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Top 20 Facts  about Pharrell Williams

Originally Published by Ian S in November 2022 and Updated by Pamela in January 2024

Pharrell Lanscilo Williams, sometimes known as simply Pharrell, is an American singer-songwriter, rapper, record producer, film producer, and businessman. As a musician, composer, and producer, Pharrell Williams has established himself as a major figure in contemporary music. He has had a long, excellent music career that includes both the music he has created for himself and others. It might be challenging to keep track of all of the successes that the American performer has achieved.

He’s been working on his music career for a long time, so it’s not surprising that he’s one of the most popular and financially successful musicians right now in America hailing from Virginia. He has collaborated with several well-known musicians and worked on a wide range of musical genres. His presence will always be vibrant. He not only contributed to changing how pop music is seen, but he also stole every stage with his ambiance. Let’s check out some top 20 facts about the entertainer.

1. Pharrell was born in Virginia Beach, Virginia, on April 5, 1973

Pharrell Lanscilo Williams, the oldest of the three sons of teacher Carolyn and handyman Pharoah Williams, was born in Virginia Beach on April 5, 1973. His family has a long history in Virginia and North Carolina. One of his ancestors traveled to West Africa in 1831, and as a result, more family members left the United States for Liberia in 1832.

2. Pharrell met Chad Hugo at a band camp in seventh grade

Chad Hugo performing with N.E.R.D. at The Warfield in San Francisco in July 2009 photo by Seher Sikandar for rehes creative –

Williams played percussion in the school band when he was younger, and he connected with saxophone Chad Hugo because of their same interests. Known professionally as Chad Hugo, Charles Edward Hugo is an American record producer, singer, songwriter, and multi-instrumentalist. Williams and Hugo committed their lives to making beats and music, and in high school, they adopted the moniker “the Neptunes.”

Many of Pharrell Williams’ songs are co-produced and co-written by the legendary Chad Hugo, a phenomenal musician in his own right who has collaborated with Pharrell from the beginning of their respective careers. They have known each other for years and are the greatest of friends. At a music summer camp, they first connected when they were 12 years old, and they hit it off right away. They clicked musically and personally, and they almost immediately began working together.

3. He was discovered by Teddy Riley at a high school talent show

Teddy Riley photo by Christopher Diont’e – Wikimedia commons

Producer Teddy Riley spotted Pharrell in a high school talent event; his first taste of fame was writing a verse to Wreckx-n-Effect hit “Rump Shaker” in 1992. In the early 1990s, Williams (together with Hugo, Timbaland, and Magoo) created the hip-hop trio Surrounded by Idiots, which disintegrated before recording any songs.

He subsequently founded the Neptunes, a four-piece “R&B-type” band with pals Shay Haley and Mike Etheridge. They joined a high school talent event, where they were spotted by producer Teddy Riley, whose studio was just next to the school. The group signed with Riley after graduation.

4. He dropped out of Northwestern University to pursue music full time

He participated in the school band while he was a student at Princess Anne High School. Williams left high school in 1991 and spent two years at Northwestern University before dropping out. Northwestern University is a private research university in Evanston, Illinois. Founded in 1851, Northwestern is the oldest chartered university in Illinois and is ranked among the most prestigious academic institutions in the world.

5. He became the lead vocalist of the band N.E.R.D in 1999

Pharrell Williams performing with N.E.R.D in Pori Jazz 2010 photo by kallerna –

He established the band N.E.R.D., which he co-founded with Hugo and drummer Shay Haley, as the main vocalist in 1999. No-one Ever Really Dies is the backronym for N.E.R.D., an American hip-hop and rock group that was founded in Virginia Beach in 1999. Teddy Riley signed the duo known as The Neptunes, which consists of Pharrell Williams and Chad Hugo, to Virgin Records.

As a side project of The Neptunes, the duo founded the band with Shay Haley in 1999 after writing songs for several singers in the late 1990s. The Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA) awarded Gold certification to N.E.R.D.’s debut album, In Search Of…, for sales of 603,000 copies in the country.

