Birdy (singer)
A British singer-songwriter with an ethereal voice, who transformed a childhood cover into a global phenomenon and a career of haunting, introspective folk-pop.
Born 1996 (age 30)·British singer·Birthday: May 15·Millennials
Biography
Birdy, born Jasmine van den Bogaerde, entered the world's consciousness at just 14 with a sparse, piano-led cover of Bon Iver's 'Skinny Love.' The recording, made in her aunt's home studio, became an online sensation and a top-20 hit across multiple countries, setting a tone of profound melancholy that belied her age. Rather than fade as a novelty, she built a substantial career on her own terms. Her self-titled debut album was filled with similar haunting covers, but subsequent records revealed a gifted songwriter coming into her own. Collaborating with writers like Mumford & Sons' Ben Lovett, she crafted albums like 'Fire Within' and 'Beautiful Lies,' which blended folk intimacy with grand, cinematic production. Her music has soundtracked major films like 'The Hunger Games' and 'The Fault in Our Stars,' her voice providing an emotional anchor to sweeping narratives. Now in her twenties, Birdy has matured from a teen prodigy into a respected artist who translates quiet, personal reflection into universally resonant songs.
Millennials
1981–1996
The first digital natives. Grew up with the internet, came of age during 9/11 and the 2008 crash. Highly educated, deeply indebted, slower to marry and buy houses. Redefined work, identity, and what it means to be an adult.
Birdy was born in 1996, placing them squarely in the Millennials. The events that shaped this generation — the internet revolution, 9/11, and the 2008 financial crisis — shaped the world they entered and the choices available to them.
#1 When Birdy Was Born
The biggest hits of 1996
#1 Movie
Independence Day
Best Picture
The English Patient
#1 TV Show
ER
Birdy's Life & Times
The world at every milestone
1996Born
Dolly the sheep cloned
Gas: $1.23/galHome: $99,700Min wage: $4.75/hrPresident: Bill Clinton"Macarena" — Los del RioBest Picture: The English Patient
2001Started school
September 11 attacks transform the world
Gas: $1.46/galHome: $126,400Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: George W. Bush"Hanging by a Moment" — LifehouseBest Picture: A Beautiful Mind
2009Became a teenager
Michael Jackson dies; Bitcoin created
Gas: $2.35/galHome: $148,500Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Barack Obama"Boom Boom Pow" — The Black Eyed PeasBest Picture: The Hurt Locker
2012Could drive
Curiosity rover lands on Mars; Sandy Hook shooting
Gas: $3.64/galHome: $143,200Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Barack Obama"Somebody That I Used to Know" — GotyeBest Picture: Argo
2014Could vote
Russia annexes Crimea; Ebola outbreak in West Africa
Gas: $3.37/galHome: $160,700Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Barack Obama"Happy" — Pharrell WilliamsBest Picture: Birdman
2017Turned 21
#MeToo movement; solar eclipse crosses the US
Gas: $2.42/galHome: $195,000Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Donald Trump"Shape of You" — Ed SheeranBest Picture: The Shape of Water
2026Turned 30
Gas: $3.91/galPresident: Donald Trump
Key Achievements
- Her debut single, a cover of Bon Iver's 'Skinny Love,' reached the top 20 in over ten countries and was certified multi-platinum.
- Won the Open Mic UK music competition in 2008 at the age of 12, launching her career.
- Has had multiple songs featured in major film soundtracks, including 'The Hunger Games: Catching Fire' and 'The Fault in Our Stars'.
- Her album 'Fire Within' debuted at number one on the UK Albums Chart in 2013.
Did You Know?
Her stage name, Birdy, came from a childhood nickname because she would open her mouth like a baby bird to be fed.
She is the great-great-niece of Sir Dirk Bogarde, the famous British actor and novelist.
She taught herself to play piano by ear from a very young age.
She recorded her breakthrough version of 'Skinny Love' in her aunt's home studio for a school project.
“I've always been quite shy, and music was a way of expressing things I couldn't say out loud.”
