by Michael Bublé is one of the greatest contemporary crooners and interpreters of classic pop standards. His smooth baritone voice is instantly recognizable, and he has an uncanny ability to make both old and new songs his own. As a long-time fan of Michael Bublé, I’m constantly amazed by his talent, charisma, and seemingly effortless ability to connect with audiences around the world.
Bublé’s Career Beginnings
Michael Bublé was born on September 9, 1975 in Burnaby, British Columbia. He grew up surrounded by the music his grandfather played—swing classics from the likes of Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin, and Ella Fitzgerald. As a teenager, Bublé realized his own talent as a singer when he won a local talent contest. However, his music career didn’t take off right away. He recorded a couple independent albums that didn’t gain much traction and spent years working odd jobs and singing at weddings to make ends meet.
His big break came in 2000 when he sang at a business party and caught the attention of Prime Minister Brian Mulroney’s wife. She helped connect Bublé with singer/songwriter David Foster, who ended up signing Bublé to his 143 Records label. This led to appearances at high profile events, and Bublé’s self-titled major label debut album in 2003. The album showcased Bublé’s talent for revitalizing jazz standards, and reached the Top 10 in Canada.
Breakthrough Success
Michael Bublé’s career reached new heights with his sophomore album It’s Time in 2005. Bolstered by the smooth single “Home,” the album topped the Canadian charts. More importantly, it caught on in places like Italy and Australia, showing Bublé had the potential for worldwide appeal. I still remember hearing “Home” on the radio for the first time and being blown away by the emotional depth and intimacy Bublé was able to convey. His tender, romantic delivery made the song feel like it was meant just for me.
Bublé cemented his newfound international stardom in 2007 with the release of Call Me Irresponsible. The album featured the hit single “Everything” as well as Bublé’s takes on songs like “Always on My Mind” and “Me and Mrs. Jones.” Call Me Irresponsible debuted at #1 in the US and went on to sell over 5 million copies worldwide. I was lucky enough to see Bublé perform on this tour, and his charisma and rapport with the audience was incredible. He had everyone eating out of the palm of his hand.
Mainstream Success
Michael Bublé reached the stratosphere of pop success with his 2009 album Crazy Love. It was his third consecutive #1 album and included his biggest hit to date “Haven’t Met You Yet.” The irresistibly catchy song showcased Bublé’s versatility, blending a contemporary pop/rock sound with his classic big band roots. “Haven’t Met You Yet” was unavoidable—it topped the charts in multiple countries and helped Crazy Love earn Bublé his first Grammy for Best Traditional Pop Vocal.
Bublé followed up Crazy Love with the holiday album Christmas just a year later in 2011. Christmas was a huge hit, selling over 7.5 million copies worldwide driven by Bublé’s takes on Christmas classics like “Jingle Bells” and “Santa Baby.” Bublé merged holiday nostalgia and his old school vibe perfectly, and Christmas has remained a staple through the holiday seasons ever since.
As Bublé’s fame grew, other artists began taking notice and asking to collaborate with him. He released the duet “White Christmas” with pop superstar Shania Twain in 2011. And in 2013, Bublé teamed up with Canadian rapper and singer Abel Tesfaye (aka The Weeknd) for an unlikely duet of Bublé’s “Me and Mrs. Jones.” Though an odd pairing on paper, their voices blended together beautifully. It showed Bublé’s willingness to think outside the box.
Continued Artistic Growth
After becoming a global superstar, Bublé could have simply kept churning out adult contemporary pop standards. But he’s continued to challenge himself and expand his artistry over the past decade. His 2013 album To Be Loved found him digging into Motown and soul, trying out new rhythmic grooves on songs like “Come Dance with Me” and “Close Your Eyes”.
Bublé also showed off his playful side on the original song “It’s a Beautiful Day,” singing about all the happy coincidences that make love special. It demonstrated he could write relatable originals in addition to reinventing standards. To Be Loved debuted at #1 on the Billboard 200, showing Bublé’s artistic growth didn’t sacrifice commercial appeal.
After a hiatus to focus on his family, Bublé returned in 2018 with the album Love. It was his most romantic outing yet, influenced by falling deeper in love with his wife and starting a family. Songs like “When I Fall in Love” and “Love You Anymore” brimmed with emotional sincerity. And his take on the Bee Gees’ “How Deep Is Your Love” felt like a heartfelt serenade. Love became Bublé’s 4th #1 album, proving absence only makes the heart grow fonder for his legions of fans.
2021’s Higher found Bublé continuing to explore new musical territory, blending pop, R&B, and even hip hop influences into his signature retro sound. Standouts like “I’ll Never Not Love You” and “My Valentine” showcased Bublé’s timeless voice even as he brought his music into the modern era. After 20+ years, Bublé still sounds as fresh and exciting as ever. It’s a testament to his unwillingness to stand still artistically.
Seeing Bublé Live
As amazing as Bublé’s albums are, his live shows are on another level entirely. He has the rare ability to make giant arenas feel intimate. His banter with the audience is hilarious—he comes across like an old friend you’re catching up with over drinks. And hearing those buttery vocals live is a transcendent experience. The first moment Bublé opens his mouth at a show, time seems to stop.
Over half a dozen shows of mine later, I’m still floored every time. His rich tone consumes you. Songs like “Feeling Good” and “Home” take on new heights live; there’s an overwhelming visceral power. And just when you’re lulled into quiet reverie, Bublé turns on a dime with playful songs like “Come Dance with Me” that have the whole crowd on its feet. After all these years, his voice remains in peak form—strong, confident, and brimming with emotion.
