History of Calvin Harris in Timeline
Calvin Harris, born Adam Richard Wiles, is a prominent Scottish DJ, record producer, singer, and songwriter. He gained initial recognition with his debut album, *I Created Disco* (2007), featuring the hit singles "Acceptable in the 80s" and "The Girls". His success continued with his second album, *Ready for the Weekend* (2009), which topped album charts in Scotland and the UK, while the lead single, "I'm Not Alone," became his first UK number-one hit.
January 1984: Adam Richard Wiles Born
In January 1984, Adam Richard Wiles, known as Calvin Harris, was born in Scotland.
1996: Chicane releases 'Offshore'
In 1996 British DJ and producer Chicane released his single "Offshore", which in 2025, Calvin Harris would be accused of infringing the copyright of with his new single "Blessings"
1999: First attracted to electronic music
In 1999, Calvin Harris was first attracted to electronic music in his teens and began recording bedroom demos.
2002: Releases first songs
In early 2002, Calvin Harris, under the name "Stouffer", released two songs, "Da Bongos" and "Brighter Days", as 12-inch club singles and CD-EPs by the label Prima Facie.
2004: Release of "Let Me Know"
In 2004, Calvin Harris had one of his songs, "Let Me Know" with vocalist Ayah Marar, released on the Unabombers' live-mix CD "Electric Soul, Vol. 2".
2006: Started working on "I Created Disco"
In 2006, Calvin Harris began working on his debut album "I Created Disco" after moving back to his hometown of Dumfries from London.
March 2007: Release of "Acceptable in the 80s"
In March 2007, Calvin Harris released "Acceptable in the 80s", the first wide-release single from the album I Created Disco. The song peaked at number ten on the UK Singles Chart and remained on the chart for 15 weeks.
June 2007: Release of "I Created Disco"
In June 2007, Calvin Harris released his debut album, "I Created Disco". All 14 tracks were written, produced, and performed solely by Harris, and recorded and produced on an Amiga computer.
September 2007: Performance in "Wasted Youth" charity event
In September 2007, Calvin Harris performed in the charity event "Wasted Youth" in aid of the Campaign Against Living Miserably in London.
2007: Collaboration with Kylie Minogue
In 2007, Calvin Harris co-wrote and produced two songs, "Heart Beat Rock" and "In My Arms", on Kylie Minogue's album X, with "In My Arms" becoming a top 10 single in the UK. He also contributed the song "Off & On" to Róisín Murphy's album Overpowered, which was later given to Sophie Ellis-Bextor.
2008: Stopped drinking alcohol
Calvin Harris stopped drinking alcohol in 2008, stating it was affecting his work.
2008: Supported Shelter's "Hometime Scotland" campaign
In 2008, Calvin Harris supported Shelter's campaign "Hometime Scotland" which pledges to end homelessness and bad housing in Scotland.
2008: Album artwork featured in iPod nano campaign
In 2008, the artwork of Calvin Harris's debut album, I Created Disco, was featured in a multicolored iPod nano campaign on TV and in print in the US.
April 2009: "I'm Not Alone" Reaches Number One
In April 2009, Calvin Harris released "I'm Not Alone" as the lead single from "Ready for the Weekend". It debuted at number one on the UK Singles Chart.
August 2009: Produced Dizzee Rascal's "Holiday"
In August 2009, Calvin Harris produced Dizzee Rascal's single "Holiday", which topped the UK Singles Chart.
August 2009: "Ready for the Weekend" Album Release
In August 2009, Calvin Harris's second album, "Ready for the Weekend", was released and entered at number one on the UK Albums Chart.
November 2009: Stage Invasion on The X Factor
On 14 November 2009, Calvin Harris invaded the stage of The X Factor during a live performance by John and Edward Grimes, holding a pineapple on his head. He later apologized on Twitter.
2009: Brit Award and Ivor Novello Award Nominations
In 2009, "Dance wiv Me", a single by Dizzee Rascal where Calvin Harris was featured, received a Brit Award nomination for British Single and an Ivor Novello Award nomination for Best Contemporary Song.
2009: Idea for a song for Queen of the South scrapped
In 2009, Calvin Harris considered writing a song to celebrate Queen of the South reaching the 2008 Scottish Cup Final, but the idea was scrapped due to time constraints.
2009: Coca-Cola 'Open Happiness' campaign collaboration
In 2009, Calvin Harris teamed up with Coca-Cola for their 'Open Happiness' advertising campaign in the UK, writing and producing 'Yeah Yeah Yeah, La La La'.
2009: Plagiarism Claim
In 2009, Calvin Harris' single 'I'm Not Alone' released. Chris Brown's "Yeah 3x", released in October 2010, plagiarised this song.
2009: Album "Ready for the Weekend" Released
In 2009, Calvin Harris's second album, "Ready for the Weekend," debuted at number one in Scotland and the United Kingdom. The lead single, "I'm Not Alone," became his first UK number one song.
