History
Justin Randall Timberlake is an American singer, songwriter, actor, and record producer who has become one of the most influential figures in modern pop music. Born on January 31, 1981, in Memphis, Tennessee, Timberlake has sold an estimated 88 million records throughout a career spanning several decades.
Early Career and NSYNC
Timberlake first gained public attention as a child performer on musical television programs. He competed on Star Search and became a series regular on the Disney Channel's The All New Mickey Mouse Club during the early 1990s. It was during this time that he met JC Chasez, with whom he would later form the pop group NSYNC. As one of the lead vocalists, Timberlake helped the band achieve massive international success, releasing four studio albums and selling more than 70 million records worldwide.
Solo Breakthrough and Global Stardom
In 2002, Timberlake launched a solo career with his debut album, Justified. The project, which featured hits like "Cry Me a River" and "Rock Your Body," earned triple platinum certification and established him as a credible R&B and pop artist. He followed this success in 2006 with FutureSex/LoveSounds, which debuted at number one on the US Billboard 200. The album produced several chart-topping singles, including "SexyBack," "My Love," and "What Goes Around... Comes Around," and was praised for its innovative production, largely handled by Timbaland and Danja.
The 20/20 Experience and Recent Releases
After a hiatus to focus on his acting career, Timberlake returned to music in 2013 with The 20/20 Experience. The album became the best-selling release of the year and was quickly followed by The 20/20 Experience – 2 of 2. In 2016, his single "Can't Stop the Feeling!" from the Trolls soundtrack became a global phenomenon, earning him an Academy Award nomination. He continued his run of number-one albums with Man of the Woods in 2018 and released his sixth studio album, Everything I Thought It Was, in 2024.
Acting and Voice Work
Beyond his musical achievements, Timberlake has built a substantial filmography. He received critical acclaim for his role in the 2010 film The Social Network and has starred in various commercial successes, including Friends with Benefits, In Time, and Bad Teacher. He has also found success in voice acting, most notably as Branch in the Trolls animated franchise and Artie in Shrek the Third. His work in television, particularly his frequent hosting and musical guest appearances on Saturday Night Live, has earned him several Primetime Emmy Awards.
Legacy and Accolades
Timberlake's career is marked by numerous honors, including ten Grammy Awards, four Emmy Awards, and nine Billboard Music Awards. He has been recognized by the Songwriters Hall of Fame with the Contemporary Icon Award and received the Michael Jackson Video Vanguard Award from MTV. Known for his showmanship and versatility, Timberlake is frequently cited by critics as one of the greatest pop stars of the 21st century.
Studio Albums:
