Michael Bolton, the renowned American singer, songwriter, and record producer, has been a significant figure in the music industry for over four decades. Born on February 26, 1953, in New Haven, Connecticut, Bolton has captivated audiences with his powerful, soulful voice and versatile music style, which blends elements of pop, rock, jazz, and classical genres. Throughout his illustrious career, Bolton has released 35 studio albums, sold over 75 million records worldwide, and won numerous awards, including multiple Grammy Awards. In addition to his impressive music career, Bolton has also been recognized for his philanthropic efforts, particularly in the area of children's and women's health.
Key Points
- Michael Bolton's music career spans over 40 years, with 35 studio albums and over 75 million records sold worldwide.
- Bolton has won multiple Grammy Awards and has been recognized for his philanthropic efforts in children's and women's health.
- He has been involved with various charitable organizations, including the Michael Bolton Charities and the Michael Bolton Foundation.
- Bolton has performed at numerous benefit concerts and has donated to various health-related causes, including the American Cancer Society and the American Heart Association.
- His commitment to philanthropy has earned him numerous awards, including the Ellis Island Medal of Honor and the Starlight Children's Foundation's Humanitarian Award.
Early Life and Career

Bolton’s interest in music began at a young age, and he started playing the guitar and singing in local bands during his teenage years. After high school, he moved to Los Angeles to pursue a career in music, where he worked as a session musician and songwriter for various artists. In the 1970s, Bolton released his first few albums, which were moderately successful, but it wasn’t until the 1980s that he achieved mainstream success with his album “The Hunger” and the hit single “Fools Game”.
Rise to Fame
Bolton’s breakthrough came in 1989 with the release of his album “Soul Provider”, which included the hit singles “How Am I Supposed to Live Without You” and “Soul Provider”. The album was a massive commercial success, selling over 12 million copies in the United States alone, and earning Bolton his first Grammy Award. Throughout the 1990s, Bolton continued to release hit albums and singles, including “Time, Love & Tenderness”, “Steel Bars”, and “When a Man Loves a Woman”.
Album Title | Release Year | US Sales |
---|---|---|
Soul Provider | 1989 | 12 million |
Time, Love & Tenderness | 1991 | 10 million |
Steel Bars | 1997 | 2 million |
When a Man Loves a Woman | 1999 | 1 million |

Philanthropic Efforts

Bolton has been involved with various charitable organizations throughout his career, including the Michael Bolton Charities and the Michael Bolton Foundation. He has performed at numerous benefit concerts, including the “Michael Bolton & Friends” concert, which raised funds for the Children’s Hospital of Los Angeles. Bolton has also donated to various health-related causes, including the American Cancer Society, the American Heart Association, and the Starlight Children’s Foundation.
Health-Related Initiatives
In 1993, Bolton founded the Michael Bolton Charities, which focuses on supporting children’s and women’s health initiatives. The charity has provided funding for various programs, including the Michael Bolton Cancer Support Center at the UCLA Medical Center and the Michael Bolton Women’s Health Center at the Yale-New Haven Hospital. Bolton has also been involved with the American Heart Association’s “Go Red for Women” campaign, which aims to raise awareness about heart disease in women.
What is Michael Bolton's charitable focus?
+Michael Bolton's charitable focus is on supporting children's and women's health initiatives, particularly in the areas of cancer and heart disease.
What organizations has Michael Bolton worked with?
+Michael Bolton has worked with various organizations, including the Michael Bolton Charities, the Michael Bolton Foundation, the American Cancer Society, the American Heart Association, and the Starlight Children's Foundation.
What awards has Michael Bolton received for his philanthropic efforts?
+Michael Bolton has received numerous awards for his philanthropic efforts, including the Ellis Island Medal of Honor and the Starlight Children's Foundation's Humanitarian Award.
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