Groban originally studied acting, but moved to singing as his voice developed. Groban attended the Los Angeles County High School for the Arts, a free public school on the campus of California State University, Los Angeles, where students receive a conservatory-style education. David Foster called Groban to stand in for an ailing Andrea Bocelli to rehearse a duet, "The Prayer", with Celine Dion at the rehearsal for the 1998 Grammy Awards. Rosie O'Donnell immediately invited him to appear on her talk show. Foster asked him to sing at the California Governor's Gray Davis' 1999 inauguration. He was cast on Ally McBeal by the show's creator, David E. Kelley, performing "You're Still You" for the 2001 season four finale.
In 2016, he made his Broadway debut as Pierre Bezukhov in Natasha, Pierre & The Great Comet of 1812, to critical acclaim and nomination for a 2017 Tony Award for Best Actor in a Leading Role in a Musical. His performance at the 72nd Tony Awards earned him two Primetime Emmy nominations, one for Outstanding Live Variety Special and one for Original Music and Lyrics for the song "This One's for You". Groban co-starred as Tony Caruso Jr. in the Netflix original series, The Good Cop. Groban was also the host of Rising Star, he also appeared in the films, Coffee Town, Muppets Most Wanted, The Hollars and Crazy, Stupid, Love. He also appeared on TV such as Danny Chase in The Crazy Ones, as well as Walter Bernard Jr in The Office.
Career
1997–2001: Debut
In late 1997, the 16-year-old Groban was introduced by his vocal coach, Seth Riggs, to Grammy-winning producer and arranger David Foster and future manager Brian Avnet.[18][failed verification] At the time, Groban had no recording experience and was preparing for his studies at Carnegie Mellon.[18] Groban worked for David Foster as a rehearsal singer on a series of high-profile events, including the January 1999 California gubernatorial inauguration of Gray Davis and the 1999 Grammy Awards where—as a stand-in for Andrea Bocelli—he rehearsed Foster's "The Prayer" with Céline Dion. According to Avnet, Groban was very nervous about standing in for Bocelli and had to be talked into it; his performance prompted the show hostess, Rosie O'Donnell, to ask him to appear on her show the following week, which in turn led to an appearance on Ally McBeal.[18] Creator David E. Kelley wrote the character Malcolm Wyatt for Groban in the season finale, aired in May 2001. Groban as Malcolm Wyatt was so popular that the show received upwards of 8,000 emails from viewers;[19] thereafter, Groban was asked to return the next season to reprise his role as Wyatt and to perform "To Where You Are". Avnet claims this sequence of events effectively got Groban's career off the ground.[18]
Groban was offered a recording contract at Warner Bros. Records through Foster's 143 Records imprint. Avnet told HitQuarters that Warner Bros. initially proved resistant to the deal because "They were afraid they wouldn't be able to get a voice like that on radio."[18] Explaining his reasons for signing the artist, Foster said: "I love his natural ability in the pop and rock arena, but I love his sense of classics even more. He's a true musical force to be reckoned with."[19] Under Foster's influence, Groban's first album focused more on classics such as "Gira Con Me Questa Notte" and "Alla Luce Del Sole".
Groban performed "There For Me" with Sarah Brightman on her 2000–01 La Luna World Tour, and was featured on her "La Luna" concert DVD. He recorded "For Always" with Lara Fabian for the movie soundtrack of A.I. Artificial Intelligence (2001). Groban performed in many benefit shows, including "The Andre Agassi Grand Slam Event For Children," alongside Elton John, Stevie Wonder, Don Henley, and Robin Williams; "Muhammad Ali's Fight Night Foundation" which honored Michael J. Fox and others; "The Family Celebration" (2001), which was co-hosted by President Bill Clinton and Hillary Clinton, and David E. Kelley and Michelle Pfeiffer; and Michael Milken's CapCure event, which raised funds for cancer research.
