Home / Arts and Entertainment / Barlow's Bedroom Demo Launched Take That
Barlow's Bedroom Demo Launched Take That
6 Jun
Summary
- Gary Barlow's demo tape impressed Nigel Martin-Smith.
- Martin-Smith sought to create a UK "New Kids On The Block".
- Barlow was initially deemed not ready as a solo artist.
The genesis of the iconic band Take That traces back to 1989. Aspiring singer-songwriter Gary Barlow, then just 19, sent a demo tape recorded in his bedroom to Nigel Martin-Smith, a model agency owner. Martin-Smith was immediately struck by Barlow's strong vocals and the sophisticated quality of his songs, including "A Million Love Songs."
Recognizing Barlow's talent but believing he wasn't quite ready for a solo career, Martin-Smith decided to form a boy band. His ambition was to establish a British counterpart to the highly successful American group, New Kids On The Block. Barlow agreed to this approach, understanding it was a strategic vehicle to build his career over several years.
