History of Michael Bolton in Timeline
Michael Bolton, born Michael Bolotin, is a renowned American singer and songwriter. He started his musical journey in the hard rock and heavy metal genres, releasing solo albums and fronting the band Blackjack. Bolton's songwriting prowess shined early on, penning hits like "How Am I Supposed to Live Without You," which he later reimagined as a successful solo release.
February 26, 1953: Birth of Michael Bolotin
Michael Bolotin, later known as Michael Bolton, was born on February 26, 1953.
1966: Isley Brothers Release "Love Is a Wonderful Thing"
The Isley Brothers released their version of "Love Is a Wonderful Thing" in 1966.
1970: Vegetarian Lifestyle Adoption
Michael Bolton adopted a vegetarian lifestyle.
1975: Recording at The Church Studio
Michael Bolton began his recording career in 1975 at The Church Studio in Tulsa, Oklahoma.
1975: Music Career Beginnings
Michael Bolton embarked on his music career, going on to release numerous albums and singles throughout his career.
1975: Marriage to Maureen McGuire
Michael Bolton married Maureen McGuire.
1980: Release of "Maybe It's the Power of Love"
Michael Bolton, as part of the band Blackjack, released the song "Maybe It's the Power of Love" in 1980.
1983: Black Sabbath Audition Rumor
A rumor circulated in 1983 that Michael Bolton had auditioned to be the lead vocalist for Black Sabbath, which he later denied.
1983: Co-writes "How Am I Supposed to Live Without You" for Laura Branigan
Michael Bolton co-wrote "How Am I Supposed to Live Without You" for Laura Branigan, which became a number one hit on the Adult Contemporary chart in 1983.
1984: Dune Rumor Dispelled
Despite rumors of appearing as an extra in the film 'Dune', Michael Bolton clarified in interviews that he was not part of the movie.
1985: Co-writes "I Found Someone" for Laura Branigan
Michael Bolton co-wrote "I Found Someone" for Laura Branigan in 1985, which later became a hit for Cher.
1987: Start of Chart Success
From 1987 to 1995, Michael Bolton achieved significant chart success with multiple top ten albums and songs in the U.S., particularly on the adult contemporary chart.
1987: Releases Interpretation of "(Sittin' On) The Dock of the Bay"
Michael Bolton released his version of the Otis Redding classic "(Sittin' On) The Dock of the Bay" in 1987, earning praise from Redding's widow.
1988: Releases Own Rendition of "How Am I Supposed to Live Without You"
Michael Bolton released his own version of "How Am I Supposed to Live Without You" in 1988, achieving a number one hit on the Hot 100.
1989: Releases Version of "Georgia on My Mind"
Continuing his interest in soul music, Michael Bolton released his rendition of "Georgia on My Mind", a song made famous by Ray Charles, in 1989.
1990: Divorce from Maureen McGuire
Michael Bolton and Maureen McGuire divorced after 15 years of marriage.
1991: Releases "Time, Love & Tenderness" Album
Michael Bolton released the album "Time, Love & Tenderness" in 1991, which featured a Grammy-winning cover of "When a Man Loves a Woman".
1991: Release of "Love Is a Wonderful Thing"
Michael Bolton releases "Love Is a Wonderful Thing" in 1991, a song that would later become the center of a plagiarism lawsuit.
1992: Meeting Nicollette Sheridan
Michael Bolton was introduced to actress Nicollette Sheridan by Kenny G.
1992: Isley Brothers File Lawsuit
The Isley Brothers filed a lawsuit in 1992 against Michael Bolton, alleging his song "Love Is a Wonderful Thing" plagiarized their earlier work.
July 25, 1993: Charity Softball Game
Michael Bolton participated in a televised charity softball game, leading his team, The Bolton Bombers, to victory against Michael Jordan's team, Jordan's Air Force. The game featured numerous celebrities and was held at Comiskey Park in Chicago.
1993: The Michael Bolton Foundation Establishment
Michael Bolton established The Michael Bolton Foundation, later renamed The Michael Bolton Charities, to support women and children facing poverty and abuse.
1995: End of Peak Chart Success
By 1995, Michael Bolton's peak chart success had subsided, although he continued to have hits on the adult contemporary chart.
1995: Breakup with Nicollette Sheridan
Michael Bolton and Nicollette Sheridan ended their relationship.
1995: Charity Criticism
The Michael Bolton Foundation faced criticism for a low percentage of donations reaching charitable causes, with a significant portion funding a concert featuring Bolton.
1995: Fundraiser Performance and Grant Controversy
The Michael Bolton Foundation received a $300,000 grant from the state of Connecticut, and Bolton performed at a fundraiser for Governor John G. Rowland shortly after.
1997: Meet Wally Sparks Cameo
Michael Bolton made a cameo appearance as himself in the film 'Meet Wally Sparks'.
1997: Releases "Go the Distance"
Michael Bolton released "Go the Distance" from the Disney movie Hercules in 1997, which became his last Top 40 hit in the U.S. It reached number one on the adult contemporary chart.
1998: The Nanny Cameo
Michael Bolton made a cameo appearance as himself in the sitcom 'The Nanny'.
2000: Legal Battle with the Isley Brothers
In 2000, Michael Bolton faced a legal battle with the Isley Brothers over plagiarism claims regarding his song "Love Is a Wonderful Thing". The lawsuit ended with a substantial financial settlement.
2001: Releases "Only a Woman Like You" Album
Michael Bolton released the album "Only a Woman Like You" in 2001, featuring a title track co-written with Shania Twain.
