Adele is one of the biggest and most successful names in the music industry today. But before she became a Grammy award-winning artist with hit songs like “Hello” and “Someone Like You,” she was just a little girl with a big dream. In this article, we take a look at Adele’s early years and the influences that shaped her into the phenomenal artist she is today.
Adele Laurie Blue Adkins was born on May 5, 1988, in Tottenham, London. She was the only child of her mother, Penny Adkins, and her father, Mark Evans. Adele’s parents were both teenagers when she was born and they separated when she was only three years old. This event had a profound impact on Adele’s life and would greatly influence her music in the future.
Growing up, Adele was raised by her mother who worked two jobs to provide for them. They lived in a small apartment in Tottenham and Adele attended a local primary school. Despite the challenges they faced, Adele’s mother always encouraged her to pursue her passion for music. Adele recalls listening to her mother’s CDs of Etta James and Ella Fitzgerald, which sparked her love for soul music.
At the age of 14, Adele stumbled upon a box of discs in her mother’s cupboard that contained music from artists like Etta James, Ella Fitzgerald, and The Cure. She would play these discs over and over again, developing her singing skills and style. Adele’s musical journey and influences were a mix of soul, jazz, and pop, which is evident in her music today.
Adele’s childhood was also marked by tragedy. At the age of 9, she lost her maternal grandfather whom she was very close to. This loss had a deep impact on her and she dedicated her first album, “19,” to him. Adele also lost her paternal grandmother and her father was absent from her life, making her relationship with her mother even more special.
When Adele was 15, she wrote her first song, “Hometown Glory,” which was inspired by her longing for her hometown Tottenham while she was away in Brighton for a summer. This song was later on included in her first album and was met with critical acclaim. It became a testament to Adele’s ability to tell stories through her lyrics and capture the emotions of her audience.
Adele’s big break came in 2007 when friend posted her demo on Myspace, a popular social media platform at the time. This caught the attention of XL Recordings and she was soon signed to the label. She released her first album, “19,” in 2008, which received widespread success and critical acclaim. Adele’s unique blend of soulful vocals and heartfelt lyrics captured the hearts of millions, making her a household name.
Today, Adele’s childhood and family life continue to be an important aspect of her music. She remains close to her mother and has a strong bond with her son, Angelo, whom she calls her “best friend.” Adele also pays tribute to her hometown in many of her songs, keeping her roots close to her heart.
In conclusion, Adele’s early years were marked by challenges, but also by the unwavering love and support of her family. Her childhood experiences and influences played a significant role in shaping her into the phenomenal artist she is today. Adele’s music continues to resonate with millions of fans worldwide, making her a timeless icon in the music industry.