Historical Figure
Pharrell Williams
b. 1973
American musician (born 1973)
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Biography
Pharrell Lanscilo Williams, is an American musician, record producer and fashion designer. He initially became known as one half of the music production duo the Neptunes, which he established alongside Chad Hugo in 1992. Fifteen of their productions have peaked within the top ten of the Billboard Hot 100, which includes four songs that peaked atop the chart. The two also formed the rock and hip-hop band N.E.R.D. with Shay Haley in 1999, for which Williams served as lead vocalist. He has been regarded as one of the most influential producers in modern popular music. He has also contributed on all the Despicable Me films as a musical contributor.
Timeline
The story of Pharrell Williams, told in moments.
The Neptunes produced 43% of songs on U.S. radio that year. Credits included tracks for Jay-Z, Britney Spears, Justin Timberlake, and Snoop Dogg. The production duo dominated pop and hip-hop simultaneously.
"Happy" from the Despicable Me 2 soundtrack spent ten weeks at number one. The music video was 24 hours long. It became the first song certified Diamond in France.
Co-produced "Get Lucky" with Daft Punk, which won Record of the Year at the Grammys. Also won Producer of the Year. He cried on Oprah's show when she played fan videos of "Happy."
Named men's creative director of Louis Vuitton, succeeding Virgil Abloh. His first collection debuted in Paris in June. Pharrell invited Jay-Z to perform at the show.
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