Gary Barlow OBE is an acclaimed British musician with a net worth of $125 million. He is a singer-songwriter, pianist, and producer, best known for his work as the lead vocalist of the iconic boy band Take That. Gary has also earned recognition for his solo career, further cementing his place in the music industry. A prolific songwriter, Barlow was even voted the greatest British songwriter of all time, surpassing musical legends John Lennon and Paul McCartney. In 2012, he received the Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE) for his contributions to music and art. With over 50 million albums sold worldwide, his impact on the music world is undeniable.
Early Life and Influences
Born on January 20, 1971, in Frodsham, Cheshire, England, Gary Barlow showed early signs of musical talent. He attended Weaver Vale Primary School and later Frodsham High School, where he began honing his passion for music. Influenced by the pop sounds of the late ’70s and early ’80s, artists like Depeche Mode and Elton John shaped his musical journey. Barlow’s admiration for Elton John led him to learn how to play the piano. At the age of 15, Gary entered a BBC competition, making it to the semi-finals. His subsequent invitation to record his song at London’s West Heath Studios marked the beginning of his career. In the late ’80s, he had his first performance at the Connah’s Quay Labour Club in Wales.
The Birth of Take That
In 1989, Gary Barlow appointed show business agent Barry Woolley as his manager. He recorded a single titled “Love Is in the Air,” though it was never commercially released. It was through his connection with casting agent Nigel Martin-Smith that Barlow’s future in Take That began to take shape. Martin-Smith, impressed by Gary’s self-written songs, including “A Million Love Songs,” chose him as the lead singer for his new boyband. Soon after, Howard Donald, Jason Orange, Mark Owen, and Robbie Williams joined the group.
Take That was signed by RCA Records, and the group’s first #1 hit, “Pray,” quickly established their presence in the UK music scene. Other successful singles followed, including “A Million Love Songs,” “It Only Takes a Minute,” and “Could It Be Magic.” The band’s debut album, Take That & Party, released in August 1992, climbed to #2 on the UK Album Chart. Their follow-up album, Everything Changes, largely composed of Gary’s material, topped the UK charts, generating four #1 singles. Gary won an Ivor Novello Award for Best Contemporary Song for “Pray” in 1994. That same year, he also provided backing vocals for Elton John’s “Can You Feel the Love Tonight” from The Lion King.
Take That’s third album, Nobody Else, also dominated the UK charts, producing three #1 singles, including Gary’s iconic “Back for Good.” The album’s success led to a greatest hits compilation, which also reached #1. However, after the release of “How Deep Is Your Love,” the group disbanded on February 13, 1996. The breakup marked a significant chapter in both Gary’s career and the history of British pop music.
Solo Career and Comeback
After Take That’s disbandment, Gary Barlow embarked on a solo career that initially enjoyed commercial success. His first singles, “Forever Love” and “Love Won’t Wait,” both soared to #1 in the UK. His debut album, Open Road, topped the UK Albums Chart and sold two million copies worldwide. Gary’s U.S. debut, “So Help Me Girl,” reached #44 on the Billboard Hot 100 and topped the Billboard Contemporary Chart. The song “Open Road” also performed well, peaking at #7 on the UK singles chart.
However, his second album, Twelve Months, Eleven Days, released in 1999, received little promotion and only reached #35. Disheartened by the lack of success, Barlow briefly stepped away from his music career in 2000. Over the next few years, he worked as a producer for various artists, gaining industry recognition. But in 2005, after a six-year hiatus, Gary returned to music, and his solo career took off again.
Take That’s Return to Glory
Take That’s revival in 2005 was triggered by the success of a TV documentary, Take That: For the Record. The renewed interest led to a major comeback for the band, which, now a quartet after Robbie Williams’ departure, went on a sold-out arena tour. Their first single post-reunion, “Patience,” topped the UK charts for four weeks and won a Brit Award for Single of the Year. The band’s follow-up single, “Shine,” became their tenth #1 hit.
Their first album after reuniting, Beautiful World, debuted at #1 on the UK Album Chart, earning multiple Brit Award nominations, and the band won Best British Single and Best British Live Act in 2008. The success continued with The Circus, which also debuted at #1 and achieved multi-platinum status within days of its release.
Take That released three more successful albums after The Circus—Progress (2010), III (2014), and Wonderland (2017). Alongside his work with Take That, Gary released solo albums, including Sing (2012), Since I Saw You Last (2013), and Music Played by Humans (2020). Each album displayed Gary’s musical evolution and his continued relevance in the industry.
Songwriting and Other Ventures
Gary Barlow’s talents extend beyond performing. He has written songs for numerous artists, including Take That’s Own Robbie Williams, Elton John, and Lily Allen. One of his most significant collaborations came when he was asked by Queen Elizabeth II to co-write a song for her Diamond Jubilee with renowned composer Andrew Lloyd Webber.
In addition to his music career, Gary Barlow made his mark as a judge on The X Factor UK during its eighth, ninth, and tenth seasons. His success in television further boosted his profile. Throughout his career, Gary has earned numerous accolades, including five Ivor Novello Awards for songwriting, cementing his status as one of the most respected figures in British music.
Personal Life
Gary Barlow’s personal life has been intertwined with his professional journey. He married Dawn Andrews, a dancer from Take That’s 1995 Nobody Else tour, in 2000. The couple has three children: Daniel (born 2000), Emily (born 2002), and Daisy (born 2009). In 2012, Gary and Dawn experienced the devastating loss of their daughter, Poppy, who was stillborn. Despite this heart-wrenching tragedy, Gary performed at the London 2012 Olympic Games Closing Ceremony, where he sang “Rule the World.” His resilience in the face of personal adversity showcased his strength both as an individual and as a performer.
Gary Barlow’s career spans decades, marked by tremendous success, personal challenges, and continued reinvention. As a key member of Take That and a celebrated solo artist, his contributions to music are profound. With an impressive net worth of $125 million, Gary’s influence on the music industry, both as a performer and a songwriter, remains indelible. Through triumphs and losses, his legacy continues to resonate, and his ability to adapt and evolve ensures his place as one of Britain’s greatest musical talents.