February 2010: Release of "You Used to Hold Me"
On 8 February 2010, Calvin Harris released "You Used to Hold Me" as the fourth and final single from the album Ready for the Weekend. The song marked the last time Harris regularly sang on his records, as he opted to focus on music production while having guest singers provide the vocals.
March 2010: Launch of Fly Eye Records
In March 2010, Calvin Harris launched his own vanity label, Fly Eye Records, primarily focused on the EDM genre.
August 2010: Produced The Ting Tings' "Hands"
On 18 August 2010, Calvin Harris produced and mixed The Ting Tings' single "Hands".
October 2010: Plagiarism Claim with Chris Brown's "Yeah 3x"
In October 2010, Calvin Harris claimed that Chris Brown's "Yeah 3x" plagiarized his 2009 single "I'm Not Alone". Harris was subsequently added to the songwriting credits on the single and the album F.A.M.E..
2010: Brit Awards Nomination
In 2010, Calvin Harris received a nomination for Best British Male at the Brit Awards.
June 2011: Release of "Bounce"
In June 2011, Calvin Harris released "Bounce", a collaboration with Kelis that debuted at number two on the UK Singles Chart.
August 2011: Release of "Feel So Close"
In August 2011, Calvin Harris released "Feel So Close", which reached number two in the United Kingdom and became his first solo entry on the Billboard Hot 100 in the US, peaking at number 12.
September 2011: Premiere of "Off the Record"
On 15 September 2011, the track "Off the Record" had its premiere. Harris produced Tinchy Stryder's second single, "Off the Record", from his fourth studio album, Full Tank.
November 2011: Release of "Off the Record"
On 6 November 2011, Calvin Harris produced Tinchy Stryder's second single, "Off the Record", from his fourth studio album, Full Tank. The track premiered on 15 September 2011 and was released in the UK.
2011: Song to Sophie Ellis-Bextor
In 2011, Calvin Harris gave the song "Off & On", which had previously been cut from Róisín Murphy's album, to Sophie Ellis-Bextor to record for her album "Make a Scene".
February 2012: Charity concert performance
In February 2012, Calvin Harris teamed up with several other artists (including Rihanna and Coldplay) to perform at a charity concert with all proceeds from the show going to the Children's Orthopaedic Center at the Children's Hospital Los Angeles.
November 2012: Contribution to Tiësto's compilation album Dance (RED) Save Lives
In November 2012, Calvin Harris contributed several songs to Tiësto's compilation album Dance (RED) Save Lives in collaboration with anti-AIDS charity Product Red which was aimed at creating awareness on the fight for an AIDS Free Generation.
December 2012: Global live stream of Stereosonic music festival
On December 1, 2012, Calvin Harris participated in a global live stream of the Stereosonic music festival in Melbourne, Australia, which took place on World AIDS Day. The proceeds from the album and the event were donated for the cause.
2012: New Year Music Festivals
Calvin Harris was announced as one of the headline acts at a number of Southern Hemisphere 2011/2012 new year music festivals.
2012: International Prominence with "18 Months"
In 2012, Calvin Harris gained international prominence with the release of his third studio album, "18 Months". The album topped the UK Albums Chart and charted on the US Billboard 200, peaking at number 19.
2012: Pepsi Max commercial appearance
In 2012, Calvin Harris was featured in the Pepsi Max commercial for their football campaign, playing his single "Let's Go".
2012: DJ residency deal with Wynn Las Vegas
In early 2012, Calvin Harris signed an exclusive DJ residency deal with Wynn Las Vegas.
May 2013: Highest-paid DJ of the year
Forbes calculated that between May 2012 and May 2013, Calvin Harris earned $46 million from his music, tour, and Las Vegas residency, making him the highest-paid DJ of the year.
2013: Collaboration with Sol Republic for headphones
In 2013, Calvin Harris partnered with Sol Republic to create their first studio-tuned, professional-calibre headphones, customizing the design and redesigning the drivers.
2013: Record Breaking Singles
In 2013, Calvin Harris surpassed Michael Jackson's record for the most top ten singles from one album with nine singles from "18 Months".
2013: Grammy Win and Ivor Novello Award
In 2013, Calvin Harris won a Grammy Award for Best Music Video and received an Ivor Novello Award.
June 2014: Breakup with Rita Ora
Calvin Harris and British singer Rita Ora ended their relationship in June 2014.
October 2014: Chart Success on Billboard's Dance/Electronic Songs Chart
In October 2014, Calvin Harris became the first artist to simultaneously place three songs in the top 10 of Billboard's Dance/Electronic Songs chart.
December 2014: Named the face of Emporio Armani
On December 17, 2014, Calvin Harris was announced as the new face of Emporio Armani for its men's underwear line for the Spring/Summer 2015 season, as well as their eyewear and watch collections.
