Robbie Williams
United Kingdom, 1990–now
English pop superstar, first famous in boy band Take That before a blockbuster solo career. Blending cheeky Britpop-era swagger, big ballads ('Angels') and Rat Pack showmanship (the swing album Swing When You're Winning), he became one of the best-selling British solo artists of all time.
MusicRoots documents 5 artists who influenced Robbie Williams and 0 artists Robbie Williams influenced in turn. Every connection cites a published source.
Who influenced Robbie Williams?
- Take That — Williams rose to fame in Take That, the boy band that was his springboard — their pop craft and showbiz polish underpin his solo style.
- Frank Sinatra — Williams idolised Frank Sinatra and the Rat Pack — his big-band album Swing When You're Winning and his 'My Way' tributes are steeped in Sinatra's phrasing and showmanship.
- Queen — Freddie Mercury's grand, crowd-commanding stage presence was a central model for Williams's arena showmanship.
- Elton John — Elton John's blend of piano-pop songcraft and flamboyant showmanship is part of the classic-British-pop tradition Williams draws on.
- Oasis — Williams's mid-'90s reinvention leaned on the Britpop swagger of Oasis, whom he famously partied with while going solo.