by Michael Bublé is one of the most successful contemporary jazz and pop singers of the 21st century. With his smooth baritone voice and affinity for classic American standards, Bublé has sold over 75 million records worldwide and won four Grammy Awards. However, his journey to superstardom had humble beginnings in his hometown of Burnaby, British Columbia, Canada. Let’s take a look back at the early stages of Michael Bublé’s recording career to trace the origins of his success.
Early Recordings and the “First Dance” EP
While Bublé had been singing since childhood and performing in local clubs and venues as a teenager, his professional recording career is generally considered to have begun in 1995 with the release of his self-funded extended play (EP) titled “First Dance.” At the time, Bublé was just 20 years old and had yet to sign with a major record label.
The “First Dance” EP contained 4 tracks that Bublé had recorded in a home studio. They showcased his talent for interpreting classic American pop and jazz standards in his own style. The title track of the EP, also called “First Dance,” was a slow ballad dedicated to Bublé’s grandmother. With his soulful vocals on display, “First Dance” stands out as a strong contender for the very first song Bublé professionally released.
However, without the support and promotion of a major label at that early stage, the “First Dance” EP did not gain much commercial success or attention. Only about 500 copies were pressed for local distribution in the Vancouver area. Still, it was an important first step that proved Bublé’s dedication to pursuing a career in music. While the specific songs on the EP other than the title track are not well documented online, this release marked the start of Bublé’s recording career, even if it was just a humble beginning.
Early Major Label Recordings and Breakthrough Success
After building experience performing live in Canada, Bublé began attracting interest from record labels. In 1998, he signed with the independent Canadian label Reprise/Warner Music Canada and recorded his first full-length studio album, “Michael Bublé,” which was released in 1999. This introduced Bublé to a wider Canadian audience but still did not break him globally.
Bublé’s big breakthrough came after he signed an international deal with the major label Reprise Records in 2001. His self-titled studio album was re-released globally in 2003. Led by the singles “Everything” and “Sway,” this album was a massive commercial success that established Bublé as a new star on the contemporary jazz and adult contemporary scenes. It reached the top 10 on charts around the world and went multi-platinum.
This marked Bublé’s true entrance into the mainstream music industry and introduced his signature sound to international audiences for the first time. While earlier recordings like the “First Dance” EP showed his talent, the 2003 self-titled album contained his first true breakout hits. Its success allowed Bublé’s star to rise rapidly. He embarked on extensive touring and promotional efforts to capitalize on the album’s momentum.
Continued Success and Evolution
In 2005, Bublé followed up his debut success with the album “It’s Time.” This further cemented his popularity with hits like “Home” and “Save the Last Dance for Me.” Both albums highlighted Bublé’s skill at putting his own spin on classic American standards from the Great American Songbook. His smooth vocals and charming persona were a welcome change from the prevailing contemporary pop styles of the time.
Over the subsequent decade, Bublé continued recording albums at a steady pace that alternated between original material and jazz/pop standards. Albums like “Call Me Irresponsible” (2007), “Crazy Love” (2009), “To Be Loved” (2013), and “Love” (2018) all achieved commercial success on par with or exceeding his earlier works. His sound evolved slightly over time to incorporate more contemporary influences while still emphasizing his core strengths.
By the 2010s, Bublé had become a bona fide superstar with a devoted global fanbase. His concerts sold out arenas worldwide. In 2011, he even performed for Pope Benedict XVI at the Vatican. Bublé’s recordings continued breaking sales records, with several albums topping charts in over 30 countries. He received multiple Grammy and Juno Awards recognitions. Through constant touring and recording output, Bublé cemented his status as one of the best-selling artists of all time.
Legacy and Continued Career
Today, Michael Bublé is widely credited with helping to revive interest in classic American songbook standards among contemporary audiences. His recordings introduced a new generation to the works of legends like Frank Sinatra and Dean Martin. Bublé’s smooth baritone vocals and charming stage presence made these vintage songs feel fresh and accessible.
While he continues putting out new albums, in recent years Bublé has focused more on live performances and touring. He regularly plays to sold-out arenas worldwide. Even after over 25 years in the business, Bublé remains one of the top concert draws globally. His 2019-2020 “An Evening with Michael Bublé” tour grossed over $200 million, further cementing his status as an entertainment industry powerhouse.
Looking back on Bublé’s origins, it’s remarkable to see how far he has come from his humble self-funded 1995 EP “First Dance.” Through years of hard work, natural talent and business acumen, Bublé transformed himself from a little-known Canadian singer into an international superstar. His recordings and live shows continue bringing the magic of the Great American Songbook to new generations of fans. Bublé’s career path shows that with determination and passion, even the most low-key of starts can lead to massive success over the long run.
