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]
Not While i
Josh Groban Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Children will listen
Careful the things you do
Children will see and learn
Children may not obey,
But children will listen
Children will look to you
To learn what to be
Careful before you say "Listen to me"
Children will listen
Careful the wish you make
Wishes are children
Careful the path they take
Wishes come true, not free
Careful the spell you cast
Not just on children
Sometimes a spell may last
Past what you can see
And turn against you
Careful the tale you tell
That is the spell
Children will listen
Listen
Nothing's gonna harm you
Not while I'm around
Nothing's gonna harm you
No sir, not while I'm around
Demons are prowling everywhere
Nowadays
I'll send 'em howling I don't care
I've got ways
No one's gonna hurt you
No one's gonna dare
Others can desert you
Not to worry, whistle, I'll be there
Demons'll charm you with a smile
For a while
But in time
Nothing can harm you
Not while I'm around
Not to worry, not to worry
I may not be smart but I ain't dumb
I can do it, put me to it
Show me something I can overcome
Not to worry, Mum
Being close and being clever
Ain't like being true
I don't need to
I would never hide a thing from you
Like some
No one's gonna hurt you
No one's gonna dare
Others can desert you
Not to worry, whistle I'll be there
Demons'll charm you with a smile
For a while
But in time
Nothin' can harm you
Not while I'm around
The song "Not While I'm Around" starts with the lyrics, "Careful the things you say, children will listen, careful the things you do, children will see and learn." These lyrics emphasize the responsibility adults have in being positive role models for children, as everything they say and do has the potential to impact children's behavior and actions. The following verse, "Children may not obey, but children will listen, children will look to you, for which way to turn, to learn what to be," reinforces this message by pointing out that even if children don't always follow adults' examples, they are always watching and learning from them.
The chorus of the song, "Nothing's gonna harm you, not while I'm around," speaks to the protective nature of the relationship between a child and their caregiver. The line "I'll send 'em howling, I don't care, I've got ways" suggests that the caregiver is willing to go to great lengths to keep the child safe.
Later in the song, the lyrics "No one's gonna hurt you, no one's gonna dare, others can desert you, not to worry, whistle I'll be there" further emphasize the idea that the caregiver will always be there for the child, regardless of what others may do. Overall, the message of the song is one of love, protection, and the importance of being a positive role model for children.
Line by Line Meaning
Careful the things you say
Be cautious about the words you speak
Children will listen
Kids are attentive and capture every word you say
Careful the things you do
Take care of actions as well
Children will see and learn
Children learn from your deeds, so you have to be on the right path
Children may not obey,
Kids might not listen to you all the time
But children will listen
But they will hear and understand what you say
Children will look to you
Kids will observe what you do
For which way to turn
To figure out which path they should follow
To learn what to be
To know more about what they should become
Careful before you say "Listen to me"
Be mindful before you ask someone to listen to you
Careful the wish you make
Be careful of what you wish for
Wishes are children
Wishes are like kids that need to be nurtured
Careful the path they take
Be mindful of the course your wishes take
Wishes come true, not free
Fulfilling wishes comes with a cost
Careful the spell you cast
Be wary of the impact of the magic you wield
Not just on children
And not only affecting kids
Sometimes a spell may last
Spells may have long-lasting effects
Past what you can see
As long as you can't imagine
And turn against you
And can put you in trouble
Careful the tale you tell
Be mindful of the stories you narrate
That is the spell
As stories are spells spun in words
Children will listen
Kids will hear the words of the stories
Listen
Have patience and listen
Nothing's gonna harm you
As long as I'm with you, you'll be safe
Not while I'm around
As long as I'm there, no harm can befall you
Demons are prowling everywhere
Evil entities exist everywhere
Nowadays
Now more than ever
I'll send 'em howling I don't care
I'll chase them away, and it doesn't matter to me
No one's gonna hurt you
Nobody can inflict pain on you
No one's gonna dare
People will be afraid of doing anything against you
Others can desert you
Friends may leave you stranded
Not to worry, whistle, I'll be there
But don't worry, and I'll be there to help you
Demons'll charm you with a smile
Evil can trick you with a pleasant grin
For a while
For a short time
But in time
But eventually
Nothing can harm you
No harm can come to you
Not while I'm around
As long as I'm here
Not to worry, not to worry
Don't be anxious, don't be anxious
I may not be smart but I ain't dumb
I might not be brilliant, but I'm not foolish either
I can do it, put me to it
I'm capable of doing it, so give me a chance
Show me something I can overcome
Bring something that I can handle
Not to worry, Mum
Not to worry, Mom
Being close and being clever
Having proximity and intelligence
Ain't like being true
Doesn't equate to genuineness
I don't need to
I have no need
I would never hide a thing from you
I would never keep anything concealed from you
