Sam Smith The Thrill Of It All Special Edition
Distinctively emotive, soul-inspired vocalist Sam Smith was among the most commercially successful artists to arrive during the early 2010s. Prior to his breakthrough at the age of 21, the London-born singer and songwriter balanced his studies and music, sang in choirs and in bands, and performed in musical theater productions. He developed a passionate approach to singing exemplified by his favorite artists at that time: Aretha Franklin, Stevie Wonder, and Chaka Khan. He was barely out of his teens when, in late 2012, he appeared as the featured vocalist on "Latch," the fourth single by production duo Disclosure. A loping mixture of U.K. garage and contemporary dance-pop, the song went to number 11 in the U.K. Over in the U.S., it took significantly longer to take hold, but eventually hit number seven there and was certified platinum three times over