His self-titled debut album Josh Groban was released on November 20, 2001. Over the next year it went from gold to double-platinum.[20]
2002–2005: Closer
Groban in concert at the Verizon Wireless Arena in Manchester, New Hampshire in 2007
On February 24, 2002, Groban performed "The Prayer" with Charlotte Church at the closing ceremonies of the Winter Olympics in Salt Lake City, and by November, he had his own PBS special titled "Josh Groban In Concert" (2002). In December 2002, he performed "To Where You Are" and sang "The Prayer" in a duet with Sissel Kyrkjebø at the Nobel Peace Prize Concert in Oslo, Norway. He joined The Corrs, Ronan Keating, Sting, Lionel Richie, and others for a Christmas performance at the Vatican. In 2003, Groban performed at the David Foster concert for World Children's Day, singing "The Prayer" with Celine Dion and the finale song, "Aren't They All Our Children?" with artists including Yolanda Adams, Nick Carter, Enrique Iglesias, and Celine Dion.
Groban's second album Closer, produced and written by Foster, was released on November 11, 2003. Groban said he believed that his second album was a better reflection of him, and that his audience would be able to get a better idea of his personality from listening to it.
What most people know about me, they know through my music. This time, I've tried to open that door as wide as possible. These songs are a giant step closer to who I really am and what my music is all about. Hence the title.[19]
Two months after Closer was released, it rose on the Billboard charts from number 11 to number one.[21] Groban's cover of "You Raise Me Up" became his third most popular song on the adult contemporary charts as of March 2004. Later that year, he also performed the song "Remember" (with Tanja Tzarovska) on the Troy soundtrack, "Believe" on the soundtrack to the 2004 animated film The Polar Express and a cover of Linkin Park's "My December".
In the summer of 2004, Groban returned to Interlochen, performing and discussing his earlier experiences with local residents and campers. On November 30, 2004, his second live DVD, Live At The Greek, was released; it was also shown as a Great Performances special on PBS. That same year, Groban performed "Remember When It Rained", backed by a full orchestra, at the American Music Awards, where he was nominated for Favorite Male Artist in the pop category; he was also nominated for a People's Choice Award. His recording of "Believe" secured an Academy Award nomination in 2005 for the songwriters Glen Ballard and Alan Silvestri,[22] and earned them a Grammy in the category Best Song Written for a Motion Picture, Television or Other Visual Media at the ceremony held in February 2006.[23]
2005–2010: Awake
Groban earned his first Grammy nomination in 2005 for his single "You Raise Me Up" in the Best Male Pop Vocal Performance category. During the first week of September 2006, Groban's single entitled "You Are Loved (Don't Give Up)" was released exclusively on AOL's First Listen. His third studio album Awake was officially released on November 7, 2006. Groban performed "You Are Loved (Don't Give Up)" as well as two other tracks from Awake at his recording session for Live from Abbey Road at Abbey Road Studios on 26 October 2006. On that album, Groban also collaborated on the single "Now or Never" with British musician and songwriter Imogen Heap. He performed two tracks with the South African group Ladysmith Black Mambazo, "Lullaby" and "Weeping". Groban's "Awake" world tour visited 71 cities between February and August 2007, and toured Australia and the Philippines with Lani Misalucha as his special guest in October 2007. He performed a duet with Barbra Streisand ("All I Know of Love") and with Mireille Mathieu ("Over the Rainbow"). As to his future, Groban was open to a plethora of possibilities. He said, "I am fortunate enough to have had many really big moments in my career. I think the mistake a lot of people in my position make is to always search for the next big thing. I am looking forward to playing some small theaters. I'm looking forward to writing more. I want to delve further into my acting career and explore some of the film and TV opportunities that I haven't had time for. My outlook is to expect the unexpected. And when the next step comes, I'm prepared to take it."[9]