Like some
Like some other people
No one's gonna hurt you
Nobody can harm you
No one's gonna dare
Fear will keep people from doing anything against you
Others can desert you
You may be forsaken by your friends
Not to worry, whistle I'll be there
But don't worry, whistle, and I'll come to you
Demons'll charm you with a smile
Evil people can deceive you with a grin
For a while
For some time
But in time
Eventually
Nothin' can harm you
Nothing can cause you trouble
Not while I'm around
As long as I'm there
Lyrics © Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: Stephen Sondheim
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@torigrammer3524
Children will listen lyrics
Careful the things you say
Children will listen
Careful the things you do
Children will see and learn
Children may not obey
But children will listen
Children will look to you
For which way to turn
To learn what to be
Careful before you say "Listen to me"
Children will listen
Careful the wish you make
Wishes are children
Careful the path they take
Wishes come true, not free
Careful the spell you cast
Not just on children
Sometimes a spell may last
Past what you can see
And turn against you
Careful the tale you tell
That is the spell
Children will listen
Listen
Nothing's gonna harm you
Not while I'm around
Nothing's gonna harm you
No sir, not while I'm around
Demons are prowling everywhere
Nowadays
I'll send 'em howling I don't care
I've got ways
No one's gonna hurt you
No one's gonna dare
Others can desert you
Not to worry, whistle, I'll be there
Demons'll charm you with a smile
For a while
But in time
Nothing can harm you
Not while I'm around
Not to worry, not to worry
I may not be smart but I ain't dumb
I can do it, put me to it
Show me something I can overcome
Not to worry, Mum
Being close and being clever
Ain't like being true
I don't need to
I would never hide a thing from you
Like some
No one's gonna hurt you
No one's gonna dare
Others can desert you
Not to worry, whistle I'll be there
Demons'll charm you with a smile
For a while
But in time
Nothin' can harm you
Not while I'm around
@JasonLSmallsJunior
Careful the things you say
Children will listen
Careful the things you do
Children will see and learn
Children may not obey,
But children will listen
Children will look to you
For which way to turn
To learn what to be
Careful before you say "Listen to me"
Children will listen
Careful the wish you make
Wishes are children
Careful the path they take
Wishes come true, not free
Careful the spell you cast
Not just on children
Sometimes a spell may last
Past what you can see
And turn against you
Careful the tale you tell
That is the spell
Children will listen
Listen
Nothing's gonna harm you
Not while I'm around
Nothing's gonna harm you
No sir, not while I'm around
Demons are prowling everywhere
Nowadays
I'll send 'em howling I don't care
I've got ways
No one's gonna hurt you
No one's gonna dare
Others can desert you
Not to worry, whistle, I'll be there
Demons'll charm you with a smile
For a while
But in time
Nothing can harm you
Not while I'm around
Not to worry, not to worry
I may not be smart but I ain't dumb
I can do it, put me to it
Show me something I can overcome
Not to worry, Mum
Being close and being clever
Ain't like being true
I don't need to
I would never hide a thing from you
Like some
No one's gonna hurt you
No one's gonna dare
Others can desert you
Not to worry, whistle I'll be there
Demons'll charm you with a smile
For a while
But in time
Nothin' can harm you
Not while I'm around
@whossoul
"Carefull before you say listen to me" is a line that's haunted me my whole parenthood. As imperfect adults we too often expect perfection from our kids, without recognizing our own issues. Our kids are a reflection of us, and it's hard to accept that the issues you see in your own kids are the things you tought them when you thought they weren't listening. Forever my favorite Broadway song because it's got the one two punch of reality most parents don't want to hear!
@baileyreidrickman
Came here after Stephen Sondheim passed away. In loving memory... 💔
@lucymacbride8287
You have a voice that can me tears, so beautiful Josh. Xx
@YenneyRossi
🌻🌱🎶Josh Groban 🎶🌱🌻
@hellen70666666
....Gifted Guy....!!!!
@voicegirl555
1 year ago today Mr. Soundheim left us. A sad day that was but he left so much good music and songs behind like this one, Children will Listen my favorite. I love twhat it says. And Not While I'am Around. Thank you!
@erahriddle1256
I wish I had an adult who cared for me and told me this when I was young. Now I'm that adult for any child I encounter
@aube2577
This is actually my favorite song of yours. Struggling with depression and anxiety... common things, your personality and voice is just ... complete goodness... ah
@georgenegabelbauer3769
He has a God given talent to make others feel loved and at peace during these uncertain times. We will beat this virus and better days are ahead. Do what is required, pray that God sustains you until we are free from the challenges of the day. Praise to the almighty. Trust in Him to guide and comfort you through all the trials you may experience. In Jesus name we pray. Amen 💅🏻
@voicegirl555
For Mr. Soundheim gone 2 years now. Hard to believe. I saw Sweeney Todd yesterday with the wonderful and talented Josh Groban playing Sweeney. He was wonderful! Oh so wonderful! Everyone in the play was. I had never never seen the musical on stage, only the Johnny Deep film. Thank you Mr. S! It is truly one of your best and that is saying a lot for a man who only wrote great and wonderful musicals.