Michael Bublé: The Modern Crooner Keeping the Swing Tradition Alive

Michael Bublé rose from Burnaby, British Columbia, to international fame by singing swing-era standards with big-band backing and adding contemporary songs of his own. After connecting with producer David Foster, he released a string of successful albums (including the seasonal hit Christmas) and earned multiple Grammy and Juno Awards. Married to actress Luisana Lopilato, Bublé has balanced family life and health challenges with a continued recording and touring career, most recently marked by the 2022 album Higher.

Early influences and rise

Michael Bublé (pronounced "Boo-blay"), born September 9, 1975, in Burnaby, British Columbia, built his career on the swing-era songs his grandfather loved. Early exposure to Frank Sinatra, Ella Fitzgerald and classic pop standards shaped his vocal style: warm, rhythmic and rooted in jazz phrasing.

After moving to Toronto, Bublé won a local talent search and took steady gigs that raised his profile. A high-profile performance at the wedding of former Canadian prime minister Brian Mulroney's daughter brought him to the attention of producer David Foster. That connection led to a deal with Foster's 143 Records and a major-label breakthrough in the early 2000s.

Signature sound and repertoire

Bublé became known for reinterpreting pop and jazz standards - songs like "Fever" and Van Morrison's "Moondance" - with big-band arrangements and a swinging beat. Critics and fans often compare his approach to classic crooners, though he mixes in contemporary touches: guest duets, pop covers and original songs such as "Home," which helped establish him as a songwriter as well as an interpreter.

Albums and career milestones since his debut

His self-titled major-label debut (2003) and the follow-up It's Time (2005) launched him internationally. He continued with albums that broadened his reach: Call Me Irresponsible (2007), Crazy Love (2009), the hugely successful Christmas (2011), To Be Loved (2013), Nobody But Me (2016), Love (2018) and Higher (2022). The Christmas record in particular became a seasonal staple and one of his best-selling releases.

Bublé has won multiple Grammy Awards and numerous Juno Awards, and he has maintained a steady touring presence worldwide. He has also appeared in small acting roles and film cameos early in his career.

Personal life and recent years

Bublé married Argentine actress Luisana Lopilato in 2011. They have a family together and have spoken publicly about health challenges they faced when their son received treatment for cancer; the family later shared news of his recovery. Bublé has said those experiences changed his priorities and influenced his music and touring schedule.

After a period of scaled-back public activity, he returned to recording and touring, releasing Higher in 2022 and resuming international performances.

Why he matters

Bublé helped bring classic pop and jazz standards into the 21st century for a wide audience. He bridges eras: honoring Sinatra-style phrasing while updating arrangements, collaborating with contemporary artists, and writing songs that complement the standards he performs. For listeners drawn to polished vocal delivery and big-band warmth, Bublé remains a central, contemporary interpreter of the American songbook.