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Pharrell Williams            

Singer-Songwriter, Producer & Entrepreneur; Known for the Hit Single, "Happy"

Pharrell Williams, also known by his mononym Pharrell, is a multifaceted talent - a singer-songwriter, rapper, record producer, and fashion designer. He is best known for his smash hit single, "Happy," which was the lead single for the soundtrack of the film "Despicable Me 2," reaching the number one spot on the Billboard Hot 100. Williams is also recognized for his work with Robin Thicke on the song "Blurred Lines" in 2013, despite subsequent regrets due to backlash. Another notable moment in his career was his collaboration with Daft Punk on the songs "Get Lucky" and "Lose Yourself to Dance," also in 2013.

Pharrell and Chad Hugo make up the record production duo the Neptunes, producing soul, hip hop, and R&B music. They were formed in the early 1990s and are widely referred to as one of the most influential and successful music producers of the 21st century. Williams is also the lead vocalist and drummer of the rock, funk, and hip-hop band NER*D, which he formed with Hugo and childhood friend Shay Haley. In 2006, Williams released his debut solo album, "In My Mind," and his second album, "G I R L," was released in 2014. As part of the Neptunes, Williams has produced numerous hit singles for various recording artists and has won over a dozen Grammy Awards, including three for Producer of the Year and Non-Classical, and has been nominated for two Academy Awards. He also made significant contributions to the music industry by composing and producing the music for the 84th Academy Awards in 2012.

Williams has also ventured into the fashion industry, co-designing a series of eyewear and jewelry for Louis Vuitton in 2008, and in 2014, he entered a long-term partnership with Adidas. He currently owns a media venture that encompasses entertainment, music, fashion, and art called i am OTHER, a multimedia creative collective and record label that serves as an umbrella for all of Pharrell's endeavors, including Billionaire Boys Club and Ice Cream apparel, Billionaire Girls Club, textile company Bionic Yarn and a dedicated YouTube channel launched in 2012.

As a committed philanthropist, Williams owns a non-profit organization called "From One Hand To AnOTHER" (FOHTA). FOHTA is an educational foundation that aims to "change the world one kid at a time by giving them the tools and resources to meet their unique potential." He believes in empowering kids to learn through new technologies, arts, media, and motivation. In 2019, he offered internships to 144 students at Promise Academy in Harlem, New York City.

In October 2015, the Tisch School of the Arts at New York University named Pharrell as their artist-in-residence. He gave the 2017 commencement address at NYU and received an honorary degree on May 17, 2017. Williams has also contributed to the world of television, serving as a coach for the seventh season of The Voice, replacing CeeLo Green, and made guest appearances on shows like "Sisterhood of Hip Hop" and "The Simpsons."

Speech Topics


Saving Arts Education

As more schools across the country cut budgets for the arts, America runs the risk of short-changing our youth. Pharrell credits his high school's music program with transforming his life and encouraging him to shoot for the stars. Without an arts education, he would not be the person he is today.

Feed Your Curiosity

Although he started his career in music, Pharrell has also found success in fashion, art and design. None of it would have been possible without a passion for exploration. Pharrell's career is an example of going beyond what you already know to find more opportunities for growth and success.

Individuality is the New Wealth

The most successful people and businesses bring something unique to pop culture. It's the rule breakers who have the power to change the world. With Pharrell's new creative collective i am OTHER, he encourages people to pursue experiences as the new assets for success.

News


Pharrell Williams To Host City of Hope Event Honoring Warner/Chappell's Jon Platt
Pharrell Williams Expecting Baby No. 2 With Wife Helen Lasichanh ...
Pharrell Williams is about to experience a double dose of fatherhood! The singer- songwriter and wife Helen Lasichanh are expecting their second child together, ...
2017 Met Gala Theme Revealed, Katy Perry and Pharrell Williams ...
While attendees have seven months to figure out how to reflect that mantra in their own ensembles for May 1, Katy Perry and Pharrell Williams will be working ...
How Pharrell Williams Is Empowering Students to Embrace Their ...
Pharrell Williams really makes us feel some kinda way. Thankful. Proud. Empowered. Happy. Thankful for the opportunity we are given each day to be the best ...
Watch: This NYU student's music moves Pharrell Williams to tears ...
This NYU music student totally absolutely blew Pharrell Williams away with her music.
Oscars: First Group Of Presenters Includes Tina Fey, Kevin Hart, Lady Gaga & Ryan Gosling
Amid the cloud of the Oscars diversity flap, the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences has unveiled the first batch of presenters for the 88th Academy Awards next month. It certainly is a diverse list that includes a number of pop stars and veteran actors. The group includes Benicio Del Toro, Tina Fey, Whoopi Goldberg, Ryan Gosling, Kevin Hart, Lady Gaga, Sam Smith, Charlize Theron, Jacob Tremblay, The Weeknd and Pharrell Williams.
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'The Voice': Pharrell Williams & Blake Shelton Talk Season 9
Pharrell Williams Performs 'Freedom' at MTV VMAs 2015 (Video ...
Pharrell Williams takes the stage to perform his hit song “Freedom” at the 2015 MTV Video Music Awards held on the Pepsi Stage at the Microsoft Theater on ...
GET BUSY: PHARRELL'S PRODUCTIVITY SECRETS
Pharrell Williams Talks eBay Collaboration and Beyoncé Album ...
P's excited about new venture, says Bey's album is "crazy."
Red-hot hitmaker Pharrell Williams admits to 'kinda nerdy' beginnings
Even if Pharrell Williams isn't a household name where you live, the music he's had a hand in creating most likely is. He's featured in...
Pharrell Williams' Top 40 Return: 10 Songs That Prefaced His Pop ...
"Get Lucky" and "Blurred Lines" are hits, but they're just the latest chapter in the uniformly impressive decade that Pharrell Williams has had leading up to them.
Pharrell Williams Marries Helen Lasichanh | Music News | Rolling ...
Pharrell Williams is a married man. The multitalented producer-singer-designer- songwriter wed his longtime girlfriend, model Helen Lasichanh, on Satur.
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