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Adam
Richard Wiles, better known by his stage name Calvin Harris, was born on
January 17, 1984, in Dumfries, Scotland. From a young age, he was fascinated
by electronic music. During his teenage years, he began making music in his
bedroom, using simple equipment like an Amiga computer. He took his first
musical steps under the name “Stouffer,” under which he released two tracks
in 2002. After a short and not very successful period in London, he returned
to Dumfries, where he began sharing his music on Myspace. This online
presence caught the attention of talent manager Mark Gillespie, who took him
under his wing and helped him sign contracts with Sony BMG, EMI, and Three
Six Zero Group.
In 2007, Calvin Harris broke through with his debut album I Created Disco,
which he entirely wrote, produced, and performed himself. The album, with
influences from the 1980s, included hits like “Acceptable in the 80s” and
“The Girls,” both of which performed well on the UK charts. His energetic and
retro-inspired style stood out, and he quickly became a sought-after
producer. In 2008, he collaborated with Kylie Minogue on her album X,
producing two tracks. That same year, he scored a huge hit with “Dance Wiv
Me,” a collaboration with rapper Dizzee Rascal, which stayed at number one in
the UK for four weeks.
His second album, Ready for the Weekend, was released in 2009 and marked a
further step towards mainstream success. The single “I’m Not Alone” reached
number one in the UK, and the album debuted at the top of the Albums Chart.
Harris continued to refine his style, increasingly integrating pop and house
influences into his music. During this time, he also began producing remixes
for artists such as Katy Perry, Shakira, and All Saints, further cementing
his reputation as a versatile producer.
A major turning point in his career came in 2011, when he began focusing
more on producing music for other artists and less on singing himself. That
same year, he collaborated with Rihanna on the track “We Found Love,” which
became a worldwide hit and brought him international recognition. The song
spent six weeks at number one on the EURO 200 and received multiple platinum
certifications. This collaboration marked the beginning of a series of global
successes.
In 2012, Harris released his third studio album, titled 18 Months. The
album featured an impressive lineup of hits, including “Feel So Close,”
“Let’s Go” (with Ne-Yo), “Sweet Nothing” (with Florence Welch), and “I Need
Your Love” (with Ellie Goulding). 18 Months broke records by producing nine
top 10 hits in the UK charts, surpassing the previous record held by Michael
Jackson.
His success continued to grow, and in 2013 he was named the highest-paid DJ
in the world by Forbes, a title he would retain for six consecutive years.
That same year, he received an Ivor Novello Award for Songwriter of the Year,
an honor he described as “the greatest achievement of my life.” He also
signed an exclusive residency deal with the Hakkasan Group in Las Vegas,
further establishing his global superstar status.
In 2014, his fourth studio album Motion was released, once again delivering
a series of hits, including “Summer,” “Blame” (featuring John Newman), and
“Outside” (featuring Ellie Goulding). Harris continued collaborating with
major names in pop and dance music, and his tracks were increasingly used in
commercials, films, and fashion shows. He became the face of brands such as
Emporio Armani and Pepsi, expanding his influence beyond the music
world.
In the following years, Harris continued experimenting with his sound. In
2015, he released the track “How Deep Is Your Love” with Disciples, which
became a global hit. In 2016 came “This Is What You Came For,” once again
with Rihanna, which also topped charts worldwide. His style evolved from
electro house to a more laid-back, funk-inspired sound, which was clearly
evident on his fifth studio album Funk Wav Bounces Vol. 1, released in June
2017. The album included collaborations with Frank Ocean, Pharrell Williams,
Katy Perry, and Snoop Dogg, among others. The single “Feels,” featuring
Pharrell, Katy Perry, and Big Sean, became a global hit and returned Harris
to the top of the UK charts. The album was praised for its summery vibe and
fresh take on pop music, showcasing Harris's ability to reinvent himself
while maintaining commercial appeal.
In 2018, Harris continued his success with the release of “One Kiss,” a
collaboration with British singer Dua Lipa. The track became one of the
biggest hits of the year, spending twelve weeks at number one on the EURO 200
chart. Its follow-up, “Promises,” featuring Sam Smith, was also a massive
success (eleven weeks at number one on the EURO 200), reinforcing Harris’s
reputation as a hitmaker. In February 2019, he won two Brit Awards for the
first time: Best Single (One Kiss) and Best Producer. During the ceremony, he
performed alongside Dua Lipa, Sam Smith, and Rag’n’Bone Man, highlighting his
versatility as both producer and performer.
That same year, he released “Giant” with Rag’n’Bone Man, which once again
became an international hit. The powerful blend of soulful vocals and
electronic production resonated with a wide audience. Harris continued to
experiment with his sound, incorporating influences from gospel, funk, and
house into his work. His ability to blend genres while delivering
radio-friendly hits made him a unique figure in contemporary pop music.
In the following years, Harris remained active in the music scene, though
with a slightly lower profile. In 2020, under the alias Love Regenerator, he
released a series of EPs that marked a return to his roots in house and rave culture.
These projects, including Love Regenerator 1 and Love Regenerator 2, were
well-received by fans and critics alike, showcasing a more underground side
of Harris. It served as a creative outlet, allowing him to express his
passion for analog synths and classic dance production outside the commercial
expectations attached to his name.
In 2022, Harris returned to his funk-inspired style with Funk Wav Bounces
Vol. 2. The album once again featured an impressive list of collaborators, including
Justin Timberlake, Halsey, Normani, Busta Rhymes, and Swae Lee. Although the
album achieved less commercial success than its predecessor, it was praised
for its cohesive vibe and artistic boldness. Harris stayed true to his vision
and proved he wasn’t afraid to take risks, even if it meant stepping outside
the mainstream.
Beyond his music, Harris remained a sought-after performer. His Las Vegas
residencies remained popular, and he regularly performed at major festivals
such as Coachella and Creamfields. His sets were known for their energy,
technical precision, and ability to seamlessly take the audience on a musical
journey. Despite his superstar status, Harris remained relatively private in
the media, adding to his mystique and keeping the focus on the music
itself.
In his personal life, Harris also found stability. In September 2023, he
married British presenter Vick Hope, marking a new chapter in his life. The
wedding received widespread media attention, though Harris, as always,
remained discreet about his private affairs. His choice to focus on his work
and loved ones rather than public attention made him a respected figure both
within and beyond the music industry.
In 2024, Harris released the album 96 Months, a project seen as a
retrospective of the past eight years of his career. The album featured both
new tracks and reworked versions of earlier hits, serving as a kind of
musical autobiography. Though it didn’t match the commercial impact of his
earlier work, it was praised for its maturity, depth, and craftsmanship. It
revealed an artist who not only understands his audience but also
himself.
Calvin Harris has now become an icon in the world of electronic music. His
influence reaches far beyond the dance floor: he has pushed the boundaries of
the genre, set new standards for collaboration and production, and inspired a
generation of artists. His ability to adapt to changing musical trends
without losing his identity makes him a rare phenomenon in pop culture.
Whether closing a festival with a thunderous set or crafting a subtle remix
in the studio, Harris remains a master of creating moments that linger — in
the mind, on the dance floor, and in the history of music. |
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