He may be only one album deep into his career, but British singer/songwriter James Blunt has already left a mark on the music industry. The hit "You're Beautiful," from his debut "Back to Bedlam," became the first song from a U.K. artist to crown The Billboard Hot 100 in almost 10 years.

The 32-year-old artist first began performing after completing four years of service in the British Army. Blunt then caught the attention of veteran producer and songwriter Linda Perry with his rock-tinged pop tunes at the South by Southwest festival in 2003. The story goes that five minutes after his set, Perry offered Blunt a deal with her Custard Records imprint.

"We said, 'Sure, you know, let's go and have a drink first,'" Blunt told Billboard of the experience. "And we all went and got hammered. I think it's the ultimate way [to sign a record deal], really."

Blunt's "Bedlam" (originally released early 2005) went on to peak at No. 2 on The Billboard 200, while "You're Beautiful" topped the U.K. singles tally for five weeks straight. Atlantic and Custard released a live DVD, "Chasing Time: The Bedlam Sessions," in August and re-released "Back to Bedlam," with a bonus live disc recorded last year in Ireland, in November. Blunt is currently writing music for its follow-up.

LINKS:
Blunt Beefs Up 'Back To Bedlam'
Blunt Writing New Album With Band In Mind
Upsets, Upstarts Prevail At Quirky VMAs
Blunt Brings The 'Bedlam' Back For Fall Tour
James Blunt Makes 'Time' For Live DVD

VIDEOS:
You're Beautiful
High
Goodbye My Lover

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