Background and career
Christopher Anthony John Martin (born 2 March 1977) is an English musician. He is best known as the vocalist, pianist and co-founder of the rock band Coldplay, which he formed with Jonny Buckland, Guy Berryman and Will Champion, at University College London. They rose to global stardom through Parachutes (2000) and subsequent albums.
Martin received seven Grammy Awards and nine Brit Awards as part of Coldplay. They have sold over 170 million records worldwide, becoming the most successful group of the 21st century. The Independent and the Evening Standard ranked Martin among the most influential British public figures, while American Songwriter named him one of the best male singers of the 21st century.
Christopher Anthony John Martin was born on 2 March 1977 in Exeter, Devon, England. He is the eldest of five children. His father, Anthony John Martin, is a retired chartered accountant. His mother, Alison Martin, is a music teacher from Zimbabwe. His family's caravan and motorhome sales business, Martin's of Exeter, was founded in 1929 by his grandfather, who served as High Sheriff and Mayor of Exeter. His great-great-grandfather, William Willett, successfully campaigned for British Summer Time to become a universally acknowledged practice.
Martin lived with his family in Zimbabwe when he was 10 years old. He attended the Hylton and Exeter Cathedral primary schools in England, where he found his passion for music. He then attended Sherborne School, where he met Coldplay manager Phil Harvey, and where he was president of the Sting fan club and played with Harvey in a blues band called the Rockin' Honkies.
Before Martin attended university, he worked at Shed Studios, for which he wrote musical jingles for plays at St. George's College, Harare. He then studied at University College London, where he earned a first-class honours degree in Greek and Latin.
How Chris Martin makes money
They have sold over 170 million records worldwide, becoming the most successful group of the 21st century. His family's caravan and motorhome sales business, Martin's of Exeter, was founded in 1929 by his grandfather, who served as High Sheriff and Mayor of Exeter.
