Sam Smith, born Samuel Frederick Smith on May 19, 1992, in London, England, is a globally recognized English singer and songwriter.
Rising to fame in 2012 with their feature on Disclosure’s hit single “Latch,” Smith has since become a prominent figure in pop, soul, and R\&B music.
Identifying as non-binary and using they/them pronouns since 2019, Smith has been open about their personal journey, including struggles with body image and gender identity, making them an influential figure in the LGBTQ+ community.
Their music often draws from personal experiences, particularly heartbreak, which has resonated with millions worldwide.
Raised in Bishop’s Stortford, Hertfordshire, by parents Frederick Smith, a former van driver and stay-at-home dad, and Kate Cassidy, a successful banker, Smith’s early exposure to music came through singing lessons and participation in the Cantate Youth Choir and Bishop’s Stortford Junior Operatics.
Siblings
Sam has two younger sisters, Lily and Mabel Smith.
Lily Smith, the elder of the two sisters, works as an event coordinator for News UK, having collaborated with high-profile brands like Christian Dior.
She has largely stayed out of the public eye but maintains a strong relationship with her siblings, often seen together at family events.
Mabel Smith, the youngest, is a singer and songwriter like Sam, having released two EPs and occasionally touring with them.
Sam has credited their family’s emotional openness, particularly their father’s vulnerability, as a significant influence on their songwriting.
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Career
Smith’s career began with a breakthrough in 2012 when they featured on Disclosure’s “Latch,” which reached number 11 on the UK Singles Chart.
The following year, their collaboration with Naughty Boy on “La La La” became their first UK number-one single.
In 2014, Smith released their debut album, In the Lonely Hour, through Capitol Records, which topped the UK Albums Chart and reached number two on the US Billboard 200.
The album, inspired by unrequited love, spawned hits like “Stay with Me,” “I’m Not the Only One,” and “Lay Me Down,” establishing Smith as a global star.
Their sophomore album, The Thrill of It All (2017), and third album, Love Goes (2020), further showcased their evolution, incorporating themes of self-acceptance and queerness.
Notable singles include “Too Good at Goodbyes” and “Unholy” with Kim Petras, the latter becoming their first Billboard Hot 100 number-one hit.
Smith’s versatility extends to film soundtracks, with “Writing’s on the Wall” for the James Bond film Spectre earning critical acclaim.
They have also made history as the first openly non-binary artist to achieve chart-topping success and win major music awards, breaking barriers in the industry.
Accolades
Smith’s trophy cabinet is a testament to their extraordinary talent, boasting an impressive array of awards.
They have won five Grammy Awards, including Best New Artist, Record of the Year, and Song of the Year for “Stay with Me” in 2015, as well as Best Pop Vocal Album for In the Lonely Hour.
Smith has also secured three Brit Awards, including British Breakthrough Act and Global Success in 2015, and three Billboard Music Awards.
Their work on “Writing’s on the Wall” earned them a Golden Globe and an Academy Award for Best Original Song in 2016, making them the first Bond theme artist to reach number one in the UK Singles Chart.
Additional honors include an American Music Award, a BET Award, and recognition for their contributions to the LGBTQ+ community through their music and advocacy.
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