James Blunt

James Hillier Blount better known as James Blunt, is an English singer, songwriter, musician, and record producer. He was born on 22 February 1974, a former reconnaissance officer in the Life Guards regiment of the British Army. He served under NATO during the 1999 Kosovo War. After leaving the military, he rose to fame in 2004 with the release of his debut album Back to Bedlam, achieving worldwide fame with the singles "You're Beautiful" and "Goodbye My Lover".

Career
Blunt had piano and violin lessons as a child, but was introduced to the electric guitar aged 14 at Harrow by a fellow student. His dissertation at Bristol University was entitled The Commodification of Image - Production of a Pop Idol. One of his sources was Simon Frith, a sociologist and rock critic, and chair of the Mercury Music Prize panel of judges since 1992, who later undertook a lecture tour entitled "The unpopular and unpleasant thoughts inspired by the work of James Blunt".

While still in the army Blunt would write songs during his time off. A backing vocalist and songwriting collaborator suggested he contact Elton John's manager, Todd Interland, with whom she used to share a house. Blunt left the British Army in 2002 so that he could pursue his musical career. He started using the stage name "Blunt" in part to make it easier for others to spell; "Blount" is pronounced the same way and remains his legal last name. Shortly after leaving the army he was signed to EMI music publishers and to Twenty-First Artists management.

A record contract remained elusive, with recording label executives pointing to his posh speaking voice as a barrier in class-divided Britain.] Linda Perry, who was just launching her own Custard Records label in early 2003, heard Blunt's promotional tape when visiting London, and soon after heard him perform live at the South by Southwest Music Festival. She made an offer to him the same night and within a few days he signed a recording contract with her.