One-third of the way through the year, there’s no doubt that Pharrell Williams owns the title of most popular entertainer of 2014, thanks to his phenomenon, “Happy”. The upbeat, catchy, and relentless song has been a Billboard hit the past few months. But I first heard (part of) the song last June at a screening of the Summer blockbuster, “Despicable Me 2”. “Happy” plays in the background of a humorous scene in which superdad Gru (voiced by Steve Carell) is very much looking forward to his day.
“Happy”-ness disappeared following the film’s two month run of box office domination. However, Universal Studios didn’t give-up on the song, pushing “Happy” heavily for Awards Season consideration. A website was devoted to playing it 24 hours straight, and voters (including yours truly) were sent yellow records of the song, autographed by Pharrell. And several shows, including “Good Morning America” used the tune in marketing campaigns.
Pharrell revealed to Ellen DeGeneres in a recent interview that he and his team “tried to get the song on the radio” but couldn’t. It wasn’t until the Oscar nomination that everyone finally started to notice how good the song is. If the incredible force of another animated musical number (“Frozen”‘s “Let it Go”) wasn’t in his way, Pharrell might’ve taken home the Oscar. In fact, with the song taking on a new life of its own since the ceremony, if Oscars voting was taking place now it would probably win.
But there’s another factor that goes into Pharrell’s success: his fashion. When he sported that musty brown, over-sized top hat at the Grammys, Pharrell immediately attracted attention – so much so that it’s become the fashion statement of the year. You can also add his shorts on the Oscars Red Carpet, SpongeBob PJs to the Kids Choice Awards, and now a green version of the trademark lid to his signature clothing line.
A music producer for years, collaborator with some of the biggest artists in the world, and songwriter for some of the most popular movies, Pharrell Williams is now, finally getting his chance to shine as a solo artist. And so far so good. A “one-hit-wonder”? I don’t think so, as he’ll likely be asked to contribute to both “Minions” and “Despicable Me 3”. Plus, he’s one of three composers (including Hans Zimmer) on “The Amazing Spider-Man 2”. What’s not to be happy about?