Daniel Merriweather, Australian singer-songwriter

Daniel Paul Merriweather, born on 17 February 1982, is an acclaimed Australian R&B and soul recording artist renowned for his distinctive, emotive vocals. His career has spanned successful solo releases, significant collaborations, and prestigious industry awards, establishing him as a prominent figure in contemporary soul music.

Daniel Merriweather's Breakthrough Solo Career

Merriweather's debut solo album, titled Love & War, was officially released in June 2009. This highly anticipated record quickly made a significant impact, soaring to number two on the competitive UK Albums Chart. The album's success was largely propelled by its two preceding singles, "Change" and "Red," both of which secured top 10 positions on the related UK Singles Chart. "Change" particularly resonated with audiences for its soulful delivery and poignant lyrics, while "Red" showcased Merriweather's vocal prowess over a compelling rhythm and blues arrangement. The critical reception for Love & War was largely positive, often highlighting its rich production and Merriweather's powerful voice, which drew comparisons to classic soul artists.

Accolades and Recognition: ARIA Music Awards

Daniel Merriweather's talent has been recognised with two prestigious ARIA Music Awards, Australia's premier music industry awards. In 2005, he received the Best Urban Release award for his single "She's Got Me," an early indicator of his burgeoning career and unique sound. His debut album, Love & War, further solidified his standing, earning him the Best Male Artist award in 2009, a testament to the album's widespread appeal and his individual artistry.

Collaborations and International Prominence

Beyond his solo endeavours, Daniel Merriweather has proven to be a highly sought-after featured vocalist, lending his powerful voice to tracks by various well-known artists. His guest vocals have enriched album tracks for Australian acts such as Disco Montego and Phrase, showcasing his versatility early in his career.

Pivotal Work with Mark Ronson

His collaborations with internationally acclaimed British-American DJ and record producer Mark Ronson were particularly pivotal, propelling Merriweather into the global spotlight. This partnership led to extensive work in the United Kingdom, culminating in his iconic lead vocals on Ronson's 2007 hit single "Stop Me." This track was a soulful, brass-heavy cover version of "Stop Me If You Think You've Heard This One Before," originally by the legendary British rock band The Smiths. Featured on Ronson's Grammy-nominated album Version, Merriweather's reinterpretation offered a fresh, modern take on the classic, earning him widespread critical acclaim and significantly boosting his international profile.

A Return to Music: "Everything I Need" and Beyond

After a significant hiatus from releasing new solo material, Daniel Merriweather delighted fans in November 2019 by announcing his first single in ten years, 'Everything I Need.' This comeback track was met with anticipation and was soon followed by an announcement of an upcoming album, signalling a new chapter in his musical journey. To celebrate his return and connect with his audience, Merriweather also performed a series of sold-out London gigs, demonstrating his enduring popularity and powerful live presence.

Personal Life and Family

In his personal life, Daniel Merriweather has been in a relationship with lawyer Coleen Mensa since 2017. The couple's journey together reached a new milestone in 2020 when Merriweather announced their engagement. Later that same year, Daniel and Coleen welcomed their son into the world, Zion Daniel Kojo Merriweather.

Frequently Asked Questions About Daniel Merriweather

When was Daniel Merriweather born?

Daniel Paul Merriweather was born on 17 February 1982.

What is Daniel Merriweather's most famous song?

While his solo singles "Change" and "Red" were major hits, he is widely recognised for his lead vocals on Mark Ronson's 2007 global hit "Stop Me," a cover of The Smiths' track.

Has Daniel Merriweather won any awards?

Yes, Daniel Merriweather has won two ARIA Music Awards: Best Urban Release in 2005 for "She's Got Me" and Best Male Artist in 2009 for his album Love & War.

What is the title of Daniel Merriweather's debut album?

His debut solo album is titled Love & War, released in June 2009.

When did Daniel Merriweather release new music after his hiatus?

After a ten-year break from solo releases, Daniel Merriweather announced his new single 'Everything I Need' in November 2019, followed by an album announcement.