KWXY Presents ● The Music of Harry Styles
Fine Line 2019 = Studio album by Harry Styles
Harry Styles is an award-winning British singer, songwriter, actor and philanthropist. Styles’ career began in 2010 on the British talent competition show, The X Factor. First eliminated from competition as a soloist, Styles was brought back to the program to join the competition as part of the English-Irish boy band, One Direction.
He was born Harry Edward Styles on February 1, 1994 in Redditch, Worcestershire, moving to Holmes Chapel, Cheshire as a child. He took an early interest in music thanks to a karaoke machine given to him by his grandfather. As a student at Holmes Chapel Comprehensive School, Styles fronted a band called White Eskimo, winning a local battle of the bands contest.
In 2010, Styles auditioned for The X Factor in 2010 at the suggestion of his mother, Anne. Though he failed to advance past the “boot camp” stage, four other contestants failed to advance as well. As a result, host Simon Cowell put the five together to mentor them and to continue competing as an ensemble. The group consisted of singers Niall James Horan, Liam James Payne, Louis William Tomlinson and Zain Javadd Malik, aka “Zayn.” The name “One Direction” was suggested by Styles. Through television, One Direction gained popularity across the country, eventually finishing in third place in the final.
Simon Cowell signed One Direction to his label, Syco Records, in 2011. Styles and One Direction would go on to be one of the most successful boy bands of all time, beginning with the single “What Makes You Beautiful” from their 2011 debut album, Up All Night. Their next four albums, Take Me Home, Midnight Memories, Four and Made in the A.M. all debuted at number one in the UK with Midnight Memories becoming the world’s best-selling album in 2013.
Styles embarked on a successful solo career in 2016, releasing his first single, “Sign of the Times” in 2017, going to number one and ranking as the best song of 2017 by Rolling Stone. His self-titled 2017 debut album debuted at number one and yielded the singles, “Two Ghosts” and “Kiwi.” Styles made his critically acclaimed screen debut as a soldier in the 2017 motion picture, Dunkirk. Since that time, Harry Styles has continued to act, record and perform.
His second album, Fine Line, made the Rolling Stone list of “The 500 Greatest Albums of All Time” at number 491. He has also become well known for his flamboyant, award-winning sense of fashion.
Harry Styles has earned two Brit Awards, an Ivor Novello Award and an American Music Award. Readers of GQ magazine voted him as Most Stylish Man of the Year in 2020.
KWXY Music Radio supports musicians and artists performing in the Coachella Valley, as well as independent music labels, and emerging talent all over the country. Today’s featured artist, Harry Styles is scheduled to perform at Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival on April 15th and 22rd.
Listen to the music of Harry Styles on KWXY Presents hosted by Louie Comella, tonight at 7pm on KWXY Music Radio 92.3 FM ● 1340 AM ● streaming at kwxy.com and ivoxradio.com