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Justin Randall Timberlake was born January 31, 1981, and raised in Memphis, Tennessee. He began to perform at a very young age, whether it was singing, acting or dancing. The world was first granted a glimpse of him as a youngster on Star Search, his first-ever television appearance. Back in those early days, Timberlake sang primarily country music, a direct result of his Music City background.
In 1992, Timberlake received a huge break, unbeknownst to him at the time, when he was offered the chance to become a regular on Disney's Mickey Mouse Club. While in Orlando for two years, Timberlake was able to promote his gifts as a performer with future 'N Sync bandmate Joshua Scott Chasez, and present pop princesses Christina Aguilera and Britney Spears.
Although Timberlake returned home after two years, he came back to Orlando to participate in a new boy band, at the urging of Chris Kirkpatrick. There, he joined Kirkpatrick, Chasez, Joey Fatone, and Lance Bass to form 'N Sync.
After considerable success abroad in the mid-1990s, 'N Sync exploded on the U.S. charts with blockbuster albums such as No Strings Attached and Celebrity. In direct competition with The Backstreet Boys, 'N Sync branded themselves as a younger, more dynamic group of performers. The strategy worked, as 'N Sync went on to achieve phenomenal chart sales, amassing awards and a huge following in the process. Timberlake in particular, stood out as the leader of the group, even as the youngest member, with undeniable talent as a singer and dancer.
His fame rose as well, amidst his rumored and then confirmed romance with teen queen Britney Spears, whose meteoric rise to fame coincided with Timberlake's. The couple was, for a time, Hollywood royalty and a match seemingly made in pop idol heaven. Although it did not last, the relationship did survive long enough to provide priceless exposure to both Timberlake and Spears.
Now somewhat of a single player, Timberlake is poised to conquer both women and new fans as a chart-topping solo artist with his debut smash, Justified. |
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