Births on May 4

Gregg Alexander, American singer-songwriter and producer

Gregg Alexander, born Gregory Aiuto on May 4, 1970, is a distinguished American musician, singer-songwriter, and producer whose multifaceted career has adeptly navigated the bright spotlight of international fame and the creative depths behind the scenes. While many recognize him most readily for his iconic work as the frontman of The New Radicals, his profound contributions to the music world extend far beyond that pivotal moment, encompassing early solo endeavors and a highly successful, often understated, transition into songwriting and production for other acclaimed artists.

Before achieving widespread international fame that would define a chapter of his career, Alexander diligently cultivated his craft as a solo artist. During the late 1980s and early 1990s, he released two notable solo albums that showcased his developing musical style, lyrical prowess, and independent spirit: Michigan Rain and Intoxifornication. These early works were instrumental in laying the foundation for the eclectic sound and thoughtful songwriting that would later characterize his most celebrated and recognizable projects.

The New Radicals and an International Sensation

Gregg Alexander truly captured global attention as the creative force and lead vocalist behind the alternative rock band The New Radicals. Their indelible mark on music history was made in late 1998 with the release of the single "You Get What You Give." This infectious anthem, known for its irresistibly catchy melody, its optimistic yet pointedly critical lyrics (famously calling out specific celebrities), and its memorable, energetic music video, quickly ascended charts worldwide. It became an international hit and stood out as a defining song of its era, resonating deeply with a generation and firmly establishing Alexander as a distinctive, if somewhat enigmatic, voice in popular music.

Despite the immense, almost overnight success and the band's uniquely engaging sound, Alexander made the surprising and swift decision to dissolve The New Radicals in 1999, at the very peak of their popularity. This deliberate move allowed him to pivot his creative energy entirely towards songwriting and production work for other artists, a role he publicly indicated he found more creatively fulfilling and less demanding than the relentless touring and public scrutiny associated with being a band's frontman.

A Grammy-Winning Songwriter and Producer

Alexander's strategic pivot proved to be remarkably successful, solidifying his reputation as a formidable talent behind the scenes. His masterful songwriting continued to yield significant accolades, including a prestigious Grammy Award in 2003. This honor was bestowed upon him for co-writing the critically acclaimed and commercially successful song "The Game of Love," a vibrant and memorable collaboration between the legendary guitarist Santana and the singer Michelle Branch. This award powerfully underscored Alexander's versatility and his innate ability to craft hits that could resonate across different musical genres and appeal to diverse global audiences.

His contributions to film music further highlighted his prolific and adaptive output. Alexander later lent his exceptional songwriting talents to the 2013 musical drama film Begin Again, a story celebrating music and second chances. Among the poignant and beautifully crafted tracks he co-penned for the film was "Lost Stars," a melancholic yet hopeful ballad masterfully performed in the movie by Adam Levine and Keira Knightley. "Lost Stars" garnered significant recognition, earning a coveted nomination for an Academy Award for Best Original Song. This nomination further cemented his status as a songwriter capable of crafting timeless, emotionally resonant compositions that transcend traditional music industry boundaries and perfectly complement cinematic narratives.

Frequently Asked Questions About Gregg Alexander

Who is Gregg Alexander?

Gregg Alexander, born Gregory Aiuto on May 4, 1970, is a highly regarded American musician, singer-songwriter, and producer. He is widely recognized for his work as the frontman of The New Radicals and for his subsequent highly successful career as a songwriter and producer for numerous other artists.

What is Gregg Alexander best known for?

He is primarily known for leading the band The New Radicals and for writing their massive international hit song "You Get What You Give" in 1998. Beyond this, he is also celebrated for his significant songwriting contributions to other artists, including the Grammy-winning "The Game of Love" and the Academy Award-nominated "Lost Stars."

Why did The New Radicals break up?

Gregg Alexander made the decision to dissolve The New Radicals in 1999, shortly after their major success. He openly stated a strong preference for focusing on songwriting and production work for other artists, finding this role more creatively fulfilling and less encumbered by the public demands and touring obligations associated with being a band's frontman.

What major awards has Gregg Alexander won or been nominated for?

Gregg Alexander won a prestigious Grammy Award in 2003 for co-writing "The Game of Love," famously performed by Santana featuring Michelle Branch. He was also nominated for an Academy Award for Best Original Song in 2015 for "Lost Stars," a poignant track he co-penned for the film Begin Again.

What other notable songs has Gregg Alexander written?

While "You Get What You Give," "The Game of Love," and "Lost Stars" are his most prominent and celebrated works, Alexander has contributed his songwriting talents to a variety of artists. His earlier solo albums, Michigan Rain and Intoxifornication, also feature a wealth of original material he wrote during the formative stages of his prolific career.