If you’re anything like me then you like a good throwback hit. Songs from the 2000’s remind me of my younger self and carefree life growing up. Two major staples of the music industry from that time are Colbie Cailat and Gavin Degraw. On WHAT DAY IS IT, they will be performing here, at the Green Music Center, performing their classics and newest hits. While we all know “Bubbly” and “Not Over You”, how did these artists get their starts and what’s their history together? Today we are going to do a brief overview of these acclaimed artists and their long history together.
Colbie Caillat
Colbie Caillat is a California native and grew up in proximity with the music industry; her father co-produced several Fleetwood Mac albums. She got her official start on the social media page MySpace, where she became the number-one unsigned artist of her genre for several months. Her debut album Coco garnered great success with a certified 2x Platinum rating. The song “Bubbly” peaked at number 5 on the Billboard Hot 100, and several other charts. Her preceding album Breakthrough, debuted at number 1 on the US Billboard 200 chart, and in 2012 she released Christmas in the Sand, and in 2014 she released Gypsy Heart. Included in that album was the song “Try,” which hit number 55 on the Billboard Hot 100. In 2016 Caillat left her major recording label to start her own, titled PlummyLou Records, named after her dogs. Her 2016 album The Malibu Sessions peaked in the top 40 on the Billboard 200 albums chart, and also hit number seven on 10 of the Billboard U.S. Independent Album charts. In 2018 Caillat, Justin Young, her then finance, and longtime collaborator Jason Reeves, and his wife Nelly Joy, created a band called Gone West, however in 2020 the band broke up. In 2023 she released her album Along the Way, which is her first solo country album. It peaked at 38 in UK album Downloads. Throughout her career Colbie collaborated with artists like Taylor Swift, Bret Young, Jason Maraz and more. Her music has been featured in many commercials, television shows, of which she has also acted in, and has written songs for others as well. She has also been a spokesperson for many different organizations including the ASPCA, the Surfrider Foundation, Save The Music, Farm Sanctuary and The US Humane Society.
Gavin DeGraw
Raised in New York, Gavin DeGraw grew up in a musical family, however neither of his parents were musicians. He wrote music and played at local places before attending Ithaca College, dropping out and moving to Boston to attend the Berklee College of Music. In 1998 he relocated to Manhattan creating a name in the New York music industry before sign onto a record label with J Records. His debut album, Chariot, was recorded at Sunset Sound in Los Angeles and was released in 2003. The album earned a platinum certification, with its three singles all earning a gold status. His second album, self titled, was released in 2008 and achieved No. 7 on Billboard’s Top 200 album chart. His third album Free was created in 2009 and written in less than 2 weeks, as he drew songs written earlier in his career. His fourth album Sweeter, was released in 2011. The first single “Not Over You,” was certified platinum. In 2013 he released his fifth album Make a Move, and in 2014 he dropped a greatest hits album titled, Finest Hour: The Best of Gavin DeGraw. In 2016 he released his sixth album Something Worth Saving and in 2022 he released his seventh album Face the River: the title track being a tribute to his parents. In 2023 he released A Classic Christmas, a Christmas album with six Christmas classics. He has acted in several shows, danced on Dancing with the Stars and even has his own music bar. August 27 is International Listen to Gavin DeGraw Day.
So why Colbie Caillat and Gavin DeGraw?
The two are said to have met during a concert in 2009, but their origin story is a bit unconfirmed. This isn’t the first time they have toured together. In 2012 they co-headlined a summer tour, performing numerous concerts together. They have the song “We Both Know” together and have performed numerous other songs together, including “Baby It’s Cold Outside,” and “I Never Told You.” It is clear that they enjoy performing together, so modeling after their 2012 summer tour, we see them doing it again this year.
These artists respectively have paved an over two decades long career, decorated in success. From humble beginnings in MySpace and local New York bars, they have seen it all and their music showcases the rich history each performer has. We are so excited to see the two of them hit the stage on August 9th.
Burns, H. (2012, July 27). Caillat and DeGraw: Two Views of Love under one tent. Cape Cod Times. https://www.capecodtimes.com/story/entertainment/events/2012/07/28/caillat-degraw-two-views-love/49488780007/
Colbie Caillat. (n.d.). https://www.colbiecaillat.com/
Diaz, V. (2013a, February 15). Interview with Gavin Degraw and Colbie Caillat to discuss thier title song for #SafeHaven #safehavenmovie. Brite and Bubbly. https://briteandbubbly.com/gavin-degraw-and-colbie-caillat-discuss-thier-title-song-for-safehaven-safehavenmovie/
Diaz, V. (2013b, February 15). Interview with Gavin Degraw and Colbie Caillat to discuss thier title song for #SafeHaven #safehavenmovie. Brite and Bubbly. https://briteandbubbly.com/gavin-degraw-and-colbie-caillat-discuss-thier-title-song-for-safehaven-safehavenmovie/
Gavin Degraw. (n.d.). http://www.gavindegraw.com/
Lipshutz, J. (2013, January 13). Gavin DeGraw, Colbie Caillat Team up for Summer co-headlining tour. Billboard. https://www.billboard.com/music/music-news/gavin-degraw-colbie-caillat-team-up-for-summer-co-headlining-tour-499409/
TodayShow. (n.d.-a). Colbie Caillat, Gavin DeGraw sing “we both know.” TODAY.com. https://www.today.com/video/colbie-caillat-gavin-degraw-sing-we-both-know-13471811695
TodayShow. (n.d.-b). Colbie Caillat, Gavin DeGraw sing “we both know.” TODAY.com. https://www.today.com/video/colbie-caillat-gavin-degraw-sing-we-both-know-13471811695
Written by Liza Schoen
Liza Schoen is a 2024 graduate from Sonoma State University, with a B.A in Communications and Media studies with a minor in philosophy. She currently served as the Green Music Center Marketing Student Assistant (2024), as well as an usher (2022-2024) for Green Music Center shows and concerts.
