Skylar Grey is the stage name of Holly Brook Hafermann born on February 23, 1986, in Mazomanie, Wisconsin. Grey is an accomplished American singer, songwriter, record producer, and model. She began her musical journey at a young age, performing in a folk duo with her mother called Generations, which released three studio albums. In 2004, at just 17, Grey signed a publishing deal with Universal Music Publishing Group and a recording contract with Machine Shop Recordings under the name Holly Brook. Her debut studio album, “Like Blood Like Honey,” was released in 2006.
In 2010, Grey co-wrote the global hit single “Love the Way You Lie” by Eminem and Rihanna, which marked a significant turning point in her career. This collaboration was facilitated by British record producer Alex da Kid, who later signed her to his label Kidinakorner. Grey’s national television debut came during the 53rd Annual Grammy Awards, where she performed “I Need a Doctor” alongside Eminem and Dr. Dre. This performance solidified her presence in the music industry.
In 2011, Grey released her debut single “Dance Without You” and was featured on Lupe Fiasco’s “Words I Never Said” from his album “Lasers.” She also collaborated with DJ Kaskade on “Room for Happiness” from his album “Fire & Ice,” earning a Grammy nomination for the track. Grey’s songwriting prowess was further demonstrated with the 2012 single “Clarity” by Zedd, which won the Grammy Award for Best Dance Recording in 2014.
Grey’s versatility as an artist is evident from her various collaborations and performances. She appeared at WWE’s WrestleMania in 2013, performing “Coming Home” with Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs. In 2014, she teamed up with Nicki Minaj to co-write and perform “Bed of Lies” at the MTV Europe Music Awards and on Saturday Night Live.
Throughout her career, Grey has continued to work with high-profile artists, including co-writing “Walk on Water” for Eminem’s ninth album “Revival,” featuring Beyoncé. In 2019, she released “New Kind of Love,” which was featured on Hulu’s remake of “Four Weddings And A Funeral.” Grey’s contributions to the music industry extend beyond her own performances, as she has written songs for artists like Kehlani, G-Eazy, Alicia Keys, and Céline Dion.
In 2021, Grey marked her first entry on the Billboard Hot 100 as a lead artist with “Last One Standing,” featuring Polo G, Mozzy, and Eminem. Her eponymous fourth studio album, released in 2022, continued to garner acclaim. Recently, Grey announced plans to re-record her back catalog after selling her master to settle a divorce, showcasing her resilience and dedication to her craft.
Skylar Grey’s influence in the music industry is characterized by her distinctive voice, compelling songwriting, and successful collaborations, making her a dynamic and enduring figure in contemporary music.
