Rag ‘n’ Bone Man is a 32-year old pop star who just won big in the “English Grammys”—the Brit Awards. Two weeks ago he was named this year’s British “Breakthrough Act” and was also awarded the prestigious “Critics Choice.”
“Human” is his first release and it’s an international sensation, #1 in over a dozen countries. In the U.S. its been #1 Adult Alternative for weeks and is Top 3 at Alternative radio. The powerful lyrics and soulful, intense delivery have struck a nerve.
Rag ‘n’ Bone Man is a gifted artist and his song is universal, deceptively simple, centered, and an emotional punch to the gut.
Born Rory Graham, Rag ‘n’ Bone Man is as big as a Buddha and looks like an L.A. OG: nose ring, neck and hand tattoos, huge body, huge head, huge arms. He makes music with people most Boomers have never heard of: Leaf Dog; Stig Of The Dump, and, apparently .his thing is hip hop and yet, this song, “Human,” is “mass appeal.” If you are human, you can relate to it.
“Human” conjures up some of the best of the old soul hits—remember how Solomon Burke’s “Cry to Me” (1962) grabbed you–whirled you ’round the room? “Human” and “Cry To Me” are different, lyrically, but the honest emotions that these singers pour into their music comes through loud and clear.