6. Williams’ debut studio album was released in July 2006

Pharrell Williams performing on September 30, 2008, in Montreal. photo by Jazminmillion –

‘In My Mind,’ Williams’ debut studio album, was released in July 2006. It turned out to be a huge success. It debuted at number three on the ‘US Billboard 200.’ Even though numerous tracks from the album had been leaked on the internet before its release, the album sold over 142k copies in its first week.

Over the next few years, he worked with several well-known vocalists, including Shakira and Jennifer Lopez. He was a co-writer and producer on Lopez’s hit song “Fresh Out of the Oven.”

7. Pharrell says he experiences synesthesia

He owes his love of music to his synesthesia, which gives him the capacity to more easily “see” and link colors with music. When you have synesthesia, you hear music while seeing shapes. You may also see a color the moment you hear a word or a name. When you perceive one of your senses via another, it’s known as synesthesia. For instance, you could see green when you hear the word “Alex.”

8. Pharell is really into fashion

The American rapper Pharrell Williams photo by Eurockéennes de Belfort –

You may be familiar with Pharrell’s favoured Vivienne Westwood hat, which has already made red carpet history, and the clothing labels Billionaire Boys Club and Ice Crea, which he co-founded. He also created a line of jewellery and eyeglasses for Louis Vuitton. He collaborated with Uniqlo on the ” I am OTHER” line, contributed to Gap’s 40th-anniversary collection, worked with Moncler, built a bike, and developed bizarre seats for Domeau & Pérès.

He is an investor and a spokesperson for Bionic Yarn, a firm that partners with brands like Adidas, G-Star Raw, Kiehl’s, and others to produce textiles from recycled plastic. In 2005, Esquire ranked him the best-dressed man on the planet. In 2013, he served as a coach on Rihanna’s Styled to Rock program.

9. He married his longtime partner Helen Lasichanh in 2013

For more than five years, Pharrell Williams dated his long-term partner. Pharrell and Helen Lasichanh married in 2013, although their child was born in 2008. The rocket-themed song in the ‘Despicable Me’ tune was written in honor of Pharrell’s son. The couple had triplets in early January 2017, which was a wonderful way to begin the year.

10. He has garnered a slew of awards and nominations

Pharrell receiving – The XPRIZE Visioneering Grand Prize photo by Steve Jurvetson –

Williams has garnered a slew of awards and nominations. He has 13 Grammy Awards, including three for Non-Classical Producer of the Year (one as a member of the Neptunes). He is also a two-time Academy Award nominee, for Best Original Song in 2014 for “Happy” (from Despicable Me 2) and Best Picture in 2017 as a producer of Hidden Figures.

11. Pharrell released his second solo album in 2014

In 2014, Pharrell released his second solo album, “G I R L.” The album was highly anticipated and received positive reviews from critics and fans. It featured the hit singles “Happy” and “Come Get It Bae.” “Happy” in particular became a global sensation, reaching the top of the charts in numerous countries and earning critical acclaim. It also received an Academy Award nomination for Best Original Song.

12. Pharrell is a prolific songwriter and producer

Pharrell Williams is widely regarded as a prolific songwriter and producer in the music industry. Throughout his career, he has worked on hits for various artists across different genres. Some notable collaborations include Britney Spears’ “I’m a Slave 4 U,” Nelly’s “Hot in Herre,” and Snoop Dogg’s “Drop It Like It’s Hot.” Pharrell’s unique production style and ability to create catchy hooks have made him a sought-after collaborator.

13. Williams has made appearances in films and television shows

In addition to his music career, Pharrell has ventured into the worlds of film and television. He has made appearances in several movies and television shows, often playing himself or taking on small roles. One notable role was his stint as a judge on the reality singing competition show “The Voice.” Pharrell served as a judge on the show from 2014 to 2016, where he used his industry expertise to mentor and guide aspiring artists. His presence on the show helped boost his visibility and further solidified his status as a respected musician and collaborator.

