Gavin DeGraw is a multi-platinum American singer-songwriter and musician known for his soulful pop-rock style. He rose to mainstream fame in 2003 with his debut album, Chariot, and its hit single “I Don’t Want to Be,” which served as the iconic theme song for the teen drama series One Tree Hill.
Born on February 4, 1977, in South Fallsburg, New York, DeGraw grew up in a musical family. He briefly attended the Ithaca College and Berklee College of Music before moving to Manhattan to pursue his music career.
Business Ventures: Along with his brother Joey, he co-founded The National Underground, a roots-rock music bar in Manhattan, and later opened Nashville Underground in Tennessee.
Over his career, DeGraw has consistently released charting albums and popular radio singles:
- Chariot (2003): His breakthrough debut album, which earned platinum status and featured the major hits “I Don’t Want to Be”, “Chariot”, and “Follow Through”.
- Gavin DeGraw (2008) & Free (2009): Yielded the Top 40 pop-rock track “In Love with a Girl”.
- Sweeter (2011): Co-written with artists like Ryan Tedder, this album brought a major commercial resurgence led by the smash hit “Not Over You”.
- Later Releases: He expanded his catalog with Make a Move (2013), Something Worth Saving (2016), and the deeply personal, soul-focused Face the River (2022).
- Accolades: He received a Grammy Award nomination for his duet with Colbie Caillat, “We Both Know”, written for the 2013 film Safe Haven
