Gary Barlow (born January 20, 1971 in Frodsham, Cheshire, England) is an English singer, pianist, songwriter, bandleader producer. He is a member of the boy band Take That, and was one of the most successful songwriters of the 1990s, penning no fewer than 16 hit singles during the decade. Gary had 2 #1's and 5 further Top 40 UK Singles as a solo singer in the final half of the 1990s alone. He is also a 4 time recipient of the prestigious Ivor Novello Awards. Career At the age of 11 Gary was given the choice between a piano and a bike and as we know he chose the former which he still plays till this day. Aged 15, Gary entered a BBC Pebble Mill at One competition called "A Song For Christmas" with a song called "Let's Pray For Christmas". After getting through to the semifinals he was invited to London's West Heath Studios to record his song. This inspired Barlow to perform on the northern club circuit, singing cover version