Seal Feb 19

Kiss from a Seal

Does anyone remember the artist who sang those ever heart wrenching songs such as “Kiss from a Rose”, “Fly like an Eagle” or, for our more familiar British friends, “Killer?”  The titles of the songs won’t probably ring much of a bell now, but once you’ve listened to them, you’ll notice a distinctly soft, warm voice that one can’t help but think of Seal.

Seal Scar Face

Seal Henry Olusegun Olumide Adeola Samuel, more popularly known as Seal, was born in London, England on February 19, 1963.  His parents; Adebisi Samuel and Francis Samuel were both immigrants from Africa and Brazil trying their luck in merry ‘ole London.

The most prominent feature that distinguishes Seal from the rest is his very noticeable scar which runs across his face on both cheeks.  Legend has it that this was some sort of rite of passage ritual which Seal underwent; he had to fight a large bear.  There are many other stories, some more outrageous than the others such as the story wherein Seal was supposedly abducted by aliens.

The official and accepted truth behind the scar is that as a child, Seal battled with a disease called discoid lupus, which concerns the body’s immune system.  Whatever the reason behind that scar, it sure made Seal’s one of the most recognizable faces in the industry.

Sealed Success

 In 1990, the dance track “Killer” was released and its fame spread worldwide.  It propelled Seal to his first album with ZTT Records, “Seal”.  This album was a huge success and his tracks “Crazy”, “Future Love Paradise” topped the charts.

Seal was soon on a hot streak for 4 years later in 1994, Seal attracted the attention of the American audience as he released his second album, “Seal II”.  It went on to win the Grammy record of the year and the single “Kiss from a Rose” won the song of the year award in 1996.  This song was featured in the Movie Batman Forever.  He also covered the song, “Fly like an Eagle” by the Steve Miller’s Band which was then featured on the Space Jam Movie.

 Seal Slump and Surge

 Four years after hitting it big time, Seal suffered a major slump.  His third album, “Human Being”, released in 1998, didn’t do as well as his first two albums, in sales as well as in music critiques.

Seal’s much awaited fourth album “Togetherland”, didn’t quite make the cut and it was ultimately scratched.  He temporarily found the spotlight again by making a hit dance track, “My Vision” by Jakatta in 2002.

In 2003, Seal finally released his fourth album “Seal IV.”  While its sales didn’t match up to the albums I and II, he once again was in the public eye of British and American audiences.  “Waiting for you”, “Get it Together” and “Love’s Divine” are but some of the songs included in this album.  Afterwards, an album of his greatest hits was produced.

 Seal Smiles

 Seal married Heidi Klum on May 2005 after his name was linked to various models including Tyra Banks.  Their first child; Henry Günther Ademola Dashtu Samuel, was born in Los Angeles that same year.  Klum gave birth Johan Riley Fyodor Taiwo Samuel was born the following year.