Sam Smith: From the pub to the big stage, that was the road before becoming a pop star

Sam Smith, one of today’s most prominent pop stars, will perform four concerts at Mexico City’s National Auditorium later this year. Before reaching international fame and headlining major stages, however, the singer had to balance his passion for music with multiple jobs. Born on May 19, 1992, in London under the name Samuel Frederick Smith, he grew up in the rural county of Cambridgeshire. His mother, Kate Cassidy, was among the first female bankers in London, while his father, Frederick Smith, worked around the home. He has two sisters, Mabel and Lily Smith, and among his relatives are singer Lily Allen and actor Alfie Allen. From a young age, Smith showed interest in music. At eight years old, he began taking singing lessons. During his childhood, he attended St Mary's Catholic School in Bishop's Stortford and participated in the Youth Music Theatre UK production Oh! Carol in 2007. He was also part of the Bishop's Stortford Junior Operatics and the Cantate Youth Choir. At 18, he moved to London to pursue his musical dreams, inspired partly by Lady Gaga’s story. While trying to break into the industry, he took on several jobs, including working as a bartender at a local pub. His work extended beyond serving drinks. According to his own accounts, he also served as a waiter, cleaned restrooms, and mopped floors. The experience, though challenging, helped shape his early career. His big break came in 2012, when he was 20 years old and joined Disclosure’s song Latch, which marked one of his earliest major successes. From there, his voice gained international recognition, leading to more opportunities in the music world. In his personal life, Smith publicly declared himself non-binary in October 2017 and started using the pronouns they/them on social media two years later. Currently, he is engaged to fashion designer Christian Cowan, whom he met three years ago. They have confirmed plans for marriage, and Smith has mentioned that his latest album, Hazel Eyes, is inspired by their relationship. He even joked that this is the first album he has written for someone who still remains in his life. Smith’s journey reflects both the challenges and triumphs of rising through the music industry. Starting from small venues and working multiple jobs, he eventually reached the top ranks of pop music. His success highlights the dedication required to build a career in the entertainment field, especially in a competitive industry like music. As he prepares to take the stage in Mexico, fans are eager to see how his continued growth will unfold. His upcoming performances promise to be a celebration of his hard work and artistic evolution.