James Blunt, Digital Painting by AJ Brockman
"If music be the food of love, play on" – William Shakespeare. For as long as I can remember, I have had the same love of music that I have had for art. I suppose that is the creative side of the brain showing its dormancy. With this love of music, I have created an entire series dedicated to painting musicians. One of my favorite experiences was painting James Blunt. He had a scheduled concert in our area and I thought what better way than to honor him but to try and present him with this painting. Lo and behold, one of his managers saw this painting and invited me to meet him. I am a fan of many different genres of music, but this experience was something special. In fact, not only have I gone on to paint more musicians but I have actually shifted my career a bit and I own a music venue in South Florida now. James is no longer touring to my knowledge, but maybe one day I will get the chance to see him again at my own venue, truly coming full circle.
James Hillier Blount (born 22 February 1974), better known by his stage name James Blunt, is an English singer-songwriter and former British Army Officer. He originally signed to EMI Music Publishing and is currently signed to Custard Records and Atlantic Records. Blunt rose to fame in 2004 with the release of his debut album Back to Bedlam, achieving worldwide fame with the singles "You're Beautiful" and "Goodbye My Lover". The album has sold over 11 million copies worldwide, topping the UK Albums Chart and peaking at number two in the US. "You're Beautiful" was number one in the UK, the US and a dozen other countries. Back to Bedlam was the best-selling album of the 2000s in the UK. Blunt has sold over 20 million records worldwide. He has received several awards, including two Brit Awards—winning Best British Male in 2006—two MTV Video Music Awards and two Ivor Novello Awards, as well as receiving five Grammy Award nominations. Blunt was a reconnaissance officer in the Life Guards, a cavalry regiment of the British Army, and served under NATO in the Kosovo War in 1999. He was awarded an Honorary Doctorate for Music in 2016 by University of Bristol.
Thank you for reading and please consider upvoting this post, following me, and leaving a comment. If you're looking to go the extra mile in helping me on my journey, also please consider a re–steem so I am able to reach your audience. The steemit community means the world to me and I look forward to posting daily content with all of you.