Facts about Paul Young: Singer’s age, wife, kids, songs and career explained

July 12, 2024, 20:36

Paul Young was one of the most talented singers of the 1980s thanks to his pop-soul anthems and ballads.

Not only did he sing the first line of Band Aid’s “Do They Know It’s Christmas?”, he has also sold millions of records worldwide and currently performs with his band Los Pacaminos.

From his age to his family, here are the most important facts about the talented star:

1. How old is Paul Young and where does he come from?

   

   Paul Young – Wherever I Lay My Hat (This is my home)

   
   
   

   Paul Young was born on January 17, 1956. In 2024 he celebrated his 68th birthday.

   He was born in Luton, Bedfordshire. He also has an older brother, Mark, and a younger sister, Joanne.

   Paul’s first group was Kat Kool & The Kool Kats, and in the late 1970s he joined the street band that had a hit, the novelty track “Toast”.

   The band eventually became The Q-Tips, who had moderate success before Paul started a successful solo career in 1982.

2. How did he come up with his starting music?

   

   Paul Young reveals how he almost sang a duet with Whitney Houston

   
   
   

   Paul Young began his music career in the late 1970s. He gained his first experience playing with local bands in his hometown of Luton. Young first joined a band called Kat Kool & the Kool Kats, which gave him his first live experience.

   In 1978, he joined a group called Streetband, which had a minor hit with the novelty song “Toast.” However, he did not become more widely known until he formed the band Q-Tips in 1979.

   Q-Tips became known for their energetic live performances and soul-influenced pop sound. Despite their moderate success and critical acclaim, the band failed to achieve great commercial success and eventually disbanded in 1982.

   Paul Young then started a solo career, which was a turning point for him. His debut solo album No Parlezwas released in 1983 and included hits such as “Wherever I Lay My Hat (That’s My Home)” and “Come Back and Stay”, which made him internationally famous.

   His soulful voice and distinctive style quickly made him a prominent figure in the music industry in the 1980s.

3. Who was Paul Young’s first wife?

   

   Paul Young met his wife, former model Stacey Smith, in 1983 in the video for his song “Come Back and Stay”.

   The couple later married in November 1987 while living in Los Angeles.

   Paul and Stacey separated in May 2006, but reconciled in March 2009.

   Tragically, on January 26, 2018, it was announced that Stacey had died of brain cancer at the age of 52.

   When she reported her death on This morningPaul said: “We just made the best of it during those two years. And as a family we agreed that we (he and his children) wanted to work and do something positive.

   

   Paul Young talks about the death of his wife

   
   
   

   “That was her proudest part. She was really happy for me when things started looking up again. (We’re a close family) we see each other all the time.

   “When she got sick, we all said we would give up sugar because it makes the cancer worse. So we actually did it as a sign of solidarity with Stacey.

   

   “However, in the two years I was taking care of her, I didn’t take care of myself, so now I’m back on the trail. I’m exercising again. I’m paying attention to my voice and warming up. I usually do this in the car, which must look a bit weird!”

4. Is Paul Young married?

   In October 2023, Paul confirmed his engagement to his partner Lorna.

   The couple married in July 2024.

5. Does Paul Young have children?

   Paul had three children with Stacey: daughters Levi (born March 1987), Layla (born August 1994) and son Grady Cole (born January 1996).