2014: Album "Motion" Released
In 2014, Calvin Harris released his fourth studio album, "Motion", which debuted at number one in Scotland, number two in the United Kingdom, and number five in the United States.
2014: Highest-paid DJ for second consecutive year
In 2014, Calvin Harris was the highest-paid DJ for the second consecutive year, earning $66 million.
2014: Partnership with Sony/ATV Music Publishing and appointment at Deconstruction Records
In 2014, Fly Eye Records partnered with Sony/ATV Music Publishing, and Calvin Harris was appointed as the head of artists and repertoire at Deconstruction Records.
January 2015: Extended partnership with Hakkasan Group
In January 2015, Calvin Harris extended his partnership with the Hakkasan group for three more years, including residencies at Hakkasan nightclub, Wet Republic, and Omnia Nightclub. He also served as the Group's music consultant.
March 2015: Relationship with Taylor Swift
In March 2015, Calvin Harris started dating American singer Taylor Swift.
March 2015: Co-ownership of Tidal
On March 30, 2015, Calvin Harris was announced as a co-owner of the music streaming service Tidal.
April 2015: Ranked 30th richest British millionaire in music
In April 2015, Calvin Harris was ranked the 30th richest British millionaire in music on The Sunday Times Rich List, with a personal fortune of £70 million.
July 2015: Return as the face of Emporio Armani
In July 2015, Calvin Harris returned as the face of Emporio Armani's underwear, eyewear, and watch lines for their Fall/Winter 2015/2016 campaign.
2015: Billboard Music Award
In 2015, Calvin Harris was named the Top Dance/Electronic Artist at the Billboard Music Awards.
June 2016: Breakup with Taylor Swift
Calvin Harris and American singer Taylor Swift ended their relationship in June 2016.
2016: Inspiration from Jamiroquai and Fatboy Slim
In 2016, Calvin Harris stated that Jamiroquai and Fatboy Slim had inspired him to make music.
2016: Professed disinterest in EDM
In late 2016, Calvin Harris expressed disinterest in the EDM genre.
2017: Listed as Influential Person
In 2017, Calvin Harris appeared on Debrett's list of the most influential people in the United Kingdom.
2017: Album "Funk Wav Bounces Vol. 1" Released
In 2017, Calvin Harris released his fifth studio album, "Funk Wav Bounces Vol. 1". The album peaked at number two in the United Kingdom and the United States, becoming his third consecutive number one album on the US Dance/Electronic Albums chart.
2017: Reunited with Aarika Wolf
In 2017, Calvin Harris reunited with American model Aarika Wolf.
2018: Highest-Paid DJ by Forbes
From 2013 to 2018, Calvin Harris topped Forbes' list of the world's highest-paid DJs for six consecutive years. 2018 marks the last year he was top of the list.
2018: Earnings of $48.5 million
In 2018, Calvin Harris made $48.5 million.
2019: Brit Award Wins
In 2019, Calvin Harris won British Producer of the Year and British Single of the Year at the Brit Awards.
July 2020: Donation to Save Our Sub campaign
In July 2020, Calvin Harris donated £20,000 for the Save Our Sub campaign to benefit Glasgow's Sub Club, which was at risk of permanent closure after temporarily closing due to the coronavirus pandemic.
January 2022: Relationship with Vick Hope
In January 2022, Calvin Harris started dating television presenter Vick Hope.
2022: Release of Funk Wav Bounces Vol. 2
In 2022, Calvin Harris continued his transition to funk with the release of his sixth album, Funk Wav Bounces Vol. 2.
2022: Album "Funk Wav Bounces Vol. 2" Released
In 2022, Calvin Harris released "Funk Wav Bounces Vol. 2", a sequel to his previous album, which achieved international commercial success.
February 2023: Teasing of upcoming single "Miracle"
In February 2023, Harris and Ellie Goulding teased their upcoming single "Miracle" on TikTok.
March 2023: Release of "Miracle"
In March 2023, Harris and Ellie Goulding released their single "Miracle".
April 2023: Performance at Coachella
In April 2023, Calvin Harris performed at the 22nd Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival.
September 2023: Marriage to Vick Hope
Calvin Harris married television presenter Vick Hope on September 9, 2023.
August 2024: Release of compilation album 96 Months
On August 9, 2024, Calvin Harris released his first compilation album, 96 Months, which features previously released singles.
April 2025: Announcement of first child with Vick Hope
On April 30, 2025, it was announced that Calvin Harris and Vick Hope were expecting their first child together.
May 2025: Copyright infringement accusations from Chicane
In May 2025, Calvin Harris faced copyright infringement accusations from Chicane, who claimed similarities between Harris's "Blessings" and Chicane's "Offshore". Harris disputed the claims, accusing Chicane of copyrighting "Offshore" himself.
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