Rag'n'Bone Man: The British Soul & Blues Powerhouse

Rag'n'Bone Man is the stage name of Rory Graham, a British singer-songwriter who masterfully blends soul, blues, and hip-hop influences. Hailing from Uckfield, England, he achieved a monumental breakthrough in 2016 with his debut single "Human," which topped charts across Europe and has been certified multi-platinum in numerous countries.

Early career

Born in 1985, Rory Graham began his musical journey in the hip-hop and drum and bass scenes, performing as a vocalist and MC with local crews in Brighton. His early forays into recording included the self-released EP 'Bluestown' in 2012, which showcased his burgeoning talent for raw, blues-inflected vocals over sparse, beat-driven production.

Breakthrough

The artist's career transformed in 2016 with the release of the single "Human" on Columbia Records. The track became a viral and radio sensation, peaking at number two on the UK Singles Chart and reaching number one in multiple European territories, eventually earning a diamond certification in Germany. This success propelled his debut album, also titled 'Human,' to a number one debut in the UK in 2017.

Key tracks

Human — This multi-platinum single defined his sound and launched him to international fame with its gospel-tinged chorus and powerful vocal delivery.

Skin — A follow-up single from the 'Human' album that further cemented his status, showcasing his emotional depth and earning significant radio play.

Giant — A 2019 collaboration with Calvin Harris that became a global dance-pop hit, demonstrating his versatility and reaching the top 10 in the UK.

All You Ever Wanted — The lead single from his 2021 album 'Life by Misadventure,' highlighting a more personal, guitar-driven songwriting direction.

His sophomore album, 2021's 'Life by Misadventure,' debuted at number one on the UK Albums Chart, proving his lasting appeal. Rag'n'Bone Man has also collaborated with a diverse range of artists including Pink, Bastille, and the legendary Nile Rodgers.

Fans of Rag'n'Bone Man's gritty soul and powerful vocals should also explore Tom Walker, who shares a knack for anthemic, emotionally charged songwriting. James Bay offers a similar blend of blues-rock intensity and heartfelt lyricism. The raw vocal style and hip-hop undercurrent can be heard in Plan B, particularly in his soul-driven work. For another British voice with immense soul power, listen to Celeste.

Rag'n'Bone Man's distinctive baritone is a staple on modern adult contemporary and pop radio stations, as well as on dedicated soul and blues channels. His tracks frequently appear in rotation on stations focusing on current hits and singer-songwriter formats, ensuring his voice reaches a broad audience of music lovers.

You can hear the powerful music of Rag'n'Bone Man on various radio stations featured right here on onairium.com. Tune in to discover his catalog, from his massive hits to deeper album cuts, across our curated selection of stations.