Gavin DeGraw, an American musician, singer, and songwriter, was born into a musically inclined family. He began playing the piano and singing at the age of 8, drawing inspiration from legendary artists such as Ray Charles and Sam Cooke. As a teenager, he performed with local cover bands alongside his older brother, Joey, who encouraged him to begin writing his own songs.
His upbringing deeply influenced his artistry. In his song "I Don't Want to Be," Gavin proudly references his parents' occupations—his father was a prison guard, and his mother was a detox specialist. This nod to his humble background reflects his enduring appreciation for familial support and personal roots.
DeGraw initially enrolled at Ithaca College on a music scholarship but eventually dropped out, choosing to focus on songwriting instead of formal classes. He later attended the prestigious Berklee College of Music but left before graduating. During his time at Berklee, he played with a rock band while honing his craft as a solo artist.
After relocating to Manhattan, he began performing at local venues, slowly building a following. A key turning point came when he landed an open mic spot at Wilson's, a well-known ballroom in Manhattan. His captivating performance earned him widespread attention, leading to a record deal offer. Although he initially declined the offer to maintain creative freedom, he later signed with industry veteran Clive Davis, following a recommendation from his manager Debbie Wilson, who also owned Wilson's ballroom.
In 2003, Gavin DeGraw released his breakthrough debut album, Chariot, which achieved platinum status. The album featured notable singles such as "I Don't Want to Be"—famously used as the theme song for the TV show One Tree Hill—"Chariot," and "Follow Through." His signature style, a blend of blue-eyed soul, pop rock, and rock, resonated with a wide audience and established his unique sound.
DeGraw continued his success with subsequent albums including Gavin DeGraw (2008), Free (2009), Sweeter (2011), and Make a Move (2013). Popular tracks from these albums include "In Love with a Girl," "Not Over You," "Soldier," "Sweeter," and "Best I Ever Had."
| Birth Date: | 4 Feb, 1977 |
| Age: | 43 yrs |
| Occupations: | Singer-songwriter Pianist Guitarist Musician |
| Citizenship: | United States of America |
| Birth Place: | South Fallsburg |
| Education: | Ithaca College Berklee College of Music |
| Gender: | Male |
| Description: | American singer |
| Twitter Id: | GavinDeGraw |
| Net Worth 2021: | 14 million |
