Career Timeline of Robin Thicke: Major Achievements and Milestones
Discover the career path of Robin Thicke, from the first major opportunity to industry-changing achievements.
Robin Thicke is an American singer, songwriter, and record producer, famous for his hit song "Blurred Lines" released in 2013. The song topped the Billboard Hot 100, achieved diamond certification by the RIAA, and became one of the best-selling singles ever. It also garnered Grammy nominations for Record of the Year and Best Pop Duo/Group Performance at the 56th Annual Grammy Awards.
4 hours ago : Shaggy and Robin Thicke collaborate on 'Looking Lovely' from new 'Lottery' album.
Shaggy announced his new album 'Lottery' featuring the lead single 'Looking Lovely' with Robin Thicke. The album is slated for release on May 15th, 2026, with an accompanying video.
1988: George Michael Topped R&B/Hip-Hop Songs Chart
In 2006, Robin Thicke's "Lost Without U" hit number one on the Billboard Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart making him the first white male artist to top that chart since 1988 when George Michael did so with "One More Try".
1996: Co-writing and producing "Sexual Capacity"
In 1996, Robin Thicke co-wrote and produced the song "Sexual Capacity" for Color Me Badd.
1999: Co-writing "Fall Again" with Walter Afanasieff
In 1999, Robin Thicke co-wrote the song "Fall Again" with Walter Afanasieff, intended for Michael Jackson's 2001 album Invincible.
1999: Collaboration on Jordan Knight's Album
In 1999, Robin Thicke collaborated with Jordan Knight, Jimmy Jam, and Terry Lewis on several songs in Knight's album Jordan Knight, including the Billboard top 10 hit "Give It to You". Knight also invested in Thicke's ability by purchasing studio equipment for him.
2001: Release of 'A Beautiful World'
In 2001, Interscope Records released Robin Thicke's debut studio album, A Beautiful World, which was inspired by blue-eyed soul. However, the album was commercially unsuccessful.
2001: Intended release of 'Invincible' album
In 2001, Michael Jackson's album 'Invincible' was scheduled to release but Robin Thicke's co-written song “Fall Again” with Walter Afanasieff failed to be presented as a completed song for the album.
2001: Signing with Interscope for the Second Time
In 2001, after working on his debut album, Robin Thicke signed with Interscope for a second time, as part of Andre Harrell's and Kenneth "Babyface" Edmonds' Nu America imprint label.
2002: Release of Debut Single "When I Get You Alone"
In 2002, Robin Thicke released his debut single "When I Get You Alone", which samples Walter Murphy's "A Fifth of Beethoven". The song achieved chart success globally, peaking in the Top 20 in Australia, Belgium, and Italy, and reaching the Top 10 in New Zealand and the Top 3 of the Dutch Top 40 in the Netherlands.
2003: Guy Sebastian Performed "When I Get You Alone"
In 2003, Guy Sebastian, the winner of the first Australian Idol, performed Robin Thicke's song "When I Get You Alone" during the competition and at the finale. This performance was later included on Sebastian's debut single.
2003: Release of 'A Beautiful World' Album
In 2003, Robin Thicke's album A Beautiful World was released, following the success of the single, "When I Get You Alone." Despite a second single release, the album received little promotion and underperformed commercially.
November 16, 2004: Release of Michael Jackson's demo of "Fall Again"
On November 16, 2004, Michael Jackson's demo of the song "Fall Again", co-written by Robin Thicke in 1999, was released as an album track of his limited edition box set The Ultimate Collection.
2004: Co-writing on Usher's Confessions
In 2004, Robin Thicke co-wrote "Can U Handle It?" for Usher's album "Confessions", which later sold 20 million copies worldwide.
2004: Collaboration with Guy Sebastian and Raven-Symoné
In 2004, Robin Thicke co-wrote and produced "Out With My Baby" with Guy Sebastian, and also worked on additional songs for Sebastian's "Beautiful Life" album. Additionally, he co-wrote and produced "Set Me Free" with Raven-Symoné for her album "This Is My Time."
2005: Confessions won Grammy Award
In 2005 Usher's album Confessions, for which Robin Thicke co-wrote "Can U Handle It?", won the Grammy Award for Best Contemporary R&B Album.
