Gavin Shane DeGraw (born February 4, 1977) is an American singer-songwriter and musician. He is probably most well-known for his songs "Chariot", "I Don't Want to Be", which is featured as the theme song for the TV drama One Tree Hill , and "In Love with a Girl".

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Early life

Gavin DeGraw grew up in the Catskills, in South Fallsburg, New York. His father was a prison guard and his mother was a detox specialist, as mentioned in his song "I Don't Want to Be". DeGraw began singing and playing piano at the age of eight. He attended Berklee College of Music during the same year as artist John Mayer. He also has two siblings, both older, named Joey, and Neeka. Also related to Pat Patterson of Middletown, DE in which he drew inspiration for his songwriting talents. Joey DeGraw currently provides guitar and backing vocals for Gavin's band, as well as performing and touring to promote his own music.

Career

Originally, DeGraw started in Manhattan clubs alongside local pianists Andrew West and Lenny Revell, drawing several of his home town fans. He got his big break when "I Don't Want to Be" was chosen as the theme song for the teen drama One Tree Hill . The song has also been performed on American Idol , Australian Idol , Canadian Idol and Idol (Norway and Sweden) by various contestants during different seasons. Two of DeGraw's other songs, "Follow Through" and "Chariot," have also achieved popularity and radio play. His song "We Belong Together" was also featured in the 2006 film Tristan and Isolde . In 2004, DeGraw released an acoustic version of his album Chariot called Chariot Stripped . DeGraw and his band recorded the album live in the studio, in only one take on the vocals, seeking an intimate effect.

Since 2004, his profile has grown, bringing him to other states as he tours the country. He made his television debut on Last Call with Carson Daly . DeGraw has also appeared on television shows such as The Tonight Show With Jay Leno , The Late Show With David Letterman , The Ellen DeGeneres Show , and Live with Regis and Kelly . Recently, he has been seen in cameos on Dead Like Me , What I Like About You , and American Dreams . He also appeared in One Tree Hill , singing "I Don't Want to Be" and "Chariot" at Karen's Cafe. DeGraw has released a number of music videos as well, including "I Don't Want to Be", "Follow Through" and "Chariot". The latter was directed by Zach Braff, who also directed music videos for Joshua Radin.

His brother Joey is also a recording artist who played guitar and sung with him on his tour to promote his album Chariot . DeGraw toured with such acts as Sister Hazel, Barenaked Ladies, Howie Day, Michael Tolcher, Butterfly Boucher, The Allman Brothers Band, Marc Broussard, Saving Jane, Jason Mraz and Maroon 5.

According to DeGraw's official site, he returned to the studio on September 1, 2006 to begin recording his next album. Gavin DeGraw was released on May 6, 2008, peaking at #7 on the US Billboard Chart. The first single, "In Love with a Girl" was released on February 5th, 2008. The second U.S. single "Cheated On Me" was released in September 2008, while the rest of the world saw the release of "She Holds a Key". The worldwide third single is "I Have You to Thank".

Gavin Degraw's third album, Free was released March 31st, 2009. DeGraw made FREE in less than two weeks at the Brooklyn studio of his producer Camus Celli, The first single, "Stay", was released through DeGraw's website on March 11th.

DeGraw's song "Follow Through" (from his 2003 album release 'Chariot'), is featured on an advert for Carte D'or ice cream.

Discography

Albums

Year	Title	Peak chart positions
		U.S.	NED	NOR	SWE	ITA	SWI	DEN
2001	Gavin Live (indie release)	—	—	—	—	—	—	—
2003	Chariot	103	6	—	—	43	48	1
2004	Chariot (Stripped)	56	—	2	21	—	—	—
2008	Gavin DeGraw	7	8	35	13	44	23	3
2008	iTunes: Live from Soho (EP)	167	—	—	—	—	—	—
2009	Free	19	76	—	—	—	96	29

Singles

Year	Title	Chart positions											Album
		US Hot 100	US Pop 100	US Adult	UK	IRE	AUS	NZ	NET	ITA	NOR	SWE
2003	"Follow Through"	—	—	27	—	—	—	—	—	—	—	—	Chariot
2004	"I Don't Want to Be"	10	3	9	32	25	19	30	9	—	6	15
2005	"Chariot"	30	21	5	114	—	—	—	12	27	19	—
	"Follow Through" [re-release]	111 [1]	52	22	—	—	—	—	13	—	12	—
2006	"Just Friends"	—	—	—	—	—	—	—	21	—	—	—
	"We Belong Together"	26 [2]	—	—	—	—	—	—	—	—	—	—	Gavin DeGraw
2008	"In Love with a Girl"	24	20	5	—	—	—	—	22	41	—	—
	"She Holds a Key"	—	—	—	—	—	—	—	29	—	—	—
	"Cheated on Me"	—	—	30	—	—	—	—	—	—	—	—
2009	"I Have You to Thank"	—	—	—	—	—	—	—	—	—	—	—
	"Stay" *	—	—	—	—	—	—	—	—	—	—	—	Free

*: Current single

Compilations

• "We Are the Champions", from the album Killer Queen: A Tribute to Queen (2005)
• "Jealous Guy", from the album One Tree Hill, Vol. 2: Friends with Benefit (2006)

Awards and nominations

Year	Award
2005	Billboard Music Award nomination for Top Soundtrack Single of the Year ("I Don't Want to Be")
2005	Radio Music Award nomination for Song of the Year/Mainstream Top 40 Radio ("I Don't Want to Be")

References

1. Top Music Charts - Hot 100 - Billboard 200 - Music Genre Sales - Bubbling Under Hot 100 Singles
2. Top Music Charts - Hot 100 - Billboard 200 - Music Genre Sales