Gnarls Barkley Biography

Gnarls Barkley, the dynamic American soul duo, is an artistic collaboration between singer-songwriter CeeLo Green and producer Danger Mouse. Their musical journey took flight with the release of their debut studio album, "St. Elsewhere," in 2006. The album showcased the mega-hit "Crazy," a song that skyrocketed to number two on the US Hot 100 chart and claimed the top spot on the UK Singles Chart. The track earned a Grammy Award nomination for Record of the Year and achieved platinum status by selling over a million records.

"St. Elsewhere" wasn't just about one hit wonder; the album received widespread acclaim and even secured a Grammy nomination for Album of the Year. The follow-up, "The Odd Couple," initially set for an April 2008 release, was unleashed earlier due to an internet leak. The album garnered positive reviews and continued to build on the duo's reputation for delivering captivating music.

Before their collaboration as Gnarls Barkley, both CeeLo Green and Danger Mouse had distinctive careers. CeeLo Green's journey began with the Atlanta hip hop group Goodie Mob, contributing significantly to the Dirty South movement in the 1990s. Danger Mouse, known as Brian Joseph Burton, had produced for various artists, including Gorillaz and The Black Keys. He gained widespread recognition for his mash-up creation, "The Grey Album," blending Jay-Z's "The Black Album" with The Beatles' "White Album."

The origins of their band name, Gnarls Barkley, remain shrouded in mystery, much like their eclectic music. CeeLo Green humorously stated that the name had no fixed anchor and was a "drifter" of sorts. Danger Mouse added that there was no particular story behind it, emphasizing their inclination toward artistic freedom and unpredictability. Their diverse and shape-shifting musical style, which CeeLo described as "electric industrial Euro soul," embodied the essence of Gnarls Barkley.

The release of "Crazy" in 2006 marked the turning point in their career. The song's unique recording process, with CeeLo Green nailing the vocals in a single take, added to its allure. "Crazy" became the first single in the UK to top the charts purely based on download sales, staying at number one for an impressive nine weeks. It even equaled the record for the longest consecutive stay at number one since Wet Wet Wet's "Love Is All Around" in 1994. The song's impact extended to television and film, making it a timeless classic.

Their debut album, "St. Elsewhere," released in the UK in April 2006 and in the US in May, achieved platinum status and earned Grammy nominations for Record of the Year and Album of the Year. The success of "Crazy" propelled them to tour with the Red Hot Chili Peppers in early 2007.

"The Odd Couple," their sophomore album, faced an early release due to an internet leak in March 2008. While it didn't replicate the wild success of their debut, it continued to showcase their innovative approach to music. The EP "Who's Gonna Save My Soul" followed, featuring various versions of the song and a music video directed by Walter Robot.

Gnarls Barkley has hinted at a third album in the works, promising more artistic experimentation. Their unique journey through the music industry has solidified their status as a genre-blurring, rule-defying duo, ready to leave their mark on the music world once again.