2005: Guest appearance on "Switch" remix
In 2005, Robin Thicke made a guest appearance on the remix of Will Smith's song "Switch".
2005: Signing with Star Trak and Working on Second Album
In 2005, Robin Thicke signed to Star Trak and continued working on his second album, The Evolution of Robin Thicke.
2005: Signing with Star Trak Entertainment
In 2005, Robin Thicke signed with Pharrell Williams' Star Trak Entertainment.
2005: Featured on Tha Carter II
In 2005, Robin Thicke was featured on Lil Wayne's album Tha Carter II. Thicke mentioned being featured on this album, noting a mutual good luck charm between him and Lil Wayne.
2005: Transition to Performing Under His Surname
Until 2005, Robin Thicke recorded and performed solely under his surname, Thicke.
October 3, 2006: Release of 'The Evolution of Robin Thicke' Album
On October 3, 2006, Robin Thicke released his second album, The Evolution of Robin Thicke. He toured with India.Arie and opened for John Legend to promote it.
2006: Release of 'The Evolution of Robin Thicke'
In 2006, Robin Thicke released his second album, The Evolution of Robin Thicke, under Star Trak Entertainment. The album debuted at number five on the Billboard 200 and included the single "Lost Without U," which peaked at number 14 on the Billboard Hot 100, marking a commercial breakthrough for Thicke.
2006: Expansion of R&B sound
In 2006, Thicke's single "Magic" was a further expansion of the R&B sound that powered his breakthrough with The Evolution of Robin Thicke.
2006: Release of "Lost Without U" Video and Chart Appearance
In 2006, the music video for Robin Thicke's ballad "Lost Without U" was released, and the song began appearing on Billboard R&B charts in November.
February 13, 2007: Re-release of 'The Evolution of Robin Thicke' as a Deluxe Edition
On February 13, 2007, The Evolution of Robin Thicke was re-released as a Deluxe Edition with three new bonus tracks, subsequently peaking at number five on the Billboard 200.
February 24, 2007: Thicke tops four Billboard charts
On February 24, 2007, Robin Thicke topped four Billboard charts simultaneously: Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums, Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs, Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Airplay, and Adult R&B Songs.
March 23, 2007: 'The Evolution of Robin Thicke' Certified Platinum
On March 23, 2007, Robin Thicke's album The Evolution of Robin Thicke was certified Platinum by the RIAA, marking a commercial success with over 1.5 million copies sold domestically in the United States.
April 19, 2007: First Performance on 'The Oprah Winfrey Show'
On April 19, 2007, Robin Thicke performed "Lost Without U" on The Oprah Winfrey Show.
September 24, 2007: UK Concert at KOKO in London
On September 24, 2007, Robin Thicke performed a one-off UK concert at KOKO in London.
October 2, 2007: Release of "Got 2 Be Down" as a Single
On October 2, 2007, Robin Thicke's track "Got 2 Be Down" was released as the fourth official single from the album The Evolution of Robin Thicke. The single peaked at number 60 on Billboard's Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Singles & Tracks.
2007: Collaboration with 50 Cent
In 2007, Robin Thicke appeared on 50 Cent's album Curtis, contributing to the song "Follow My Lead".
2007: Release and Peak of 'Something Else'
In 2007, Robin Thicke's third album, Something Else, peaked at number three on the Billboard 200. It was preceded by the single "Magic."
September 30, 2008: Release of 'Something Else' Album
On September 30, 2008, Robin Thicke released his third solo album, titled Something Else. It debuted at number three on the Billboard 200 charts and sold 137,000 copies in its first week. The album featured the single "Magic".
2008: Playing piano on "Love in This Club"
In 2008, Robin Thicke played piano on the hit Usher track "Love in This Club", which reached No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100.
2008: Release and Peak of 'Sex Therapy: The Session'
In 2008, Robin Thicke's fourth album, Sex Therapy: The Session, peaked at number nine. It spawned the single "Sex Therapy".
February 8, 2009: Performance at the 51st Annual Grammy Awards
On February 8, 2009, Robin Thicke performed "Tie My Hands" with Lil Wayne at the 51st Annual Grammy Awards, followed by a medley tribute to New Orleans with jazz musicians Allen Toussaint, Terence Blanchard, and the Dirty Dozen Brass Band.
