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]
River
Josh Groban Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Some days I am too proud to ask for help
And I stumble through the noise
Trying to find some peace
A stranger in the crowd, I lose myself
So, I walk down to the river
Where the troubles, they can't find me
The sun will be there when we wake
I walk down to the river
Though I might not understand it
It's not always as we planned it
But we grow stronger when we break
So, I walk down to the river
I walk down to the river
This raging world can get so overwhelming
Looking for a meaning when it won't make sense
In my head its getting loud
Like I can't outrun this cloud
No matter where I go well there I am
So, I walk down to the river
Where the troubles, they can't find me
Let the waters there remind me
The sun will be there when we wake
I walk down to the river
Though I might not understand it
It's not always as we planned it
But we grow stronger when we break
So, I walk down to the river
I walk down to the river
Let the calm pull me under
Far beyond the thunder
Tell me it will all be okay
Let the waves take all my worries
Conquer them with fury
Give me shelter be my escape
I walk down to the river
Where the troubles, they can't find me
Let the waters there remind me
The sun will be there when we wake
I walk down to the river
Though I might not understand it
It's not always as we planned it
But we grow stronger when we break
So, I walk down to the river
I walk down to the river
I walk down to the river
I walk down to the river
To the river
To the river
I walk down oh, oh, oh
To the river oh, oh, oh
The lyrics of "River" by Josh Groban convey a sense of feeling lonely and overwhelmed. The singer experiences days where they struggle to understand why they feel lonely, and their pride prevents them from seeking help. They describe stumbling through the noise, desperately searching for peace amidst a crowd, and losing themselves in the process.
To find solace, the singer decides to walk down to the river. The river represents a symbolic escape from their troubles and a source of comfort. They believe that by immersing themselves in the waters, they can find a reminder that the sun will rise again and bring new hope with it. Despite not fully comprehending the reasons for their struggles, they embrace the notion that life doesn't always go according to plan, but strength is gained through overcoming hardships.
The chaotic and overwhelming nature of the world is emphasized, and the singer expresses their search for meaning in situations that seem senseless. They describe the noise in their head growing louder, making it difficult to escape the cloud of negativity. Regardless of where they go, they cannot avoid their own internal struggles.
Once again, they seek solace in the river, hoping that by immersing themselves in its calm waters, they can go beyond the thunder and find reassurance that everything will be okay. They ask the waves to take away their worries and conquer them with their powerful energy. The river is depicted as a sanctuary, providing shelter and serving as an escape from the overwhelming nature of life.
Ultimately, the chorus repeats the sentiment of walking down to the river, using it as a metaphor for finding respite. The singer acknowledges that life doesn't always go as planned, but believes that strength is gained through the times they break and face adversity head-on. With this understanding, they continue to walk down to the river, seeking solace and finding inner strength through their experiences. The repetition of the phrase "To the river" emphasizes the singer's determination to seek comfort and renewal in the face of life's challenges.
Line by Line Meaning
Some days I can't say why I'm feeling lonely
On certain days, I struggle to understand the reasons behind my feelings of loneliness
Some days I am too proud to ask for help
On certain days, my pride prevents me from seeking assistance and support
And I stumble through the noise
Amidst the chaos and distractions, I find myself disoriented and lost
Trying to find some peace
I strive to discover a sense of tranquility and calmness
A stranger in the crowd, I lose myself
Feeling like an outsider among others, I feel disconnected from my true self
So, I walk down to the river
Therefore, I venture towards the river
Where the troubles, they can't find me
A place where my problems and worries cannot reach me
Let the waters there remind me
Allowing the flowing waters to serve as a reminder
The sun will be there when we wake
Assuring that the sun will rise when we awaken, symbolizing hope and a new beginning
Though I might not understand it
Even if I struggle to comprehend it
It's not always as we planned it
Our lives do not always unfold according to our expectations
But we grow stronger when we break
However, we become stronger through our experiences of difficulty and adversity
Let the calm pull me under
Allowing the tranquility to engulf and soothe me
Far beyond the thunder
Far away from the loud and turbulent aspects of life
Tell me it will all be okay
Seeking reassurance that everything will eventually be alright
Let the waves take all my worries
Allowing the waves to carry away all my concerns and anxieties
Conquer them with fury
Overcoming these worries with determination and strength
Give me shelter be my escape
Granting me a haven and serving as an escape from the challenges I face
To the river
Towards the river
I walk down oh, oh, oh
I continue my journey towards the river
To the river oh, oh, oh
To the river I go
Lyrics © CTM Outlander Music LC, Universal Music Publishing Group, CONCORD MUSIC PUBLISHING LLC, Royalty Network, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, CTM Publishing
Written by: Bernie Herms, Josh Groban, Tobias Gad, TOBY GAD
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Jennie f
Some days I can't say why I'm feeling lonely
And some days I am too proud to ask for help
And I stumble through the noise trying to find some peace
A stranger in the crowd, I lose myself
So I walk down to the river
Where the troubles, they can't find me
Let the waters there remind me
The sun will be there when we wake
I walk down to the river
Though I might not understand it
It's not always as we planned it
But we grow stronger when we break
So I walk down to the river
I walk down to the river
This raging world can get so overwhelming
Looking for a meaning when it won't make sense
In my head it's getting loud like I can't outrun this cloud
No matter where I go well there I am
So I walk down to the river
Where the troubles, they can't find me
Let the waters there remind me
The sun will be there when we wake
I walk down to the river
Though I might not understand it
It's not always as we planned it
But we grow stronger when we break
So I walk down to the river
I walk down to the river
Let the calm pull me under
Far beyond the thunder
And tell me it will all be okay
Let the waves take all my worries
Conquer them with fury
Give me shelter, be my escape
I walk down to the river
Where the troubles, they can't find me
Let the waters there remind me
The sun will be there when we wake
I walk down to the river
Though I might not understand it
It's not always as we planned it
But we grow stronger when we break
So I walk down to the river
I walk down to the river
I walk down to the river
I walk down to the river, to the river
To the river
I walk down, oh oh oh oh
To the river, oh oh
Oh oh oh oh
kathleen kwong
Josh Groban is my all time favourite singer. His hauntingly beautiful voice moves me to tears. He sings with his heart. There are lots of wonderful singers out there but there is just something special about Josh Groban. When he sings he just puts me in another place, another time. I can't really explain it. God has certainly blessed him with an awesome voice.
George Rodriguez
But I believe your way of thinking is beautiful as well
George Rodriguez
That was God speaking see his voice changes really deep in the shakes the world that's why I speak
George Rodriguez
Yes I love his voice and I think as well he knows who I am and I also enjoy every icon it's been a legacy and the tremendous hit but I believe he's a legacy as well to my heart into my belief Oscar and Millers
3D Nature
Always. Amazing. The gift, voice of a lifetime.
Sandy Gardiner
Such a beautiful voice so so talented
Aimee
One of my favourite male vocalists, what a pity how underrated his music is
What a talent
Ana InAmerica
@Fatemeh You nailed it, friend. The underbelly of the music industry is extremely rotten. Josh is a good man with a pure soul. I think we're going to see some positive changes in all entertainment industries very soon.
Ralph Jackson
He appeared on Graham Norton's show here in the UK the other week.
babay inv
He's not underrated.