Rory Charles Graham, most famously known as Rag'n'Bone Man, is a prominent English singer celebrated for his distinctive deep baritone voice. His rise to fame began with the release of his hit single "Human" in 2016, followed by his debut album Human in 2017. This article explores Graham's career trajectory, his musical achievements, and addresses the topic of potential weight loss.
Early Life and Career Beginnings
Born on January 29, 1985, in Eastbourne, East Sussex, Rory Charles Graham's journey into music started in his teens. He attended Ringmer Secondary School, from which he was expelled, and later enrolled at Uckfield College. Inspired by the BBC sitcom Steptoe and Son, at the age of 15 he began MCing with a drum and bass crew, adopting the handle Rag 'N' Bonez.
While at school, Graham participated in a community project supported by The Prince's Trust, which involved painting and gardening in Crowborough. Subsequently, he moved to Brighton. There, his friend GI3MO formed the rap group Rum Committee, inviting Graham to join. This led to performances at Slip-jam B, where he connected with individuals who aided in launching his career.
Over the following years, the Rum Committee supported hip hop artists such as Pharoahe Monch and KRS-One at Brighton's Concorde 2. In 2012, they released their album Boozetown through Bandcamp and other digital stores. Shortly before the album's release, Graham had the opportunity to support Joan Armatrading at Brighton Dome.
Musical Development and Breakthrough
In 2011, Graham began collaborating with UK hip hop label High Focus Records, releasing recordings with MC Leaf Dog titled Dog 'n Bone (2013) and a project with MC Dirty Dike titled Put That Soul on Me (2014). Around this time, he started working with record producer Mark Crew, who was then involved with Bastille's debut album, Bad Blood.
Read also: Bone Broth Benefits with Miracle Noodle
In 2014, in collaboration with Mark Crew, Graham released the EP Wolves through Best Laid Plans Records, featuring artists such as Vince Staples, Stig of the Dump, and Kae Tempest. He also appeared on Bastille's third mixtape, VS. (Other People's Heartache, Pt. III), on the song "Remains," along with Skunk Anansie. In 2015, he released another EP, Disfigured, also through Best Laid Plans Records.
"Human" and Album Success
Graham's breakthrough came with the release of "Human" on Columbia Records in July 2016. The single reached number one in Austria, Belgium, Germany, and Switzerland, earning Gold certifications in several countries. "Human" gained further recognition as the theme music for the Amazon Prime shows Oasis (2017) and Tom Clancy’s Jack Ryan (2018).
His debut album, also titled Human, was released on February 10, 2017, featuring the hit single "Skin" and tracks produced by Mark Crew, Two Inch Punch, and Jonny Coffer. The album was a commercial success, becoming the fastest-selling debut album by a male artist in the UK for the decade and achieving 4× Platinum certification. He won the BBC Music Award for Album of the Year in 2017. At the 2017 Brit Awards, he was named British Breakthrough Act and received the Critics' Choice Award.
Collaborations and Later Work
Following the success of Human, Rag'n'Bone Man performed at headline shows and festivals globally, collaborating with artists from various genres, including Bugzy Malone, Logic, and Calvin Harris. In January 2019, he collaborated with Calvin Harris on the song "Giant," which peaked at number two on the UK Singles Chart.
In January 2021, Graham released "All You Ever Wanted," the lead single from his second studio album, Life by Misadventure. He then collaborated with Pink on the second single, "Anywhere Away from Here." Further singles from the album included "Alone," "Crossfire," and "Fall in Love Again."
Read also: Benefits and Risks of Bone Broth Diet
Rag 'n' Bone Man and the "Rag and Bone" Trade
The name "Rag 'n' Bone Man" is a reference to the historical occupation of rag-and-bone men. These individuals collected unwanted household items and sold them to merchants, dealing in scraps of cloth, paper, broken glass, and metals. The profession, though often associated with poverty, was considered an honest way to earn a living. The character and occupation were further popularized by the BBC's television comedy Steptoe and Son.
Weight Loss: An Unconfirmed Aspect
While information about Rag'n'Bone Man's career and musical achievements is readily available, there is no confirmed information available regarding any specific weight loss journey. Publicly available sources, including interviews and biographies, primarily focus on his musical endeavors rather than his personal fitness or weight management. It's important to note that without concrete evidence or statements from the artist, any discussion about his weight loss is speculative.
Personal Life
Graham has a son with his ex-wife, Beth Rouy.
Read also: Bone Broth Fasting: A Detailed Look