Adele is a globally acclaimed pop singer-songwriter who has become one of the most admired figures of her generation. With an amazing soulful voice and classic songs that express genuine emotion, she has quickly become one of Adele’s fans’ favorites.
She soon after signed a record deal with XL Records in 2006, with her debut album 19 being met with critical and commercial acclaim.
Born Adele Elisabeth Hasselbach in 1988
Fox and Friends host, Sara Filarski is now 36 and exudes elegance as she hosts Fox and Friends; but when she was only fourteen, things were different! Today on Throwback Thursday she tweeted a Throwback Thursday image featuring herself at her school dance in 1990 with Kenneth Filarski (an architect father) wearing puzzle shoes and wearing her scrunchie. Luckily OK! has more photos! Click to see them now.
Raised in London
Adele first came to the attention of XL records during her studies at BRIT school when she posted three demos on MySpace that attracted attention from them. Following graduation in 2006, Adele was signed immediately onto a record deal.
Amy Winehouse-like in her use of expressive phrasing and intimate depictions of heartbreak, she distinguished herself as one of the premier singer-songwriters. Her debut album 19 was released in 2008 followed by 21 in 2011.
She lived with her mother and grandmother in North London. Despite facing difficulties during her childhood years, she made sure her dreams became a reality.
Began singing at the age of 14
Adele stands out as one of the few pop artists destined to remain iconic across generations. Her songs showcase her remarkable emotional dexterity like that of an accomplished leading actress, drawing upon personal experiences while conveying them with powerfully emotional lyrics.
She credits Etta James and Ella Fitzgerald as her primary sources of musical influence; however, she has an appreciation for music from across genres; Mary J Blige and Lauryn Hill were two such acts she often listened to with her mother; while The Cure are amongst her own personal tastes.
Since 2008, she has written two additional albums – starting with 19 which was released. As an advocate of music industry and record sales have significantly declined over time, she provides hope in today’s turbulent environment.
Signed to XL Records
Adele is signed to XL Recordings, a subsidiary of Beggars Group. Adele’s debut album 19, followed by 21’s release two years later, revolutionized sales and profits at XL – sending sales soaring and profits soaring with sales surging exponentially.
Tic Zogson discovered Adele when he played her self-recorded demos at Cherry Jam, a small club in West London. When he saw Adele perform acoustically for him a unique combination of vulnerability and confidence was apparent – something Russell always prioritizes when selecting artists; their partner Ben Beardsworth provides financial security that allows the label to take risks.
Released her first album “Hometown Glory” in 2008
Lily Allen and Kate Nash had established themselves in the indie pop landscape by the time Adele released her debut album 19, but with something different. From classic piano opus Make You Feel My Love to cold shoulder, her melodies exude warmth while Adele’s singing is simply breathtaking.
Chasing Pavements, her opening track on this album, showcases her talents beautifully through an intricate full-band collaboration with Eg White that starts softly before opening up into a majestically orchestral chorus.
Released her second album “21” in 2011
Adele cemented her global musical renown with two Grammy wins – “Rolling in the Deep” and Oscar win “Skyfall” in 2012, respectively – establishing herself as an industry heavyweight. Since then she has released 25.
Adele seemed unlikely to survive the brief flurry of British media interest surrounding her debut album 19 in 2011.
But 21 proved she is here to stay by taking more chances with her music, creating an album inspired by romantic heartbreak yet free of self-pity or bitterness.
Released her third album “25” in 2016
Adele took her time when crafting 25. She brought in top producers and songwriters from all over the world, slowly shaping their contributions into something truly personal for herself.
25 focused solely on one genre. “I Drink Wine”, inspired by Elton John and Bernie Taupin, features luxurious piano chords. Ludwig Goransson’s production on Gershwin-esque opener “Strangers by Nature” bridged modern approach with traditional vocal jazz traditionalism.
Adele’s emotional highpoint on this record is “To Be Loved”, an impressive seven-minute showcase of Adele’s signature vocals that may very well be one of her finest performances ever and is certainly among her finest achievements in her long musical career.