Josh Groban's Old Soul

The Singer Is A Favorite With Older Audiences, But Is Remarkably Successful Across The Board

(CBS)  "But we weren't selling any albums," he said. "And eventually I did a news interview that reached a lot of people. And all of a sudden it was like a light bulb went off, and it jumped I think 110 spaces on the charts, to the Top Ten."

The album went double platinum, with the help of an appearance on the TV show, "Ally McBeal." His second album, "Closer," shot to number one on the charts with his Grammy-nominated performance of "You Raise Me Up" which he sang last month with the African Children's Choir on "American Idol Gives Back." Groban gave up on formal piano lessons when he was young and although he still can't read music, he's composing more and more of his own songs. His current single is "February Song."

Though he's been broadening his musical range, romance remains at the heart of his appeal.

"I love the romantic music," Groban said. "I'm a cheese ball when it comes to that. I'm pretty shy and any girlfriend that I've had can probably tell you that I'm not, like, the most romantic person. You know, I don't have violins playing…I just say, 'Ya know, this is, honey, listen to track three, here's how I feel.'"

Groban took Hughes back to his high school where his career got its start. He invited all the students to one of his shows. Giving back is a big part of his life. His foundation has raised more than half a million dollars for children's charities.

Groban still has his high school ambition of starring on Broadway. Last year he paid tribute to one of his idols, Andrew Lloyd Webber, at the Kennedy Center Honors.

But despite all his success, Groban says he is still critical of his singing.

"I'm pretty hypercritical," he said. "I'm really hypercritical. I tend to over-think things until the idea becomes pointless. So one of the things I've learned in my three album career is to let things go. Sometimes [you] just need to let the child out into the world."

And for Groban — out in the world — this may be just the beginning.

[flexiblehors]

josh is wonderfully talented. he is a gifted musician who touches so many people in so many ways. Thank you Mr. Groban, for blessing us all with your gift.

[emma915]

Josh's voice is wonderful. The first time I saw him was when he did the performance with Celine. Amazing! I buy his albums. But, I do have one complaint. He's let his hair get a tad too long, and I hate the 'need a bath' look that all of today's gentlemen celebs think is so ***. I know he's probably just freshly bathed, but his hair and the stubble on his face take away from his performance.

[beccabee2]

well thats interesting....

nice article

but in 2001 i was a fan and i was only 13. i needed his music in my life.