Around this time last year, I was driving in my car when I heard an incredible young voice on the radio accompanied by the sound of a beautiful piano in the background. The song was "See You Again," a touching tribute to actor Paul Walker that was featured that summer in the movie, "Furious 7." It was pretty evident that the rapper in the song was the well-known Wiz Khalifa, but I was puzzled trying to put a name to the vocals that were featured in the chorus. I discovered that the talented singer was none other than up and coming, 24-year-old Charlie Puth, who I had honestly never heard of before. I started to come across several more of his songs and like many other people, instantly fell in love with the new artist. With a sold out tour under his belt, an album that just went certified gold, and two more singles gracing the airways this summer, Charlie Puth is rising to serious stardom. If you are just now hopping on the Puth train (or obviously need to get on it), here are 15 things you should know about the singer.
1. It all started on YouTube.
In 2009, Charlie started his own YouTube channel where he gained popularity by posting funny videos and acoustic song covers.
2. He's a Jersey boy.
Jersey is the best. Okay, so maybe I'm a little biased considering I'm a Jersey native myself. The 24-year-old musician is from Rumson, New Jersey. Although he just recently bought a house in the Hollywood Hills, Charlie still enjoys coming home to the Garden state to spend time with his family. In fact, when asked where his favorite place in the world is, Charlie answered that it was "home with his family".
3. He graduated from Berkley School of Music and he has a degree in music production and engineering.
Prior to that he attended the Manhattan School of Music Pre-College where he majored in jazz piano and minored in classical piano. Charlie puts those piano skills to good use during his concerts and fans get to hear some beautiful piano solos during his shows. Did I mention he has perfect pitch? Yup, Charlie can identify and re-create any note he hears; something that only around one in ten thousand people can do.
4. It was Ellen who gave him his first record deal.![]()
In 2011, the wonderful Ellen DeGeneres discovered a cover song performed by Charlie and his friend, Emily Luther, and invited them to be on her show. During the show, Ellen announced that she was signing the both of them to her new record label.
5. He and Meghan Trainor had the kiss of the year.
For anyone who may have been living under a rock and didn't get to see last year's American Music Awards, Charlie and Meghan took part in a 15 second onstage make out session that would put even the Madonna/Britney kiss to shame.
6. He has a really laid back style.
Charlie's go-to outfit is an unbuttoned flannel, a vintage t--shirt, straight leg jeans, and a pair of nice sneakers.
7. He recorded his latest album, Nine Track Mind, in his bedroom.
If Charlie were to bring a girl into his room and say, "This is where the magic happens"...he wouldn't be saying it as a cheesy pick up line. In fact, he makes his music right on his Mac. Proof that you don't need a fancy recording studio to make amazing music.
8. Funny is his middle name.
9. He's currently single, (...but he and Selena Gomez would certainly make an adorable couple).
The two have a catchy single out right now called "We Don't Talk Anymore" and it's fire. Fun fact: like the rest of his songs, Charlie wrote and produced the duet. He actually got the inspiration from a phone conversation he had with one of his buddies. He asked Selena if she wanted in on the song, had her record it in his closet (yes, a closet) and well, the rest is history.
10. He grew up with an incredible taste in music.
Charlie's music taste proves he is definitely not your average Millennial. Charlie credits his parents for the type of music he grew up listening to. Artists like James Taylor, Marvin Gaye, and Bruce Springsteen are just a few of the classic artists Charlie admires.
11. You've probably heard songs he has written or produced, without even realizing it.
In addition to being a singer, Charlie is actually a well-respected song writer and music producer for other artists such as Trey Songz, Jason Derulo, Lil Wayne, and even music legend, Stevie Wonder.
12. Stop asking if his eyebrow is a fashion statement.
Probably one of Charlie's most distinct physical characteristics is his eyebrow. However, it's worth noting that his signature eyebrow isn't a tribute to Vanilla Ice. Charlie was actually attacked by a dog when he was two years old. As a result he received over 400 stitches and the unique scar that we see today.
13. He truly loves his fans.
Okay, so I think it's safe to say that I have some expert knowledge on this one...
A fan once got scammed online trying to buy tickets to see him in concert. So what did Charlie do when he got wind of her situation? He surprised the fan at her high school and sang her a song in front of her entire school. It doesn't get much cuter than that.
14. That's his younger brother in the "One Call Away" music video.
And as you can see, Stephen is equally as handsome as his big brother.
15. He's just getting started.
Right now the New Jersey native is opening for the legendary Billy Joel, but he will be going back on for his second tour, the We Don't Talk Tour, starting this September.