Seeing Bublé work the stage is a masterclass in showmanship. He gracefully engages the crowd between songs with humor and vulnerability. And his chemistry with his world-class band is a joy to watch. Their musical interplay and improvised solos add spontaneity and surprise to well-known songs. But Bublé always remains the center of attention. His charisma is unmatched; all eyes are helplessly drawn to him. He was born to be on stage.
Off Stage Charisma
Beyond his concerts, I’m endlessly entertained by Bublé’s charisma in interviews and appearances. His quick wit, sarcasm, and self-deprecation are hilarious and make him incredibly charming. He’s the kind of guy you feel like you could grab a beer with. Bublé’s also showed off his comedic acting chops with guest roles on shows like iZombie and Fuller House. And hearing his music used in films like The Wedding Date and Superstar has been fun for this fan.
Bublé just exudes coolness. From his stylish throwback suits to his vintage microphone to the effortless way he engages crowds, he evokes the essence of classic Rat Pack-era performers. But there’s also a refreshing down-to-earth humility about him. After all his success, he still seems stunned at his good fortune. And he’s spoken openly about his struggles with anxiety, endearing him further to fans. It’s this unique blend of retro cool and humble humanity that makes Bublé so magnetic.
Importance of Classics
While Bublé could have pursued a career singing contemporary pop, his devotion to jazz and pop standards has introduced these classics to new generations of fans. He’s often credited with making the music of Sinatra, Dean Martin, and Ella Fitzgerald feel vital and exciting to today’s youth. Bublé’s updates manage to honor the spirit of the original tunes rather than crossing into parody. His versions accentuate the timeless melodies and romantic sentiments that gave these songs staying power.
Bublé has also championed emerging jazz/swing artists by collaborating with them. On his 2018 tour, Bublé had exciting young talents like singer Cecile McLorin Salvant and instrumental group The Wallownas open his massive arena shows. This exposed many of his mainstream fans to jazz musicians they may never have otherwise discovered. Bublé’s efforts have undoubtedly helped cultivate enthusiasm for classic pop singing and jazz among millennials and Gen Z. His future-focused revivalism is so important for preserving these seminal musical forms.
Vocal Mastery
Of course, none of this would matter if Bublé didn’t have the vocal ability to back it up. But his rich baritone continues to send shivers down spines night after night. Bublé has a voice that feels worn in yet incredibly flexible. He’s able to alternately croon intimate ballads, swing playfully through uptempo classics, and belt passionately when the song calls for it. The timbre of his voice conveys so much emotion—heartache, romance, joy. It’s the kind of instrument that would sound wondrous singing the phonebook.
Bublé also possesses masterful technical control. He nails difficult jumps into his falsetto with ease. And his virtuosic scatting and ad-libs amp up the excitement during instrumental breaks. He knows just when to unleash his full vocal power for dramatic effect, like the epic high note that closes out “Home.” And Bublé can turn on subtle phrasing choices that make lyrics come alive. His vocals are simply a marvel. When he sings, it feels like a masterclass in the limitless possibilities of the human voice.
Timeless Cool
Despite arriving decades late to the party, Bublé feels at home with the Rat Pack era stylistically. Between the tailored suits, vintage microphones, and martini glass permanently glued to his hand, he fully embraces the old-school cooler-than-cool aesthetic. And it totally works thanks to his charisma and encyclopedic knowledge of the Great American Songbook. Bublé occupies an unusual space where he’s relentlessly current—reinventing pop standards for today’s audience—yet timelessly retro.
This combination creates an irresistible appeal across generations. The classic style draws in older audiences nostalgic for crooners past. But Bublé’s modern spin and boundless likeability attract youth as well. His concerts are a place where swooning bobby soxers brush shoulders with hip young millennials. Bublé merges eras so seamlessly because his retro act isn’t just hollow imitation. It’s underpinned by genuine skill and reverence. This will keep Bublé eternally in vogue.
Family Man
While his professional resume is beyond impressive, Bublé seems most proud of his role as a husband to actress Luisana Lopilato and father to their kids. He speaks glowingly in interviews about his family life and how parenthood has changed his outlook. Bublé’s wife and kids regularly join him on tour, and he’s shared heartwarming backstage videos of them dancing along at his shows.
Bublé’s devotion to his family inspired him to take a 2 year break from music in 2016 when his son Noah was diagnosed with cancer (he’s since made a full recovery). Bublé’s break demonstrated that as much as he loves making music, being present for his family came first. The moving song “Forever Now” on his 2018 album Love was a tribute to his son’s journey. Bublé’s joy at simply being a dad is endearing to fellow parents. And it’s a reminder that at the core, he’s just a humble guy who got lucky doing what he loves.
Legacy & Looking Ahead
With over 75 million records sold worldwide, four #1 albums, and multiple Grammy Awards, Bublé’s legacy as one of this generation’s premier crooners is assured. He’s succeeded the great Tony Bennett as the new standard bearer of the classic pop singing tradition. And Bublé’s continued popularity ensures that this seminal music will live on. He often speaks humbly about just wanting to be a good steward for these timeless songs. If that was his only ambition, mission accomplished and then some!
The most exciting thing as a longtime fan is that Bublé’s story still feels like it’s just beginning. At only 47 years old, he’s still so full of youthful energy and has so many exciting avenues left to explore. I can’t wait to see what classic pop gems he unearths next and the new ways he’ll reinvent them. One thing is for certain—no matter how much his star continues to rise, Bublé will always remain a tireless student of his musical forefathers. That genuine love and respect for the past is so special. It ensures Michael Bublé’s music will continue lighting up pop charts and delighting audiences for decades to come.