2001: Hires Larry Baird for Tour
For his 2001 tour, Michael Bolton hired Larry Baird, known for his work with The Moody Blues and other artists, as the conductor and arranger.
March 2003: Advocacy for Domestic Violence Victims
Michael Bolton collaborated with Lifetime Television, Verizon Wireless, and others to advocate for legislation supporting victims of domestic violence.
2005: Reconciliation with Nicollette Sheridan
Michael Bolton and Nicollette Sheridan rekindled their romance.
March 2006: Engagement to Nicollette Sheridan
Michael Bolton and Nicollette Sheridan got engaged, marking their second time getting back together.
August 2006: Celebrity Duets Appearance
Michael Bolton appeared as one of Lucy Lawless's duet partners on the Fox Broadcasting Company's program 'Celebrity Duets' in August 2006.
2006: Releases "Bolton Swings Sinatra" Album
Michael Bolton released the album "Bolton Swings Sinatra" in 2006, which included a duet with his then-fiancée Nicollette Sheridan.
March 2007: First Tour in South Africa
Michael Bolton embarked on his first tour of South Africa in March 2007, headlining a two-day concert.
August 2008: Breakup with Nicollette Sheridan
Michael Bolton and Nicollette Sheridan called off their engagement.
2008: Performs at Sanremo Music Festival
Michael Bolton performed a duet with Anna Tatangelo at the Sanremo Music Festival in 2008.
September 21, 2009: Releases "One World One Love" in the UK
Michael Bolton released his album "One World One Love" in the UK on September 21, 2009.
September 2010: Dancing with the Stars Debut
Michael Bolton joined the cast of 'Dancing with the Stars' for its 11th season, partnering with professional dancer Chelsie Hightower.
September 28, 2010: Dancing with the Stars Elimination
Michael Bolton, paired with Chelsie Hightower, was eliminated from the 11th season of 'Dancing with the Stars' on September 28, 2010.
October 2010: Grandfatherhood
Michael Bolton became a grandfather for the first time through his daughter Taryn.
May 2011: Featured on The Lonely Island's "Jack Sparrow"
Michael Bolton made a guest appearance in May 2011 on The Lonely Island's song "Jack Sparrow".
June 2011: Collaborates with A.R. Rahman
In June 2011, Michael Bolton collaborated with Indian musician A. R. Rahman on a song for "Gems – The Duets Collection".
2012: Two and a Half Men Cameo
Michael Bolton appeared as himself in an episode of the sitcom 'Two and a Half Men'.
January 2013: The Soul of It All: My Music, My Life Publication
Michael Bolton released his autobiography, "The Soul of It All: My Music, My Life."
2013: Honda Commercials
Michael Bolton appeared in Honda commercials, lending his voice to their advertising campaigns.
2013: Releases "Ain't No Mountain High Enough: A Tribute to Hitsville U.S.A."
Michael Bolton released "Ain't No Mountain High Enough: A Tribute to Hitsville U.S.A." in 2013, an album featuring duets with Kelly Rowland, Melanie Fiona, and Orianthi.
2014: Honda Commercials
Michael Bolton continued his appearances in Honda commercials for a second year.
2014: Support for John G. Rowland
Michael Bolton wrote a letter of support for former Governor John G. Rowland during Rowland's sentencing for fraud charges, highlighting their long relationship and the foundation's grant-making practices.
2015: Last Week Tonight and Pizza Hut Appearances
In 2015, Michael Bolton showcased his versatility by appearing on an episode of 'Last Week Tonight with John Oliver' to sing about the IRS and also starring in a Pizza Hut commercial where he performed 'Jingle Bells'.
2015: Kanye West Samples "Maybe It's the Power of Love"
Kanye West sampled Michael Bolton's 1980 song "Maybe It's the Power of Love" for his song "Never Let Me Down" in 2015.
2016: Appears in "Popstar: Never Stop Never Stopping"
Michael Bolton appeared in The Lonely Island's film "Popstar: Never Stop Never Stopping" in 2016 and contributed to the soundtrack.
May 15, 2018: American Dream: Detroit Premiere
'American Dream: Detroit', a documentary produced by Michael Bolton, premiered at the Redford Theatre. The film spotlights Detroit's economic resurgence and features prominent figures like Christopher Ilitch, Jerry Bruckheimer, and Aretha Franklin.
July 27, 2018: Teen Titans Go! To the Movies Release
Michael Bolton contributed the song "Upbeat Inspirational Song About Life" and its reprise to the animated film 'Teen Titans Go! To the Movies', released on July 27, 2018. He also provided the voice for the character Tiger who sings the song.
February 2019: Expanding Family
By February 2019, Michael Bolton had become a grandfather to six grandchildren.
2021: The Masked Singer Appearance
Michael Bolton participated in season six of 'The Masked Singer' as "Skunk", performing a duet of "Ain't No Mountain High Enough" with Faith Evans.
March 21, 2022: American Song Contest Debut
Michael Bolton represented Connecticut in the American Song Contest, debuting with his song "Beautiful World" on March 21, 2022. He ultimately reached the finals, securing seventh place.
December 2023: Emergency Brain Surgery
Just before the December 2023 holidays, Michael Bolton underwent emergency surgery for a brain tumor.
2023: The Masked Singer Appearance
Michael Bolton returned to 'The Masked Singer' for season nine, this time as "Wolf". After his elimination, he used the platform to promote his upcoming album and performed an encore of "How Am I Supposed to Live Without You".
2024: Touring Hiatus
Following his brain surgery, Michael Bolton announced a break from touring to focus on his recovery.