2010–2015: Illuminations; All That Echoes
Groban finished his fifth studio album, entitled Illuminations, and the album was released on November 15, 2010.[24] Most of the songs on the album are about "specific situations that I've had where love has existed and ultimately failed," Groban told The New York Times, adding: "And other songs are about the quest, and it just not working out." Groban wrote 11 of the 13 songs on the album.[25] The first single from the album, "Hidden Away", was made available for free download via Facebook on September 8.[26] "For me to sit in a room with a piano in one take with some of Johnny Cash's musicians—that was totally new for me." Josh added. "and I think that excitement is on the record."[25] On October 12, a second single from the upcoming album, "Você Existe Em Mim", was made available on iTunes.[27] This song is sung in Portuguese and was written by Brazilian artist Carlinhos Brown. The Washington Post said: "Illuminations" is not a revelation, but it offers a perfectly fine, and often quite lovely, glimpse at a pop-classical crossover artist in the middle of crossing over."[28] Groban plans on making one more record with Rick Rubin.[29] Beginning May 12, 2011 and continuing through December of that year, Groban undertook the 81-city Straight to You Tour to promote Illuminations, encompassing appearances in North America, Europe, and South Africa.[30]
Groban's sixth studio album, All That Echoes, was released on February 5, 2013, debuting at number one by selling 141,000 copies.[31][32] Groban promoted the album with the All That Echoes World Tour in 2013. A year later, he embarked on his Summer Symphony Tour.[33]
2015–2017: Stages and Broadway debut
In early March 2015, Josh Groban's Facebook page announced the release of the album Stages, consisting of covers of songs from Broadway musicals. The album was released on April 28, 2015.[34]
Starting October 18, 2016, Groban performed on Broadway as Pierre Bezukhov in Natasha, Pierre & The Great Comet of 1812, an electropop opera by composer Dave Malloy based on War and Peace.[35] For his performance as Pierre, Groban was nominated for the 2017 Tony Award for Best Actor in a Leading Role in a Musical. His final performance as Pierre was on July 2, 2017.[36] Groban also performed the song "Evermore" during the end credits of the 2017 Disney film Beauty and the Beast.[37]
2018: Bridges
On March 12, 2018, tour dates were announced for Groban's Bridges Tour with special guest Idina Menzel. The US leg of the tour began on October 18, 2018, in Duluth, Georgia and concluded at Madison Square Garden in New York City on November 18. The European leg of the tour began on December 12 at the O2 Arena in London and concluded on December 18 in Poland.[38]
On June 26, 2018, Groban announced via social media that his album Bridges would be released on September 21 and would contain a cover of Céline Dion's song "S'il suffisait d'aimer" along with new tracks.[39] The album debuted at number two in the US[40] and in the top 10 in the UK[41] and Scotland.[42]
2020: Harmony
On August 17, 2020, Groban's album Harmony was announced to release in November 2020. Groban will also offer a virtual livestreamed concert series in the fall and winter of 2020.[43] On October 2, the album was announced to be released on November 20, 2020. The album is now available in all the platforms from the regular to deluxe edition.
