Chris Martin is an English musician and the front man of the band Coldplay. He is also a songwriter and a record producer. Together with his bandmates, they had made popular hits including “The Scientist,” “Yellow,” “Up and Up.” Their songs have earned them a Grammy award nomination, and their album Viva la Vida has earned them an actual win. They have sold about 80 million records all around the globe. He and his band are considered one of the many best-selling music artists in the world.
He has been active in the music industry since his early beginning in 1996. Apart from his participation in Coldplay, he also has made his own solo projects. He collaborated with other artists, rappers, and producers in making songs. His latest stint is with Dua Lipa for her self-titled debut album’s single “Homesick.” It was released on June 2, 2017.
Early Life and Family
Chris’s real name is Christopher Anthony John Martin. He was born in Devon, England, on March 2, 1977. He is the son of Anthony Martin and Alison Martin. His father was a retired accountant while his mother was a music teacher. They used to have a family business, Martins of Exeter, but his father sold it in 1999. He is also related to William Willet. William is the man responsible for the campaign and widespread practice of daylight saving time. He was Chris’s great-grandfather.
Education and Personal Life
He received his education from Hylton School and Exeter Cathedral School. It was during his preparatory days that he developed his interests in music. He then joined the Sherborne School where he came to know Phil Harvey, the future manager of Coldplay. For his undergraduate studies, Chris graduated with first-class honors in Greek and Latin from University College London. He read Ancient World Studies as well. During his college days, he met his soon-to-be bandmates Jonny Buckland, Will Champion, and Guy Berryman.
Regarding his religious belief, Chris prefers to call himself “all-theist” or omnism, meaning he believes in everything. In an interview, he said, “I definitely believe in God. How can you look at anything and not be overwhelmed by the miraculousness of it?” and even said that he once went through a rough patch when he was spiritually confused at sixteen years old up until he was twenty-two.
Marriage and Divorce
He was once married to the actress Gwyneth Paltrow. They tied the knot on December 5, 2003, in a very private ceremony without their family and friends. They had their first child, Apple Blythe Alison Martin, on May 14, 2004. Meanwhile, their second child was born on April 8, 2006, and was named Moses Bruce Anthony Martin. However, their marriage ended in a divorce. The announcement of their separation was released in March 2014, and a month later, Gwyneth has filed for a divorce on the grounds of irreconcilable differences. They called their separation a “conscious uncoupling.” The divorce was finalized on July 15, 2016, with none of both parties asking for spousal support.
Net Worth
After his divorce with Gwyneth, it was rumored that both of them will split a fortune of $280 million. This puts Chris’s net worth at $140 million.