Jess Glynne
The powerhouse voice behind a string of UK chart-toppers, she carved a space for bold, soul-infused pop anthems about resilience and self-acceptance.
Born 1989 (age 37)·British singer·Birthday: October 20·Millennials
Biography
Jess Glynne announced herself with a one-two punch that would define her career: featuring on two consecutive UK number-one singles in 2014. Her unmistakable, husky-toned voice powered Clean Bandit's 'Rather Be' and Route 94's 'My Love,' instantly making her the voice of the moment. Rather than remain a featured artist, she swiftly stepped into the spotlight with her debut album, 'I Cry When I Laugh,' which debuted at number one. Its hits, like 'Hold My Hand,' fused gospel-tinged soul with dance-floor-ready production, creating a signature sound of uplifting catharsis. Glynne's lyrics often grapple with heartbreak and personal struggle, offering a raw honesty that resonates deeply with fans. With a record-breaking seven UK number-one singles to her name, she has solidified her place as one of Britain's most successful pop exports of the 2010s, all while maintaining a distinctive, unvarnished vocal style.
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.
Jess was born in 1989, 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 Jess Was Born
The biggest hits of 1989
#1 Movie
Batman
Best Picture
Driving Miss Daisy
#1 TV Show
Roseanne
Jess's Life & Times
The world at every milestone
1989Born
Berlin Wall falls; Tiananmen Square protests
Gas: $1.00/galHome: $79,100Min wage: $3.35/hrPresident: George H.W. Bush"Look Away" — ChicagoBest Picture: Driving Miss Daisy
1994Started school
Nelson Mandela elected president of South Africa
Gas: $1.11/galHome: $90,400Min wage: $4.25/hrPresident: Bill Clinton"The Sign" — Ace of BaseBest Picture: Forrest Gump
2002Became a teenager
Euro currency enters circulation
Gas: $1.36/galHome: $137,800Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: George W. Bush"How You Remind Me" — NickelbackBest Picture: Chicago
2005Could drive
Hurricane Katrina devastates New Orleans; YouTube launches
Gas: $2.30/galHome: $167,500Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: George W. Bush"We Belong Together" — Mariah CareyBest Picture: Crash
2007Could vote
iPhone released; Great Recession begins
Gas: $2.80/galHome: $172,600Min wage: $5.85/hrPresident: George W. Bush"Irreplaceable" — BeyonceBest Picture: No Country for Old Men
2010Turned 21
Deepwater Horizon oil spill; iPad launched
Gas: $2.79/galHome: $147,800Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Barack Obama"Tik Tok" — KeshaBest Picture: The King's Speech
2019Turned 30
First image of a black hole; Hong Kong protests
Gas: $2.60/galHome: $224,400Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Donald Trump"Old Town Road" — Lil Nas XBest Picture: Parasite
2026Age 37 today
Gas: $3.91/galPresident: Donald Trump
Key Achievements
- Holds the record for the most number-one singles in the UK by a British female solo artist (seven).
- Her debut studio album, 'I Cry When I Laugh,' entered the UK Albums Chart at number one in 2015.
- Kicked off her career by featuring on two consecutive UK number-one singles: 'Rather Be' and 'My Love.'
- Her hit single 'Hold My Hand' became a global anthem, achieving multi-platinum status in several countries.
Did You Know?
She has a large, distinctive tattoo of a rose on her right arm.
Before her music career took off, she worked in fashion PR.
She is a lifelong supporter of the English football club Arsenal FC.
Her signature hairstyle, a bright red bob, has become a major part of her public image.
“I'm not trying to be anyone else. I'm just trying to be the best version of me.”