Voice
Various music critics have described Groban's voice in different ways, with some referring to him as a tenor[62] and others as a baritone.[63][64] In performance, Groban's music goes as low as G2 (as in the songs "To Where You Are", "Higher Window", and "The World We Knew (Over and Over)") and extends up to at least B4 (as heard in "The Duel" from Natasha, Pierre & The Great Comet of 1812[65]). This places his voice lower than the usual tenor range on the low end (although still within the vocal fry register of a tenor), and just short of tenor C, and therefore above the baritone range, on the high end.[66][67]
99 Years
Josh Groban Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
She makes him forget all the rules he was learning
They give a toast to the ones who never stop hoping
There's not much to lean on and eyes wide open
And they look up high and wonder what the future's gonna hold
Will we look back down on 99 years of a wonderful life
and our love was stronger with every fight
There'll be a thousand moments for you to say "I told you"
And a million more for us to say "I love you"
So let's look forward to you and I looking back
At 99 years like that
At 99 years like that
They build a house of love in the face of worry
But life has a way of rewriting the story
There were times when it looked like nothing could save them
There were times when it looked like nothing could break them
They keep promising each other what the future's gonna hold
Will we look back down on 99 years of a wonderful life
Where we laughed till we cried
and our love was stronger with every fight
There'll be a thousand moments for you to say "I told you"
And a million more for us to say "I love you"
So let's look forward to you and I looking back
To 99 years
Of nothing unspoken
With every day hoping
That when we feel broken
Our scars make us golden
Is to choose, choose you and I
Will we look back down on 99 years of a wonderful life
Where we laughed till we cried
and our love was stronger with every fight
There'll be a thousand moments for you to say "I told you"
And a million more for us to say "I love you"
So let's look forward to you and I looking back
At 99 years like that
Oh, at 99 years like that
At 99 years like that
The lyrics to Josh Groban's song "99 Years" tell the story of a couple embarking on a journey together, facing the uncertainties of the future while cherishing the love they share. The song begins with the boy meeting the girl and feeling an instant connection that makes him forget everything he has learned about love. They toast to those who never lose hope, acknowledging that there may not be much certainty in life, but they face it with open eyes and a sense of curiosity. As they look up high, they wonder what the future holds for them.
The chorus expresses their hope for a life filled with laughter, love, and resilience. They anticipate looking back on their life after 99 years, reminiscing about the moments they laughed until they cried and how their love grew stronger with each fight they endured together. It is a celebration of the milestones and the countless "I love yous" that they will continue to exchange throughout their lifetime.
The second verse introduces the challenges and obstacles the couple faces. Despite life rewriting their story, their love remains steadfast as they build a house of love in the face of worry. There are moments when it seems like nothing can save or break them, yet they keep promising each other the future they envision.
The bridge of the song reflects on the power of their love and the choices they make. They choose each other every day, despite feeling broken at times, knowing that their scars only make them stronger and more resilient. They hope that their love will be a lasting one, where nothing remains unspoken and each day is filled with hope.
Overall, "99 Years" is a beautiful and hopeful song that celebrates the enduring power of love and the commitment to face life's challenges together.
Line by Line Meaning
Boy meets girl and the world stops turning
When two people fall in love, it feels as though everything else in the world fades away and becomes insignificant.
She makes him forget all the rules he was learning
The presence of the girl in his life brings so much joy that he forgets about all the rules and restrictions he used to follow.
They give a toast to the ones who never stop hoping
They raise a glass in honor of those who always maintain hope, despite the challenges and uncertainties of life.
There's not much to lean on and eyes wide open
In a world with few certainties, they approach their relationship with open eyes and a willingness to face whatever comes their way.
And they look up high and wonder what the future's gonna hold
They gaze toward the future with curiosity and anticipation, wondering what lies ahead for them.
Will we look back down on 99 years of a wonderful life
They ponder whether, after 99 years, they will reflect on a life filled with joy, happiness, and cherished moments.
Where we laughed till we cried
and our love was stronger with every fight
Throughout their journey, they shared laughter, even in tears, and their love grew stronger with each challenge they faced.
There'll be a thousand moments for you to say "I told you"
They anticipate numerous instances where one of them will proudly say, "I told you so," having believed in each other's abilities.
And a million more for us to say "I love you"
They anticipate countless occasions where they will express their love for one another, reaffirming their deep affection.
So let's look forward to you and I looking back
They eagerly await the future where they both can reflect on their shared experiences and milestones, appreciating the memories they will create together.
At 99 years like that
Their hope is to reach the milestone of living together for 99 years, fully embracing the love and happiness they have built.
They build a house of love in the face of worry
Despite worries and uncertainties, they construct a strong and stable foundation for their love, ensuring its durability.
But life has a way of rewriting the story
However, life often takes unexpected turns that can reshape their journey and alter the course of their love story.
There were times when it looked like nothing could save them
In challenging moments, it seemed as though nothing could help or rescue their relationship from potential downfall.
There were times when it looked like nothing could break them
During tough times, they remained resilient and unshakable, demonstrating the strength of their bond.
