Full Name | Colbie Marie Caillat |
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Age | 38 years old |
Birthday | May 28, 1985 |
Birthplace | Newbury Park, California, United States |
Relationship Status | Engaged to Justin Young |
Height | 5‘ 9" |
Net Worth | $10 million |
Social Media | Facebook, Instagram, YouTube |
Early Life and Musical Influences
Born in 1985 to producer Ken Caillat, Colbie Caillat grew up immersed in music from legends like Fleetwood Mac and the Beach Boys. According to Caillat, she was singing before she could talk, developing an early affinity for soulful vocalists like Lauryn Hill, Bob Marley, and Otis Redding. Their lyrical and melodic vulnerability inspired Caillat as she started writing her own songs as a teenager.
After brief enrollment at UC Santa Barbara, Caillat decided to leave college and pursue music professionally. She moved to LA and hustled to get her music out, playing acoustic shows and selling homemade CDs. But it was through Myspace that Colbie Caillat‘s music truly broke through.
Breakout Online Success with "Bubbly"
Uploading tracks on Myspace in 2006, Caillat quickly amassed fans drawn to her warm ukulele chords and inviting vocal tone. When she put out "Bubbly," it resonated with listeners instantly. As Caillat told Billboard, "I wrote ‘Bubbly‘ about the nervous excitement of having a crush on someone. I just hoped people would connect with the feeling."
Connect they did—the song skyrocketed to #1 on pop charts, selling 2.2 million downloads. Caillat‘s debut album Coco opened at #5 on the Billboard 200, eventually going double platinum. With her breakthrough, Colbie Caillat emerged as an artist who could make relatability feel sunny.
Evolution into a Versatile Singer-Songwriter
Coco put Caillat on the map, but she continued evolving her peppy acoustic pop sound. On later albums like Breakthrough and All of You, she infused poppier arrangements and production while retaining emotional depth. Tracks like "I Never Told You" and "It Stops Today" revealed vulnerability amidst the upbeat melodies.
As her producer Mikal Blue told Billboard, "Colbie can write accessible, catchy pop songs all day long. But she can also pen vulnerable ballads and uplifting anthems with the same level of finesse." She flexed her versatility on collabs with everyone from Common to Gavin DeGraw.
Career Highlights: Grammys, Hit Singles, and Sold-Out Tours
In 2010, Caillat won her first Grammy for her duet "Lucky" with Jason Mraz—just one of her many Hot 100 hits. She‘s had a string of multi-platinum singles, from "Realize" to "Brighter Than the Sun" to "Try." Her 2014 single "Try" has sold over 2.5 million copies, making it one of her biggest hits.
On tour, Caillat has packed venues across Asia, Europe, and North America multiple times over. She even performed for the Nobel Peace Prize Concert in 2009. After over a decade of success, one thing is clear—fans just can‘t get enough of Colbie Caillat‘s irresistibly upbeat hits.
Using Her Platform to Advocate for Causes
A passionate advocate for various causes, Colbie Caillat has participated in PETA‘s anti-fur campaigns and taken part in Pride parades. According to Caillat, "I want to use my platform not just to make feel-good music, but to promote acceptance and illuminate issues that are important to me."
Most recently, Caillat has been outspoken about mental health struggles, bravely sharing her own experiences with anxiety and depression. By opening up, she aims to help fans feel less alone in their battles.
Recent Projects and New Music
In 2018, Caillat and partner Justin Young formed the country duo Gone West and released the hits "What Could‘ve Been" and "Slow Down." Though they disbanded in 2020, the project showed Caillat‘s adaptability across genres.
Fans continue hoping for a new solo album from Caillat soon. In 2022, she‘s released singles "For the Last Time" and "Here Comes the Sun," staying true to her signature laidback style. Given her proven talent for timeless tunes, I know any new music from Colbie will earn a spot on my summer playlist for years to come!
Why Colbie Caillat‘s Music Resonates Over a Decade Later
With her breezy acoustic melodies and candid lyrics, Colbie Caillat‘s music taps into nostalgia and emotion in a rare yet relatable way. She represents the quintessential summer pop artist, bringing warmth and positivity even to songs about heartbreak.
Looking back, it‘s clear Colbie Caillat‘s longevity comes not just from talent, but from her honest connection with listeners. We‘ve grown up with her vulnerable storytelling, uplifting themes, and universally catchy hooks. While musical trends come and go, Caillat‘s songs remain timeless mood-boosters. It‘s this magical sincerity that makes me eager to hear what sunny melodies she has in store next.