Mellon University in Pittsburgh, PA.

After one year at Carnegie, Groban left after being offered a recording contract at Warner Bros. Records. David Foster again played a role in the development of Groban's career. Foster had found Groban's "natural ability in the pop and rock arena" as well his sense of classics to be compelling enough to grant a contract.