Inside PBS Blog

Singer Josh Groban Answers Your Questions

Last week our guest here on Engage was singer Josh Groban. We invited him to take your questions just as his special Soundstage performance, “Josh Groban, An Evening in New York City,” aired on local PBS stations.

It was difficult to choose from the nearly 200 questions we received.  Take a look at his responses to six of your questions below and let us know what you think.

Quick question...out of all the concerts you performed at, which one was your best one? The one where you felt you did 110% great? Aeneid

There have been a huge amount of memorable shows in the 5 years I've been on and off the road. Rising to the challenge in a difficult situation really puts it in perspective. Pouring rain outdoors in Capetown South Africa and NOBODY leaving was a great one. Honestly the show we taped in Salt Lake felt like one of the best we did, the night was electric. I would have to say that my first concert ever, in Boise Idaho sticks out in my mind. I'm not sure I was 110 percent great, I was certainly that percentage nervous. But we all played with so much heart, and the audience was right there in case we fell. I'd never experience anything like that. You always remember your first.

As a musician and parent, I'm always trying to introduce different types of musical styles to my son while he's still very young in order to expand his understanding of music in general. What kind of music do you remember being played for you as a child and how or what influenced you to become the musician you are today and the genre you are in, especially as you aim to cross different genres? Brianna

I think its so important to expose (not push) kids to the arts and to as many genres as you can. If you're in a major city where great performances come through, take them! Going out to see great live shows was one of the best gifts my parents could have given me.  If you can't get out to see a show live, PBS really is the next best thing! Growing up I remember listening to lots of jazz and classical music. My parents also exposed me to some amazing rock. I was always hearing Blood, Sweat, and Tears and Elton John in the car.  

You were born to sing, no question about it, but did you ever thought of being something else? Brenda

I know it sounds irresponsible to say, but no. I didn't really have a backup plan. I was on a mission from the moment I got the bug which was pretty young. I say sometimes that I wanted to be a veterinarian and I would have loved that but I don't think I ever would have had the focus for it in the end. The fun thing about being in the music business now and doing it well, is that I can study other things for the fun of it with no pressure. I'm the kind of person where I learn better that way anyway.

Do you ever get sick and tired of talking about yourself? What would you rather be talking about? Terri

Yes I do. BBQ techniques.

You are invited to a private island to lock yourself away for one week to do nothing but write music. You can invite one person to write with you. Who would you choose and why? Lynn

Bob Marley. He was an absolute musical and lyrical genius who's songs are timeless and forever poignant and I think we would make a real "crossover" record. Also, I have a feeling we'd have a REALLY good time. Come to think of it, we probably wouldn't get much writing done at all. Either way its a win win.

I was lucky enough to be at Rose Hall when the PBS special was filmed and am so excited to see it air to relive that special night. So I want to know, what was your favorite part of that night? Thank you! Corianne

No, thank you! It was a real change of pace for us on stage and the audience made it what it was! It's always much more nerve wracking with an intimate crowd and we had a blast. I'm sure we'll be doing many more shows like this one in the future. My favorite part of the night was watching Herbie solo. I had the best seat in the house.