Meghan Trainor‘s Full Name is Meghan Elizabeth Trainor
Meghan Elizabeth Trainor, born on December 22, 1993, is an American singer-songwriter and television personality best known for her major label debut single "All About That Bass". With her catchy songs, retro musical style and empowering image, Trainor has become one of the biggest breakthrough pop stars in recent years.
An Early Passion for Music
Meghan‘s musical talents emerged at a very young age. Growing up in Nantucket, Massachusetts, she began writing her own songs and poetry starting at age 11. Her family recognized her artistic gifts and encouraged her to pursue music.
At just 15 years old, Trainor landed a publishing deal with Big Yellow Dog Music, and began penning tracks for other artists including Rascal Flatts and Hunter Hayes while still in high school. She released two independent albums in 2009 and 2010, showcasing her knack for crafting 1950s and 60s-inspired pop tunes.
Breakout Success with "All About That Bass"
Meghan‘s big break came in 2014 with the release of her smash hit single "All About That Bass" on Epic Records. The body-positive anthem promoting self-acceptance struck a chord with audiences worldwide, topping the charts in over 65 countries. It became one of the best-selling singles ever, moving over 11 million units globally.
Trainor went on to release her debut EP Title in September 2014, led by the #1 singles "Lips Are Movin" and "Dear Future Husband". Title peaked at #15 on the Billboard 200 and was certified platinum. Her music video for "All About That Bass" became one of the most-viewed YouTube videos of 2014, now with over 2.9 billion views.
Chart Performance of Meghan Trainor‘s Biggest Hits
| Song | Year | Peak Position | Certification |
|---|---|---|---|
| All About That Bass | 2014 | #1 Billboard Hot 100 | 11x Platinum |
| Lips Are Movin | 2014 | #4 Billboard Hot 100 | 5x Platinum |
| Dear Future Husband | 2015 | #14 Billboard Hot 100 | 3x Platinum |
| Like I‘m Gonna Lose You | 2015 | #8 Billboard Hot 100 | 3x Platinum |
| No | 2016 | #3 Billboard Hot 100 | 4x Platinum |
| Me Too | 2016 | #13 Billboard Hot 100 | 2x Platinum |
Awards and Accolades
Trainor‘s debut album Title released in January 2015, and debuted at #1 on the Billboard 200. Her success continued to roll in, winning the Grammy for Best New Artist in 2016.
Some of Trainor‘s other notable awards and honors include:
- American Music Award for New Artist of the Year (2015)
- People‘s Choice Award for Favorite Breakout Artist (2015)
- Billboard Music Award for Top Hot 100 Song for "All About That Bass" (2015)
- MTV Video Music Award for Best New Artist (2014)
- Two songs certified RIAA diamond for 10 million units ("All About That Bass" and "Lips Are Movin")
Continued Chart Domination
Trainor went on to release two more acclaimed albums, Thank You (2016) and Treat Myself (2020), both debuting in the top 5 of the Billboard 200. She has consistently delivered catchy pop hits like "Better When I‘m Dancing", "No", and "Nice to Meet Ya".
In total, Trainor has achieved 2 #1 singles and 12 top 20 singles on the Billboard Hot 100, cementing her status as a force on the pop charts. She has sold over 75 million singles and 10 million albums worldwide.
Key Collaborations
Some of Trainor‘s major collaborations include:
- "Lips Are Movin" remix with Jay Z
- "Marvin Gaye" with Charlie Puth
- "Forgive Me Friend" with Rita Ora
- "Boys Like You" with Who Is Fancy
- "Home Alone Tonight" with John Legend
- "I‘m a Lady" with Martin Jensen
Notable Live Tours
Meghan has headlined 3 major concert tours:
- That Bass Tour (2015)
- MTrain Tour (2016)
- The Untouchable Tour (2020)
She has also opened for big stars like Charlie Puth, Fifth Harmony, and Rascal Flatts early in her career. Trainor is known for her engaging, high-energy live performances incorporating dancing, costumes, and full band.
Impact on Pop Music
With her throwback sound blending doo-wop, pop, R&B, and soul, Trainor has helped usher in a renewed appreciation for the melodic hooks and retro stylings of 1950s and 60s pop music. She delivers pleasantly familiar tunes with empowering lyrics about self-love and female confidence.
Critics have praised Trainor‘s vocal prowess and knack for earworm melodies. Her skill at crafting harmonies and counterpoints harkens back to the girl groups of the 1960s. But the production adds modern elements like synth bass and beats to appeal to contemporary pop fans.
Through songs like "All About That Bass" and "NO", Trainor promotes body positivity and self-empowerment to her young female fanbase. While some find her lyrics anti-feminist, there‘s no doubt Meghan‘s music aims to make girls feel good about themselves.
Fun Facts About Meghan
- Was a cheerleader and played trumpet, guitar, piano growing up
- Sued Epic Records to get ownership of her masters
- Has a dog named Charlie Puth and her sons‘ middle name is Puth
- Known for always wearing a sparkly microphone on a necklace
- Favorite artists are Frank Sinatra and Beyonce
- Her dad was an organist and computer teacher
My Take on Meghan Trainor
In my view, Meghan Trainor‘s likeable persona, catchy retro-modern tunes and championing of self-love have been a breath of fresh air. She writes pop confections stuffed with melodic hooks that harken back to the 1960s girl groups and singers I love like Lesley Gore and Dusty Springfield.
Meghan‘s music makes you smile and feel good. She has an archetypal pop voice – soothing yet passionate. Critics sometimes dismiss Meghan for not being edgy, but I find her positivity and humor delightful. We need more fun, piano-driven pop songs on the radio and Meghan delivers them consistently.
While far from the greatest vocalist, she knows how to craft addictive tunes and deliver them with sass and heart. As both a singer and songwriter, she has carved out a distinctive niche in the pop landscape.