He got his start in the late ’70s playing for Bootsy Collins, who dubbed him “Babyface” for his boyish good looks. Over the years, this Indiana native worked his way up the music industry ladder by playing backup for numerous artists and trying his hand at songwriting.
Years later, between releasing his solo albums, Edmonds began to shape the careers of some of the world’s most beloved and celebrated artists like the late Whitney Houston, Mariah Carey, Mary J. Blige, Aretha Franklin and TLC.
It goes without saying that Edmonds has left his mark on music. His talents earned him a whopping 10 Grammy award trophies, numerous number one singles and a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in 2011.
Most recently, the Indiana native co-wrote and produced Beyoncé’s hit single “Best Thing I Never Had.”
As for his personal life, he’s had some ups and downs. In 2005 he divorced his wife of 13 years, Tracey Edmonds. Together they had two sons, Brandon and Dylan Michael. In 2008, Edmonds welcomed a daughter, Peyton Nicole Edmonds, with girlfriend Nicole “Nikki” Patenburg.
Join us as we wish the musical pioneer and innovator a very happy birthday.