March 31, 2009: Co-Headlining U.S. Tour with Jennifer Hudson
On March 31, 2009, Robin Thicke and Jennifer Hudson began their co-headlining U.S. tour in Albany, New York.
April 2009: Release of "Dreamworld" and Sales Update for 'Something Else'
As of April 2009, Robin Thicke released "Dreamworld" as the third single from Something Else, which had sold over 435,000 units in the U.S.
December 15, 2009: Release of 'Sex Therapy' Album
On December 15, 2009, Robin Thicke's fourth studio album, Sex Therapy, was released after being postponed from the fall. The first single from the album was the title track.
2009: Musical influences for Sex Therapy album and collaboration with Leighton Meester
In 2009, Robin Thicke discussed the musical influences behind his album "Sex Therapy", citing Marvin Gaye, Stevie Wonder, and Al Green alongside hip hop artists like Run-DMC, N.W.A, Biggie, Pac, and Jay-Z. Also in 2009, Leighton Meester's debut single "Somebody to Love", featuring Thicke, was released.
February 5, 2010: Participation in BET's SOS Saving Ourselves: Help For Haiti telethon concert
On February 5, 2010, Robin Thicke participated in BET's SOS Saving Ourselves: Help For Haiti telethon concert, which was held in response to the 2010 Haiti earthquake.
March 2010: "Sex Therapy" Tops Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs Chart
In March 2010, Robin Thicke's song "Sex Therapy" became his second song to top the Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart.
2010: Featured on 'Q Soul Bossa Nostra'
In 2010, Robin Thicke was featured on "Q Soul Bossa Nostra", an album in tribute to Quincy Jones, consisting of reinterpretations of Jones' work.
October 11, 2011: Release of Love After War single
On October 11, 2011, the title track "Love After War" was released as the first single from the album of the same name. It peaked at number fourteen on the "Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs" chart and topped the Adult R&B chart.
October 2011: Sex Therapy album sales
By October 2011, Robin Thicke's album 'Sex Therapy' had sold 289,000 copies in the United States.
November 21, 2011: Premiere of Love After War music video
On November 21, 2011, the music video for Robin Thicke's song "Love After War" premiered. The video featured his wife Paula Patton and depicted them making up after a fight.
2011: Release and Peak of 'Love After War'
In 2011, Robin Thicke's fifth album, Love After War, peaked at number 22.
January 2012: Album Sales Update for 'A Beautiful World'
As of January 2012, Robin Thicke's 2003 album, A Beautiful World, had sold 119,000 copies.
April 10, 2012: Release of All Tied Up single to Urban AC radio
On April 10, 2012, Robin Thicke's "All Tied Up" was released to Urban AC radio as the third official single.
May 24, 2012: Premiere of Duets on ABC
On May 24, 2012, Robin Thicke premiered as a judge on the ABC television show 'Duets', alongside John Legend, Jennifer Nettles, and Kelly Clarkson. The premiere episode drew in 7 million viewers.
May 31, 2012: Release of Exhale (Shoop Shoop) cover video
On May 31, 2012, Robin Thicke released a video for his promo single, which was a cover of Whitney Houston's classic "Exhale (Shoop Shoop)".
June 7, 2012: Premiere of All Tied Up music video
On June 7, 2012, the music video for Robin Thicke's "All Tied Up" premiered on Vevo.
June 28, 2012: Duets goes live
On June 28, 2012, "Duets" went live, allowing viewers to vote for their favorite contestants. Robin Thicke was a judge and mentor on the show.
July 2012: Feature film debut in Abby in the Summer
In July 2012, Robin Thicke made his feature film debut, starring alongside Jaime Pressly in Jimbo Lee's "Abby in the Summer".
March 20, 2013: Release of Blurred Lines music video
On March 20, 2013, the music video for Robin Thicke's song "Blurred Lines" featuring models Emily Ratajkowski, Jessi M'Bengue, and Elle Evans, was released and quickly gained over 1 million views.
March 26, 2013: Release of Blurred Lines single
On March 26, 2013, Robin Thicke released "Blurred Lines" featuring T.I. and Pharrell as the lead single from his upcoming album, also titled "Blurred Lines".
