Pharrell Williams

April 5, 2024

Fast Facts
Background
Career Timeline
Why We Love
Surprising Facts
FAQs

Pharrell Williams, born on April 5, 1973, is widely known for his entrepreneurial skills in the entertainment industry. Aside from that, he is also a record producer, songwriter, singer, and rapper. He is often referred to as one of the few successful and most influential producers of the century. He has had a huge impact on the sound of modern music. His debut album, released in 2006, was titled “In My Mind.” Still, in 2013, he won Record of the Year and Best Pop Duo/Group Performance at the Grammy Awards because of the single ‘Get Lucky’ by Daft Punk, featuring him. The following year, he released his second album, “Girl.” He has won multiple Grammys and was even nominated for the Academy Award twice. Today we are extremely excited to be celebrating him with you.

Fast Facts

Full Name:

Pharrell LansciloWilliams

Nickname:

Lil’ Skateboard P, Pha-real, P. Willy

Birth date:

April 5, 1973

Age:

Zodiac Sign:

Aries

Height:

5' 8.89"

Relationship Status:

Married

Net Worth:

$200 million

Background

Pharrell Lanscilo Williams is a force to be reckoned with in the entertainment business. The talented producer was born on April 5, 1973, in Virginia Beach, Virginia to Pharoah and Carolyn Williams. He has three younger brothers. His family has lived in Virginia and North Carolina for many generations. He went to Princess Anne High school and enrolled in the school band, the same as Chad Hugo. They had met in seventh-grade summer band camp. Williams was playing the drums while Hugo played the tenor saxophone. He was at Northwestern University for two years before he had a change of heart and dropped out.

He later on teamed up with Hugo to form the hip-hop and R&B production duo, The Neptunes. He became the star vocalist of the N.E.R.D band which he formed with Hugo and talented drummer Shay Haley in 1999. He has been dubbed the most influential and successful music producer of the 21st century and his impact on the sound of modern music is undeniably significant.

In 2006, he released his first album titled “In My Mind,” which was received very well. He also co-wrote, produced, and featured in Robin Thicke’s ‘Blurred Lines’ in 2013 alongside T.I. and soon after, he released his single ‘Happy’ which amassed immense success and was made the lead soundtrack of the animation film “Despicable Me 2.” In the same year, he won the Record of the Year and Best Pop Duo/Group Performance categories at the Grammy Awards because of the single ‘Get Lucky’ by Daft Punk, which featured Williams.

Williams also worked with Zimmer in late 2014 on the soundtrack of “The Amazing Spider-Man 2” and landed on “The Voice” as the coach. In 2017, he worked on the soundtrack of “Despicable Me 3” and got together with his band N.E.R.D to release a clear-cut political album. In 2015, his career morphed into acting. He took up roles playing himself or someone of his stature as in “Pitch Perfect 2” and “Entourage.” In 2018, he voiced the fictional character Grinch. He is the recipient of several awards and has even been nominated for an Oscar twice.

Career timeline

1999

He Becomes a Lead Vocalist

He is made the lead vocalist of N.E.R.D, the band he forms with Hugo and Haley.

2006

He Releases His Debut Album

He puts out his debut solo album “In My Mind.”

2013

His Single Becomes a Lead Soundtrack

His hit single ‘Happy’ becomes the lead soundtrack for the animation film “Despicable Me 2.”

2014

He Releases His Second Album

He launches his second music album “Girl.”

2015

He Stars in Movies

He features in movies like “Pitch Perfect 2” and “Entourage” as himself or plays characters similar to himself.

2017

He Works on “Despicable Me 3”

He writes the songs for “Despicable Me 3” as well as performs them.

Why We Love Pharrell Williams

He is business-oriented
Williams has pioneered numerous business ventures as well as partnered with other people to better their own. He capitalizes on his huge following and influence in social media to market himself. He has also worked with the biggest brands in the market such as Chanel and Adidas.
He is multi-talented
He wears many creative hats. On top of being a rapper, singer, and songwriter, Williams is also a record producer. He has received numerous awards for his various talents proving he is good at whatever he does. He is also a part-time actor and this has added to what he can do as an artist.
He is family-oriented
Williams married his long-term girlfriend Helen Lasichanh and the two have been together since. He believes in family values and spending time with his loved ones.

5 Surprising Facts

He was discovered by Teddy Riley
Teddy Riley had his studio right next to Williams’ school and it was at his school talent show that he heard the future superstar sing for the first time.
He worked in McDonald’s
Williams worked for the popular fast-food chain McDonald's when he was younger.
He has been fired before
He has revealed that he got fired from three restaurants before his music career took off.
He produced 43% of songs in 2003
In 2003, Williams produced 43% of the songs on airplay through Neptunes.
He released a 24-hour music video
He was the first person to ever release a 24-hour music video.