14. Pharrell is a philanthropist

Pharrell Williams is also known for his philanthropic efforts. He has been involved in various charitable initiatives and organizations. One notable role he had was serving as the creative director for the Global Citizen Festival in both 2014 and 2017. The Global Citizen Festival is an annual music festival that aims to end extreme poverty by 2030. Pharrell’s involvement in this festival showcased his dedication to using his platform and influence for positive change.

15. Williams has partnered with the United Nations Foundation

In 2014, Pharrell Williams launched a partnership with the United Nations Foundation called “1,000 Days of Action.” This initiative aims to support early childhood education and nutrition. The goal of the partnership is to provide children with a strong foundation during their first 1,000 days of life, which is a critical period for their development. Through this partnership, Williams and the United Nations Foundation work together to raise awareness and take action to improve access to quality education and proper nutrition for children globally. The “1,000 Days of Action” campaign emphasizes the importance of investing in early childhood to ensure a brighter future for all children.

16. Williams has four children

Pharrell Williams and his wife, Helen Lasichanh, have four adorable children. Their eldest son, Rocket Ayer Williams, was born in 2008. His unique name was inspired by Pharrell’s love for music, referencing songs by Stevie Wonder, Elton John, and Herbie Hancock. In 2017, their family tripled in size with the arrival of triplets! They welcomed three little ones: a son and two daughters.

The triplets’ names have not been publicly revealed, but they’ve undoubtedly brought immense joy to the Williams family. Pharrell and Helen are very private about their children’s lives, keeping them out of the spotlight as much as possible. However, Pharrell has occasionally shared glimpses of his fatherhood experience, speaking about the challenges and joys of raising four children. He’s described their home life as “chaotic but beautiful,” and it’s clear that his children are a source of great happiness for him.

17. Pharrell is known for his distinctive falsetto singing voice

Pharrell is widely recognized for his distinctive falsetto singing voice. His high-pitched vocal range sets him apart and is a prominent feature in many of his solo tracks, as well as collaborations with other artists. His falsetto can be heard on songs like “Happy,” “Get Lucky,” “Gust of Wind,” and “Blurred Lines.”

18. Williams has been involved in several collaborations outside of music

Apart from his music career, Pharrell has ventured into various collaborations outside of the music industry. He has collaborated with numerous fashion brands and designers, including Adidas, Chanel, G-Star RAW, and Moncler. Pharrell co-founded the clothing brands Billionaire Boys Club and Ice Cream Footwear. He has also worked with artists like Takashi Murakami, KAWS, and Daniel Arsham on creative projects and art exhibitions.

19. Williams has been among Time magazine’s 100 most influential people

Pharrell Williams has been recognized as one of Time magazine’s 100 most influential people in the world on multiple occasions. He was first included in the list in 2005 when he was gaining prominence as a producer and songwriter. In 2014, he made the list again, recognizing his influence and impact as a solo artist with the success of his global hit song “Happy.”

His inclusion in Time magazine’s list reflects his significant contributions and influence in the music industry, as well as his impact on popular culture and fashion. Pharrell’s unique style, musical creativity, and philanthropic endeavors have made him a cultural icon and role model.

20. Pharrell is Louis Vuitton’s menswear creative director

Pharrell stepped into the role on February 14, 2023, succeeding the late Virgil Abloh, who passed away in November 2021. Abloh was the first Black American designer to hold this prestigious position, and Pharrell, with his own long history in fashion and close friendship with Abloh, felt like a natural successor. Pharrell isn’t just a musician! He’s a multi-hyphenate creative force with experience in fashion, design, and entrepreneurship.

Many saw Pharrell’s appointment as a way to continue Abloh’s legacy of merging streetwear and luxury fashion, while also bringing his own unique perspective and energy to the brand. His first collection for Louis Vuitton was unveiled in June 2023 during Paris Men’s Fashion Week and was met with positive reviews, praised for its vibrant colors, playful designs, and fresh take on menswear. Pharrell’s impact extends beyond just the clothes. He’s committed to using his platform to promote sustainability, diversity, and creativity within the fashion industry.

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