23 Amazing Facts You Didn't Know About Pharrell Williams
Do you know his age? Where he use to work? The records he has broken? And the songs, like Robin Thicke's 'Blurred Lines', that he has produced? Pharrell has had an amazing - and interesting - life. Let us break down the little-known facts for you.
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1. Pharrell Williams is 42-years-old.
Believe it or not, Pharrell was born in 1973.
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2. Pharrell was discovered by Teddy Riley.
During his high school talent show Pharrell was discovered by musician/ producer Teddy Riley, whose studio was right next door. Picture: Idols/Photoshot
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3. 'Frontin'' is now a decade old.
Yes, that song you didn't stop listening to for an entire summer is now ten years old. Still a tune though, right?
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4. Pharrell worked in McDonalds when he was younger.
The star admitted being fired from three seperate restaurants, on applying to the fourth the others called to say 'don't hire him... He burns the burgers and steals the nuggets'. Picture: Getty
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5. In '03 Pharrell produced 43% of songs on the radio
A survey in August 2003 found the Neptunes produced almost 20 percent of songs played on British radio at the time, a survey in the US had them at 43 percent Picture: Getty
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6. Robin Thicke and Pharrell Williams' 'Blurred Lines' was no. 1 in 14 countries.
The Robin Thicke collaboration was the biggest selling single of 2013. Pretty impressive.
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7. The Neptunes produced JT's debut album 'Justified'
Pharrell helped it to become certified three times platinum album, although the singer has admittedi in the past that he actually wrote the songs for Michael Jackon. Picture: Getty
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8. Pharrell went to band camp.
Who said band camp wasn't cool? It's where Pharrell met Chad Hugo, the guy who would form one half of The Neptunes. That's pretty cool.
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9. When Pharrell was a child, his mum was a teacher, his dad a handyman
It's unclear where Pharrel's musical genes came from, as his mum was a teacher and his dad (who's called Pharaoh) by the way, was a handyman. Picture: Facebook
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10. The Neptunes produced Britney Spears 'Slave 4 U'
It was the producing duo's first number one single when it topped the charts in 2001- an achievement that would get them noticed in the industry and lead to many more hook-ups.
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11. His nickname in high school was 'Skateboard P'
Pharrell's brother is a professional skateboarder, but obviously, Pharrell's career was destined for a different destination. Picture: Facebook
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12. He sold over 2 million records in the UK in 2013
By July 2013 there had only been 137 singles in UK chart history to have sold 1 million copies in the UK; that month Pharrell scored two million-sellers with 'Get Lucky' and 'Blurred Lines'.
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13. Pharrell produced two tracks on 'The Black Album'
Jay Z ranked it as his third best album, it included the track 'Change Clothes'. Picture: Facebook
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14. His second solo album will be released this year
Pharrell has previously only released one other solo album, 'In My Mind,' back in 2006.
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15. Pharrell picked up two awards at the 2004 Grammys
One was for Producer of the Year, Non-Classical, and another for Best Pop Vocal Album for his work on Justin Timberlake's hit album Justified Picture: Getty
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16. Pharrell released the first 24-hour music video.
Last year he broke a record by released a 24-hour music video. Guest appearances included Magic Johnson, Steve Carrell, Jimmy Kimmel, Jamie Foxx and Steve Martin.
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17. Pharrell is an entrepreneur and fashionista
Pharrell co-founded the clothing brands Billionaire Boys Club and Ice Cream Footwear Picture: Getty
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18. Pharrell's first single didn't find US success
The Gwen Stefani collaboration "Can I Have It Like That," from Pharrell's first solo album, made it to no. 3 in the UK, but only no. 48 in the US - a let down for the already successful producer.
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19. He's worked with almost everyone.
It's really quite incredible how many people Pharrell has sung with/ produced for. Shakira, Jennifer Lopez, The Game, Lupe Fiasco, Beyonce, Usher, Frank Ocean are the ones that immediately come to mind.
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20. Pharrell plays the drums and keyboard
He was a member of the marching band in school, pretty hip hop if you ask us. Picture: Facebook
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21. Pharrell's son is called 'Rocket Man Williams'
Yes, this is true. And yes, he is apparently named after the Elton John song.
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22. He has a love-hate relationship with tattoos
It's unknown exactly how many tattoos Pharrell has because he is in the process of getting some removed - having admitted that he was 'young and stupid' when he got some past inks.
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23. Pharrell is Immortal.
OK, this obviously isn't true. But seriously, the man doesn't age! Picture: Getty
