Career Timeline of Michael Bolton: Major Achievements and Milestones

From career breakthroughs to professional milestones, explore how Michael Bolton made an impact.

Michael Bolton (born Michael Bolotin) is an American singer and songwriter. He began his career in the hard rock and heavy metal genres, performing solo and as the frontman of the band Blackjack. Bolton achieved early success as a songwriter, co-writing hits like "How Am I Supposed to Live Without You" for Laura Branigan, which he later recorded himself.

Sections (3)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements

1975: First Recording

In 1975, Michael Bolton started his recording career at The Church Studio in Tulsa, Oklahoma, releasing a self-titled album under his original family name, Bolotin.

1975: Started Releasing Music

Since 1975, Michael Bolton has released 24 studio albums and 35 singles.

1983: Co-wrote "How Am I Supposed to Live Without You" for Laura Branigan

In 1983, Michael Bolton co-wrote "How Am I Supposed to Live Without You" for Laura Branigan, which became a major hit, reaching number one on the Adult Contemporary chart.

1983: Black Sabbath Audition Rumor

In 1983, there was a rumor that Michael Bolton auditioned for the lead vocalist position with Black Sabbath, but Bolton later denied this, stating that the rumor was unfounded.

1985: Co-wrote "I Found Someone" for Laura Branigan

In 1985, Michael Bolton co-wrote "I Found Someone" for Laura Branigan, although her version had limited success.

1987: Chart Success

From 1987 to 1995, Michael Bolton achieved significant success on the U.S. charts, with four top ten albums and seven top ten songs.

1987: Released "(Sittin' On) the Dock of the Bay"

In 1987, Michael Bolton released his interpretation of Otis Redding's classic "(Sittin' On) the Dock of the Bay", which became one of his first major hits.

1988: Released Own Rendition of "How Am I Supposed to Live Without You"

In 1988, Michael Bolton released his own rendition of "How Am I Supposed to Live Without You," which reached number one on the Hot 100.

1989: Released "Georgia on My Mind"

In 1989, Michael Bolton had a hit with his version of "Georgia on My Mind", a song associated with Ray Charles.

1991: Released "Time, Love & Tenderness" album

In 1991, Michael Bolton released the album "Time, Love & Tenderness" featuring his Grammy Award-winning cover version of "When a Man Loves a Woman".

1991: Release of "Love Is a Wonderful Thing"

In 1991, Michael Bolton released the hit song "Love Is a Wonderful Thing", which later became the subject of a plagiarism lawsuit.

1993: Established The Michael Bolton Foundation

In 1993, Michael Bolton established The Michael Bolton Foundation to assist women and children at risk.

1995: Chart Success

From 1987 to 1995, Michael Bolton achieved significant success on the U.S. charts, with four top ten albums and seven top ten songs.

1995: Performed at Fundraiser for John G. Rowland

In 1995, Michael Bolton performed at a fundraiser for Connecticut Governor John G. Rowland after The Michael Bolton Foundation received a grant of $300,000 from the state.

1997: Released "Go the Distance"

In 1997, Michael Bolton released "Go the Distance" from the Disney movie Hercules, which became his last Top 40 single in the US and reached No. 1 on the adult contemporary chart.

March 2003: Lobbied on Behalf of National Coalition Against Domestic Violence

In March 2003, Michael Bolton joined with Lifetime Television, Verizon Wireless, and others to lobby on behalf of the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence.

2004: Song Sampled by Kanye West

In 2004, Kanye West sampled the 1980 Blackjack song "Maybe It's the Power of Love", co-written and performed by Michael Bolton, for his song "Never Let Me Down".

2006: Duet with Nicollette Sheridan

In 2006, Michael Bolton and Nicollette Sheridan, his fiancée at the time, sang a duet, "The Second Time Around", for the album Bolton Swings Sinatra.

May 2011: Featured on The Lonely Island's "Jack Sparrow"

In May 2011, Michael Bolton was featured as a guest vocalist in The Lonely Island's song "Jack Sparrow".

June 2011: Collaboration with A. R. Rahman

In June 2011, Michael Bolton collaborated with Indian musician A. R. Rahman for a song recorded for "Gems – The Duets Collection".

January 2013: Published Autobiography

In January 2013, Michael Bolton published his autobiography, "The Soul of It All: My Music, My Life".

2013: Released "Ain't No Mountain High Enough: A Tribute to Hitsville U.S.A."

In 2013, Michael Bolton released the album "Ain't No Mountain High Enough: A Tribute to Hitsville U.S.A.", featuring duets with various artists.

May 15, 2018: Premiere of American Dream: Detroit

On May 15, 2018, "American Dream: Detroit", a documentary produced by Michael Bolton highlighting Detroit's economic comeback, premiered at the Redford Theatre.