David Gray
Biography
British singer/songwriter David Gray had released three overlooked albums by the time White Ladder (and its international hit single, "Babylon") brought his mix of acoustic instrumentation and electronic samples to the mainstream. Born in Manchester in 1968, Gray relocated to Wales at the age of nine before returning home to attend the University of Liverpool. While in school, he dabbled in several punk bands and began exploring new styles of writing, eventually uncovering his own poetic penmanship. Following a move to London, Gray signed to Hut Records in the United Kingdom and Caroline Records in the United States, releasing the single Birds Without Wings in 1992. The next year saw the release of his folksy full-length debut, A Century Ends. Through his emotional tales of passion, love, and solitude, Gray's trademark style of fiery intensity countered with acoustic songcraft started to find an audience, particularly in Ireland. However, despite frequent solo tours (as well as an opening slot for Shawn Colvin), Gray's edgy sophomore effort, Flesh, was released in 1994 to an underwhelming response, and he was subsequently dropped from his label.
Gray was now an independent artist, but EMI Records noted the singer's potential and soon signed him to a new deal. Meanwhile, the buzz in Ireland continued to build thanks to No Disco, an alternative music video program that showcased Gray every chance it got. Hanging on to that thread, Sell, Sell, Sell arrived in 1996 in limited quantities. Gray hitched up his touring boots and hit the road again, this time opening for such heavy hitters as Radiohead and Dave Matthews Band, but a lack of mainstream response resulted in Gray's split from EMI. Recapturing and embracing his independence, the musician self-financed his fourth album, White Ladder, and released the album on his own IHT Records in 1998. Recorded in a London apartment with an easy blend of samplers and acoustic guitar, White Ladder was a sublime leap forward for the underappreciated Gray. Ireland certainly recognized its merit, as the record immediately climbed into the Irish Top 30. Gray found other outlets as well, offering five tunes (including the elegiac title track) to the soundtrack of This Year's Love. The good fortune continued as former road pal Dave Matthews (who had taken a liking to Gray during their shared tour) made White Ladder the first release on his own ATO Records imprint in 2000. Boosted by this additional release, "Babylon" enjoyed a positive reception in the U.S. and peaked at number five on the U.K. charts. Its success coincided with Gray's performance on the main stage at Glastonbury, and White Ladder went on to enjoy multi-platinum sales.
Gray celebrated his mounting recognition by issuing a handful of albums in 2001, including the compilations Lost Songs 95-98 and EPs 92-94 as well as reissues of A Century Ends and Flesh. Although Gray's popularity proved to be greater in Europe, he became a moderate success in the States as well, and A New Day at Midnight followed up his successful international breakthrough in the fall of 2002. Gray worked with producer Marius de Vries (Björk, Rufus Wainwright) for 2005's Life in Slow Motion; the reflective album debuted at the top of the charts in both Ireland and the U.K., giving Gray the highest chart rankings of his career. The singer then cobbled together his older material for 2007's Shine: The Best of the Early Years. The career-spanning Greatest Hits followed that fall, featuring two new tracks as well as Gray's most popular numbers.
Once again, David Gray found himself without a record label as he prepared to work on his eighth studio album. After setting up shop in his own studio, the Church Studios, Gray began shaping his first set of original material since 2005. Vocalists Annie Lennox and Jolie Holland joined him on several songs, and the resulting Draw the Line was released in 2009 by Gray's new label, Polydor Records. ~ Andrew Leahey & Kelly McCartney, All Music Guide
Selected Discography

Draw The Line
2009

Life in Slow Motion
2005

A New Day At Midnight
2002

White Ladder
1999

Sell, Sell, Sell
1996
Really good artist. He must be great live. Hope he gets more exposure, is appreciated, and keeps his head (and talent).
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David Grey is WAY better than the following bands: Coldplay, Mat Kearney, Ray LaMontagne, Counting Crows, Postal Service, Death Cab for Cutie, Dashboard Confessional , and many other terrible bands.
Great Music David. Thank you for your awesomeness. |
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I think David Gray is one of a kind....and his live performances never disappoint. Its a shame he doesnt get more exposure because I'm sure his fan base would skyrocket.
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I was turned on to David Gray by a ex-boyfriend . . . . S a i l Away will always be at the top of my all time list.He has such a unique talent..and does not get enough credit or radio play. I mention him and people don't even know anythimg about him or his music...sad.
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David was obviously influenced by Dylan. If you've ever listened to Dylan, and claim to be a fan of David Gray, you will realize this.
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How Funny that Benjamin Colon bashes Bob DYLAN and can't even spell his name. If it wasn't for Dylan there would not be a David Gray. Don't get me wrong i love David but Dylan paved the way for tons of other singer/song writters!!! Dylan is still GOD. David is awesome... but no Dylan.
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To compare David with that Idiot Bob Dillan, is a falacy. The only thing good Dillan had was lyrics. David has it all. Great for him that EMI lost on his success.
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"yes he does sound like Bob Dylan " really? i love david gray, but i dont hear that one
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I love David Gray! Plus being from Manchester myself and having a mum from Liverpool makes his music even more relatable to me... He needs to do a concert tour here in the US stopping by me out here in LA of course.
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"Me like a million others before, trying to make sense of the rain." A poets soul. I do have to say that he does take his sweet time between albums.
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David Gray is one of the best song writers since dillan. Life in slow motion and White ladder are such great albums, as a whole, he is great. hope he keeps it up.
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I hear him all the time on my local NPR station - commercial radio pretty much sucks!
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This guy is Amazing. Yet One more example that we Americans have lost all sense of Greatness. If its not easily emmulated in American Idol, it doesn't play.
This guy deserves all the accolades. |
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hahahahaha,, , , , , , Tom this is so true,,,,,,,,
great song,,,,,,,, , , , , , , , , I love it,,,,,,,,,, , , , , , , , , , , , , |
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This guy needs to put out another white ladder already! If you like the Americanized version of David, you definitely need to check out his album
"Lost Songs." Beautiful album! |
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this song is music that makes women remove their clothes and make love to a mythical c**k.
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In case you are a new David Gray fan, you should check out the song Shine (A Century Ends album)...one of the best songs EVER written! Also, if you get the chance to see him in concert, take advantage, it will be a soul moving experience!
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ulster lou reed. why do the irish hate the brits yet embrace their music?
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hah same here. grew up jamin to david, he's one of my biggest roll models when it comes to music, THEE BEST
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I love his music, the lyrics and feeling that he sings them with are beautiful, and I can't seem to get enough.
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I've been listening to David Gray's music since I was 9. I love this stuff!
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such passion! i love david gray's work. it is such a refreshing switch from over-produce d commercial crap.
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He is my very favorite.. Keep up the Great work and hurry with the next
CD please. |
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David Gray is a wonderful songwriter and artist. His songs touch on an array of emotions and can put you in a different frame of mind. He is outstanding live and is more of a showman than I had expected. You won't be disappointed if you give his music a shot...
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