Khalid Biography

Short Summary

Khalid is an internationally acclaimed American singer and songwriter known for his unique blend of R&B, pop, and soul music. Rising to fame with his debut single "Location," Khalid quickly became a household name, captivating audiences with his soulful voice and relatable lyrics. His music resonates with a wide audience, earning him numerous awards and nominations, including Grammy nominations. Khalid's influence extends beyond his music, as he is also recognized for his contributions to contemporary culture and his ability to connect with young audiences.

Early Life & Education

Khalid Donnel Robinson was born on February 11, 1998, in Fort Stewart, Georgia. Due to his mother's military career, he spent his childhood in various locations, including Kentucky, New York, and Germany, before settling in El Paso, Texas, during his high school years. His mother, Linda Wolfe, served in the military and was a significant influence in his life, particularly in his musical development. Khalid attended Americas High School, where he began to explore his passion for music, participating in the choir and musical theater. His diverse upbringing and exposure to different cultures played a pivotal role in shaping his musical style and artistic perspective.

Career Highlights

Khalid's career took off with the release of his debut single "Location" in 2016, which quickly gained traction and reached the top 20 on the US Billboard Hot 100 chart. His debut album, "American Teen," released in 2017, solidified his status in the music industry, earning critical acclaim and multiple Grammy nominations. Khalid continued to build on his success with collaborations with prominent artists such as Logic, Halsey, and Normani. His sophomore album, "Free Spirit," released in 2019, debuted at number one on the Billboard 200 chart, further establishing him as a leading voice in contemporary music.

Major Achievements

Debut album "American Teen" went double platinum and received multiple Grammy nominations.
Won the MTV Video Music Award for Best New Artist in 2017.
Collaborated on the chart-topping single "1-800-273-8255" with Logic and Alessia Cara.
Released a successful sophomore album, "Free Spirit," which debuted at number one on the Billboard 200.
Recognized as one of Time magazine's 100 Most Influential People in 2019.

Famous Quotes

"My music is about what's happening in the world and how I feel about it."
"I feel like my journey is just beginning."

Interesting Facts

His mother was in the military and also pursued a singing career.
He started recording music while still in high school.
He was named the youngest artist to surpass one billion streams on Spotify.
His debut single "Location" was featured on numerous year-end lists in 2017.

Legacy / Influence

Khalid has left an indelible mark on the music industry with his soulful voice and relatable lyrics that speak to a younger generation. His ability to seamlessly blend genres has influenced contemporary music, inspiring many young artists to explore and express their own unique styles. Khalid's music continues to resonate, and his influence extends beyond music, as he advocates for mental health awareness and social issues.