The Rise Of Harry Styles: From Music Boyband Group ‘One Direction’ To Solo Stardom

The Rise Of Harry Styles: From Music Boyband Group ‘One Direction’ To Solo Stardom

We go behind the scenes with Harry Edward Styles, 29, a contemporary English singer from the music boyband group ‘One Direction’ to solo stardom now. Harry can be said to be an embodiment of individual achievement and competition, although we do not discredit the impact his former group had on him.

Before we even unpack a cultural phenomenon like Harry Styles, let’s give him credit for his line in ‘Night Changes’, “…….we’re only getting older baby, I’ve been thinking about it lately……..just how fast the night changes”, which has become a popular TikTok sound evoking emotions of users. This is just an aspect of the modern-day Renaissance pop icon.

THE MAN, THE MUSIC

Harry Styles shot to fame as a member of the British-Irish boy band ‘One Direction’ after he auditioned for UK’s reality singing contest “The X Factor” in its seventh season in 2010 as a solo artist. He failed to make it past the boot camp session. It was then that the reality show’s judges, Simon Cowell, Louis Walsh, Cheryl Cole, and Nicole Scherzinger having seen the potential in Styles and four other contestants, decided to put them together as a group.

The group was named One Direction. One Direction in the reality contest advanced through all rounds and finished third in the competition. By then, they had already attracted a massive following, thanks to their talented members and pop prowess. The music group became one of the biggest boy bands on the globe, making millions from selling their records and playing sold-out shows across the world.

Styles particularly was famous for his inimitable fashion sense, long hair, and energetic rock-star charisma. He is credited for writing and co-writing some of the band’s biggest hit songs including “Story of My Life” and “Steal My Girl”.

Harry decided to embark on a solo career when the band went on a hiatus in 2016. He has cemented his place as one of the successful pop stars of his generation, having released his self-titled debut album in 2017 that showed the introspective perspective of the artiste, “Fine Line” in 2019, and finally “Harry’s House” in 2022.

His third album, “Harry’s House”, has solidified his place as a solo artist to behold. The album is perfectly experimental, a mix of funk, soul, and disco, and very much liked by critics.

HARRY’S CHILDHOOD AND FAMILY BACKGROUND

Born on February 1, 1994, in Red Ditch, Worcestershire, England, Harry Edward Styles grew up in the village of Holmes Chapel in Cheshire. His parents are Anne Twist, his mum, and Des Styles, his dad. Harry has got an older sister named Gemma.

Harry’s parents tragically divorced at the tender age of seven, after which he lived with his mother while paying regular visits to his father. Styles’ mum later remarried a man named Robin Twist. Both his mum and dad worked in finance.

HOW HE DISCOVERED HIS LOVE FOR MUSIC 

Some talents are nurtured from a very tender age, and Styles’ own is no exception. He had an innate interest in music at a very young age. He attended Holmes Chapel Comprehensive School, where he was a member of the School Choir. He also learned how to play the guitar during his school days.

It is said that his musical influences include Coldplay, The Beatles, and Elvis Presley.

In 2010, when he had attained sixteen years, he auditioned for the seventh season of the British X Factor Show where he failed as a solo artist. Although he did not make it past the audition round, he was encouraged to return for the reality show’s boot camp round.

After this, he started performing as a solo artist around Europe. In addition, he worked part-time at a bakery in Holmes Chapel, his hometown.

HARRY’S FORAY INTO ACTING

Harry is not only a successful musician, but he has also carved a name for himself in the world of acting. He made his acting debut in the film Dunkirk in 2017, playing a small role as Alex, a British soldier struggling to survive during the evacuation of Dunkirk in World War II. He had positive feedback and reviews of his performance, and others praised the musician for his natural acting ability.

In an interview with Rolling Stones in 2019, he expressed interest in continuing to pursue acting. “I love music, and I love writing and creating music, but I think there’s something really exciting about the idea of making a project that is completely visual, and not having to worry about the constraints of what can and can’t be done sonically.”

After Dunkirk, he has had several acting roles. He was cast in Don’t Worry Darling in 2019 directed by Olivia Wilde. The pop icon says he plans on producing and directing in the future. It is clear he has a bright future ahead of him (the rise of Harry Styles) because he has already directed several of his own music videos, including “Sign of the Times”.

ROMANTIC RELATIONSHIP 

Harry is renowned for keeping his personal affairs very secret. He has, however, been outspoken about his support for gender ambiguity and has been seen donning dresses and other typically feminine attire.

The pop sensation has been linked to several well-known love interests, including Taylor Swift, Kendall Jenner, and Camille Rowe.

PHILANTHROPIC WORK AND ACTIVISM

He has made a name for himself as a fashion icon and an advocate for social justice causes, particularly in the fields of LGBTQ+ rights and environmental sustainability. He also supports the Black Lives Matter revolution and has donated to various charities and funds.

PERSONAL STYLE AND FASHION INFLUENCE

Harry comes with his own style, and that has made him unique, setting him apart from the others. He is known to experiment with gender norms, hence having a strong belief in gender fluidity. He has landed collaborations with brands such as Gucci and Calvin Klein and has been featured in countless magazines of fashion. His signature wide-legged trousers, colorful suits, and shearling coats popularize him the more. His daring sense of fashion is simply top-notch.

CONCLUSION

Harry Styles’ journey and contribution from One Direction, to now solo stardom has been recognized in the music industry. He has received numerous awards and nominations including three Brit Awards, and American Music Award, and was named the “Global Entertainer of the Year” at the NRJ Awards. He has also received several Grammy nominations, and recently at the just-ended Grammys, he won Album of the Year and Pop Vocal Album of the Year with Harry’s House.

His impact, versatility, creativity, activism, and philanthropic work are undeniable. He has become an icon many young people around the world look up to as a role model.