They keep promising each other what the future's gonna hold
They continue to make promises to each other about the potential and possibilities that the future holds for their relationship.
Of nothing unspoken
They vow to always communicate openly, leaving no thoughts or feelings unexpressed between them.
With every day hoping
Every day, they maintain hope and optimism, trusting that their love will continue to grow and flourish.
That when we feel broken
In moments of emotional pain and vulnerability, they believe that their love will serve as a source of healing and strength.
Our scars make us golden
They find beauty and value in the scars and wounds they have endured together, recognizing the lessons learned and the growth they have achieved.
Is to choose, choose you and I
Ultimately, they understand that true love is a conscious choice they make every day, fully committing to each other.
At 99 years like that
Their aspiration remains the same: to reach the milestone of spending 99 years together, filled with love, happiness, and shared memories.
Oh, at 99 years like that
They express their desire for a long-lasting and fulfilling relationship, reminiscent of what they envision 99 years to be like.
At 99 years like that
Their hope remains steadfast, longing for a future where they can reminisce about a life well-lived together.
Lyrics © CTM Outlander Music LC, Universal Music Publishing Group, CONCORD MUSIC PUBLISHING LLC, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, CTM Publishing
Written by: Bernie Herms, Josh Groban, Tobias Gad
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
TheSommersonnenwende
Lyrics:
Boy meets girl and the world stops turning
She makes him forget all the rules he was learning
They give a toast to the ones who never stop hoping
With not much to lean on and eyes wide open
And they look up high and wonder what the future's gonna hold
Will we look back down on 99 years of a wonderful life?
Where we laughed till we cried and
our love grew stronger with every fight
There'll be a thousand moments for you to say "I told you"
And a million more for us to say "I love you"
So let's look forward to you and I looking back
At 99 years like that, at 99 years like that
They build a house of love in the face of worry
But life has a way of rewriting the story
There were times when it looked like nothing could save them
And there were times when it looked like nothing could break them
They keep promising each other what the future's gonna hold
Will we look back down on 99 years of a wonderful life?
Where we laughed and we cried and
our love grew stronger with every fight
There'll be a thousand moments for you to say "I told you"
And a million more for us to say "I love you"
So let's look forward to you and I looking back
To 99 years
Of nothing unspoken
Live every day hoping
That when we feel broken
Our scars make us golden
Still choose you and I
Will we look back down on 99 years of a wonderful life?
Where we laughed till we cried and
our love was stronger with every fight
There'll be a thousand moments for you to say "I told you"
And a million more for us to say "I love you"
So let's look forward to you and I looking back
At 99 years like that
Oh, at 99 years like that
At 99 years like that
Charles Morland
The duet is excellent their voices compliment each other could not be better.
Susana Kessler
Josh, un gran saludo saludo desde Argentina. Admiro tu talento! 🤩
joshgroban1292 @ gmail com
Thank you for the love & support towards me on my page. I can’t meet with all of my fans but i make out time to chat with few write me with the email address above to stand a chance for a live meet & greet video call💕💕
D. B.
This is so beautiful!! It is so refreshing to hear a song celebrating the sanctity of marriage. We need that in this day and age. Josh Groban is such an amazing artist and I have the highest respect for him for honoring and celebrating his parents with this song. He is a class act!! ❤❤❤❤❤❤❤
joshgroban1292 @ gmail com
Thank you for the love & support towards me on my page. I can’t meet with all of my fans but i make out time to chat with few write me with the email address above to stand a chance for a live meet & greet video call💕
Da Niel
Cudownie ...uwielbiam ten Song...brawo❤️♥️♥️
Dorothy Coyne
One of my favorite songs. Especially meaningful because he wrote this song thinking of his parents who had celebrated 50 years of marriage. What a fine son. I also like Jennifer Nettels singing with him.
grace duco
What's the title of the song
tammy Erickson
Beautifully done!!!
Roger Bennett
UUID’sb