Gary Barlow, born on January 20, 1971, in Frodsham, Cheshire, England, is a renowned English singer, songwriter, record producer, and television personality. He gained fame as the lead singer and principal songwriter of the pop group Take That, which became one of the UK's most successful bands, dominating the charts in the 1990s. Barlow is credited with writing many of the group's hits, including the international smash "Back for Good."

Barlow's musical journey began at a young age. Influenced by 1970s and 1980s pop music, he taught himself to play the piano at age 10, inspired by Elton John. His early career saw him performing on the northern club circuit before being discovered by manager Nigel Martin-Smith, who formed Take That in 1990.

Following the initial breakup of Take That in 1996, Barlow pursued a solo career, achieving several number-one singles and albums. He later reunited with Take That in 2005, leading to further success and record-breaking tours. Barlow has also been a judge on UK television talent shows such as The X Factor UK.

In addition to his music career, Barlow has been involved in numerous charitable endeavors, including organizing concerts for Children in Need and climbing Mt. Kilimanjaro for Comic Relief. He was appointed an Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE) in 2012 for his services to music and charity.

Barlow is married to Dawn Andrews, a former dancer on Take That's tour, and they have three children. Despite facing criticism for a tax avoidance scheme in 2014, Barlow has remained a beloved figure in the British music industry, known for his contributions to pop music and his philanthropic efforts.