July 30, 2013: Release of Blurred Lines album
On July 30, 2013, Robin Thicke released his new album "Blurred Lines". The song of the same name had already become a worldwide hit.
December 6, 2013: Performance at The Grammy Nominations Concert Live! and Grammy nominations
On December 6, 2013, Robin Thicke performed "Blurred Lines" with T.I. and Earth, Wind & Fire at The Grammy Nominations Concert Live! and received three Grammy nominations: Best Pop Vocal Album for "Blurred Lines" and Record of the Year and Best Pop Duo/Group Performance for the album's single "Blurred Lines".
2013: Controversial MTV Video Music Awards performance
At the 2013 MTV Video Music Awards, Robin Thicke performed "Blurred Lines" with Miley Cyrus. The performance drew significant negative reactions due to its perceived raunchiness, sexism, and cultural appropriation and became the most tweeted about event in history at that time.
2013: Release and Success of "Blurred Lines"
In 2013, Robin Thicke released the single "Blurred Lines" (featuring T.I. and Pharrell Williams). The song peaked atop the Billboard Hot 100, received diamond certification by the RIAA, and became one of the best-selling singles of all time. The single "Blurred Lines" was nominated for Record of the Year and Best Pop Duo/Group Performance at the 56th Annual Grammy Awards.
2013: Starring in Real Husbands of Hollywood
In early 2013, Robin Thicke played a fictionalized version of himself in the first season of BET's "Real Husbands of Hollywood". He did not return for the second season to focus on his music career.
February 2014: Collaboration with DJ Cassidy and Jessie J
In February 2014, Robin Thicke collaborated with DJ Cassidy and British singer Jessie J to record "Calling All Hearts".
May 19, 2014: Release of Get Her Back and Billboard Music Awards performance
On May 19, 2014, Robin Thicke released "Get Her Back", the lead single from his album "Paula", dedicated to his estranged wife, Paula Patton. He also performed the song and won four awards at the 2014 Billboard Music Awards.
June 2014: Controversial Twitter Q&A session
At the end of June 2014, Robin Thicke's Q&A session on Twitter, hosted by VH1, was overrun by negative comments criticizing his lyrics and lifestyle choices, which The Guardian described as "an epic PR fail".
June 2014: Announcement of Paula album
In June 2014, Robin Thicke announced that his next album would be called "Paula", and that it would be dedicated to his estranged wife, Paula Patton.
July 1, 2014: Release of Paula album
On July 1, 2014, Robin Thicke's album "Paula" was released, peaking at No. 9 on the Billboard 200 and selling 24,000 copies in its first week.
2014: Previous album release
In 2014 Robin Thicke released his previous album, titled Paula.
2014: Collaboration on "Calling All Hearts"
In 2014, Robin Thicke collaborated with Jessie J on the DJ Cassidy-produced song "Calling All Hearts".
2014: Release of Abby in the Summer under the title Making the Rules
The film "Abby in the Summer", which was shot in 2012, was released in 2014 under the title "Making the Rules."
August 6, 2015: Release of Back Together single
On August 6, 2015, Robin Thicke released a new single titled "Back Together," featuring Nicki Minaj.
2015: Featured on Flo Rida's "I Don't Like It, I Love It"
In 2015, Robin Thicke was featured alongside Verdine White on Flo Rida's song "I Don't Like It, I Love It," which achieved international success.
2016: Return to Real Husbands of Hollywood
In 2016, Robin Thicke rejoined the cast of "Real Husbands of Hollywood" for its fifth season, where he parodied his personal and professional issues.
January 2019: Appearance on The Masked Singer
In January 2019, Robin Thicke began appearing as a panelist on the reality competition series "The Masked Singer".
2019: Panelist on 'The Masked Singer'
Since 2019, Robin Thicke has been a panelist on the Fox musical competition show, The Masked Singer.
January 21, 2021: Release of "Take Me Higher"
On January 21, 2021, Robin Thicke reunited with producer Pharrell Williams after eight years to release the single "Take Me Higher".
August 21, 2021: "Look Easy" Tops Adult R&B Airplay Chart
On August 21, 2021, Robin Thicke's song "Look Easy" achieved his sixth No. 1 position on Billboard's Adult R&B Airplay chart.
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