Ellie Goulding is a world famous British singer-songwriter known for her unique mix of indie pop, folktronica and electronic styles. With her soaring vocals and catchy melodies, she has become a sensation over the past decade. This article provides a detailed Ellie Goulding biography highlighting her musical journey.
Ellie Goulding Biography
Step into the enchanting world of Ellie Goulding, a British singer-songwriter known for her captivating music and inspiring journey. This biography delves into her life, career, and the impact she has made on the music industry.
Early Life and Family
Elena Jane Goulding was born on December 30, 1986 in the quaint Herefordshire town of Lyonshall in England. She was the second of four children born to Arthur and Tracey Goulding. Ellie’s father was a supermarket employee while her mother worked at a local community center.
The family later moved to the small village of Rockfield when Ellie was 5 years old. She attended Lady Hawkins’ High School where Ellie Goulding biography notes she was an ace athlete excelling at running, hockey and netball. But alongside sports, she also developed a passion for music from a young age.
Learning Instruments & Songwriting
During her school years, Ellie taught herself to play musical instruments like the clarinet, guitar, drums and piano through YouTube tutorial videos. By age 15, she was writing her own songs and won a national songwriting contest within two years.
Ellie was highly influenced by indie artists like Elliott Smith and Feist as well as folk bands such as Fleet Foxes. This defined the alternative pop sound she would embrace later as a professional musician.
Studying at University & Breakthrough Success
After finishing school, Ellie Goulding biography shows she moved to Kent in 2005 to attend the University of Kent and study Drama and Theatre Studies. She balanced her academics with live performances at local bars and clubs. It was at one such open mic gig that she was scouted by manager Jamie Lillywhite who would sign her to Turn First Artists management.
In 2009, while still studying at university, Ellie caught her big break when she topped the BBC Sound of 2010 poll that highlights rising music stars. This paved the way for mainstream success right after she graduated that year.
Debut Studio Album
In early 2010, Ellie released her debut studio album titled Lights which fused folk, indie pop and electronica aesthetics. It debuted at Number 1 on the UK Albums chart and went on to sell over 850,000 copies just in the UK, making it a huge commercial hit.
Gaining International Recognition
While she was already a star in Britain, international fame came calling in 2011 when Ellie’s version of the song “Lights” became a sleeper hit in the US after being featured in a popular cosmetics ad. Her album was later re-released as Bright Lights in America where it reached the Billboard Top 100 chart.
Ellie soon became recognized for her unique soprano vocal range and delivery. She also got to perform at the White House in 2012 and at the royal wedding of Prince William and Kate Middleton.
Mainstream Pop Transition & US Success
2013 proved to be a breakout year for Ellie Goulding biography in America as she gained mainstream popularity with her single “Lights” reaching the Billboard Top 10 while “Burn” became her first number 1 on the US Hot 100 chart. She performed at the inauguration of President Obama and also made her Coachella debut.
Ellie was now making the transition from indie darling to fully fledged popstar collaborating with artists like Calvin Harris, Zedd and Diplo among others. She cemented her new pop sound with her third studio album.
Delirium and Continued Chart Domination
After signing with a major label in Polydor Records, Ellie released her third full length album Delirium in 2015 which marked her transition into mainstream pop music. It spawned a string of hit singles like “On My Mind”, “Army” and “Something In the Way You Move” among others.
Delirium debuted at #3 on both the US and UK album charts. Ellie also performed at the 2015 AFL Grand Final in Australia and rang in 2016 with a headline set at the famous Dick Clark’s New Year’s Rockin’ Eve show.
Standout Live Performances & Tours
From 2010 to 2022, Ellie Goulding has undertaken 5 major concert tours performing across Europe, Americas, Asia and Australia. She is known for her standout live performances, stellar vocals and high energy on stage during her tours.
Some of Ellie’s most memorable shows include performing at the wedding reception of the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge in 2011, the 2014 NHL Winter Classic and the 2015 AFL Grand Final among other high profile events. She also sang the official song “Love Me like You Do” for the blockbuster film Fifty Shades of Grey.
Collaborations & Other Projects
While Ellie has retained her unique musical identity, she has frequently collaborated with EDM artists like Calvin Harris, Diplo, Major Lazer etc lending her vocals to their tracks. She has also partnered with brands like Nike, Beats by Dre, Tiffany & Co among others for endorsements and ad campaigns.
Beyond music, Ellie has voiced characters in animated films, appeared as a guest judge on talent shows and also released a memoir titled Fitter. Calmer. Stronger in 2017 which was a Sunday Times bestseller.
Brightest Blue – Recent Album & Singles
After a gap of 5 years, Ellie released her fourth studio album titled Brightest Blue in 2020 led by singles “Worry About Me”, “Power” and “Slow Grenade”. The album reached #2 in the UK and #9 on the US Billboard 200 charts.
In 2021 she dropped the track “Easy Lover” with Big Sean and last year released her Britney Spears cover “Tiny Dancer” along with the single “Let It Die”. Ellie continues to tease new music for her forthcoming fifth studio album.
Legacy & Awards
With over 15 million albums and 100 million singles sold globally, Ellie Goulding has firmly established herself among the world’s leading female pop stars. She has won two Brit Awards along with garnering Grammy and Billboard Award nominations.
In 2013, she received the inaugural President’s Award by the Grammys for her achievements and philanthropic work. Ellie was also appointed Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE) by the Queen in the 2018 Birthday Honours List.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common queries people have about the life and work of the British pop sensation:
1. Where was Ellie Goulding born?
Ellie Goulding was born in Lyonshall, Herefordshire in England on December 30, 1986.
2. What was the name of her debut studio album?
Ellie’s first full length studio album was called Lights and it released in 2010.
3. What was Ellie’s breakthrough single in the US?
Her hit song “Lights” from the album of the same name became Ellie’s breakthrough hit in America in 2011.
4. How many studio albums has Ellie released so far?
Ellie has released a total of 4 studio albums – Lights (2010), Halcyon (2012), Delirium (2015) and Brightest Blue (2020).
5. What was Ellie’s first number 1 single on the Billboard Hot 100?
Her single “Burn” in 2013 became Ellie’s first chart topper on the US Billboard Hot 100.
6. Which British Royalty couple invited Ellie to perform at their wedding?
Ellie performed at the wedding reception of Prince William and Kate Middleton, Duke & Duchess of Cambridge in 2011.
7. What honor did Ellie receive from the Queen in 2018?
Ellie Goulding was appointed Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE) in 2018 Queen’s Birthday Honours List.
8. How many concert tours has Ellie undertaken so far?
Ellie has completed 5 major world concert tours in 2010, 2012, 2014, 2017 and 2019 spanning Europe, UK, US and Australia.
Conclusion
In just over a decade, Ellie Goulding has risen from an indie folk artist to a global pop phenomenon selling millions of albums worldwide. Right from her debut Lights through Delirium and Brightest Blue, she has consistently topped charts with her infectious melodies and powerful soprano.
From performing at Prince William’s royal wedding to headlining Coachella, Ellie has also delivered dazzling live sets across continents. With numerous accolades already under her belt, the Ellie Goulding biography continues to be one of meteoric talent and limitless promise in the future.