George Ezra

George Ezra – Life, Music & Memorable Quotes

George Ezra (born June 7, 1993) is an English singer-songwriter known for his deep, resonant voice and hits like “Budapest” and “Shotgun.” Learn his biography, musical journey, influences, and some of his notable quotes.

Introduction

George Ezra Barnett—better known simply as George Ezra—has carved out a distinctive niche in modern pop music through a blend of folk, blues, and soulful pop. His rich baritone voice, strong melodies, and honest lyrics helped him rise quickly in the 2010s. With multiple chart-topping albums and global hits, Ezra is both a commercial success and a respected artist among his peers.

In this article, we’ll trace his origins, musical evolution, key works, style and influences, his personal life, and some of his notable words. Whether you’re a longtime fan or just discovering his sound, this is your full guide to George Ezra.

Early Life and Family

George Ezra Barnett was born on 7 June 1993 in Hertford, Hertfordshire, England. His parents were both educators: his father, Paul Barnett, taught at Barnwell School, and his mother, Gillian, was also involved in education. He has two siblings: an older sister Jessica, who often works with him (touring support, etc.), and a younger brother Ethan Barnett, who also pursues music under the stage name Ten Tonnes.

Ezra attended Bengeo Primary School and later Simon Balle School in Hertford. In 2011, he moved to Bristol to study songwriting at the British and Irish Modern Music Institute (BIMM).

Musical Career & Achievements

Early Breakthrough & Debut EPs

While in Bristol, Ezra began performing and creating original material. In October 2013, he released his debut EP Did You Hear the Rain?. A few months later, in March 2014, he released a second EP titled Cassy O’.

It was the single “Budapest” that truly launched him into the international spotlight. The song reached high chart positions in multiple countries.

Studio Albums & Hit Singles

• Wanted on Voyage (2014)
  This was his debut studio album. It reached #1 in the UK and also charted in the top ten in several other countries. The album became one of the best-selling albums of 2014 in the UK.

• Staying at Tamara’s (2018)
  His second album also hit #1 in the UK. Singles like “Paradise” and “Shotgun” from this album were big hits — “Shotgun” became his first #1 single in the UK, Ireland, and Australia.

• Gold Rush Kid (2022)
  His third studio album, released on 10 June 2022, also claimed the #1 spot in the UK. It was supported by singles including “Anyone for You (Tiger Lily)”, “Green Green Grass”, and “I Went Hunting”.

Other Highlights & Recognition

• In February 2019, George Ezra won the Brit Award for British Male Solo Artist.

• He has also hosted a podcast called George Ezra & Friends, where he interviews other musicians.

• His tours, festival appearances, and TV performances (e.g. Saturday Night Live) have helped cement his international presence.

Musical Style & Influences

Voice & Sound
Ezra is noted for having a deep, resonant baritone voice, which contrasts with his relatively young age. His sound weaves elements of folk, blues, soul, and pop.

Influences
He has cited Bob Dylan and Woody Guthrie as key influences in his songwriting and musical sensibility. Additionally, Ezra explored American folk and blues artists such as Lead Belly, which informed his vocal style and interest in expressive musical forms.

His approach often emphasizes acoustic instrumentation, strong melodic hooks, and lyric clarity, allowing his voice and lyrics to sit at the forefront of his songs.

Personal Life & Interests

Ezra has been open about mental health; he has said he lives with Pure O (a form of OCD characterized by mental rather than physical compulsions). During the COVID-19 lockdown period, he adopted Transcendental Meditation (TM) as a practice to slow his mind and find calm.

In terms of relationships, he was in a long-term relationship with Florrie Arnold, but that ended after several years.

Memorable Quotes by George Ezra

While Ezra is more known for his music than for quotable public statements, here are a few remarks reflecting his mindset:

• On his musical influences and experimentation:

  “Out of curiosity, I went to find how high I can jump off a cliff. That’s when I found Lead Belly, Woody Guthrie and Howlin’ Wolf.”

• On voice and identity:

  Some critics have said his voice sounds “beyond his years,” having a soulful tone more often associated with older, traditional blues or folk singers.

• On taking breaks and slowing down:

  He has spoken of using TM: “Oftentimes I don’t get many times through the mantra, I just think about all sorts of nonsense, but it’s 20 minutes of stopping, which is good.”

These quotes reveal a reflective artist who values exploration, voice, and mental clarity.

Lessons & Takeaways

From George Ezra’s journey and artistry, a few meaningful lessons emerge:

1. Authenticity and uniqueness matter
   His deep voice and honest songwriting set him apart in a crowded musical field.

2. Influences can broaden your voice, not limit it
   Drawing from folk, blues, and classic songwriters enriched his palette without making him derivative.

3. Consistency and growth pay off
   From early EPs to chart-topping albums, Ezra built momentum steadily through strong songs and live performances.

4. Mental health matters — rest is part of artistry
   His openness about OCD and his practices around mental calm remind us that creative life includes caring for the self.

5. Collaboration and variety expand reach
   Podcasting, touring, and media appearances show that being a musician today means engaging multiple platforms.

Conclusion

George Ezra is a rare modern artist whose musical voice feels both timeless and fresh. With a commanding baritone, well-crafted songs, and a grounded public presence, he has built both popular and critical success. His story—from a young man in Hertford to a global music figure—demonstrates that talent paired with sincerity, exploration, and balance can resonate widely.