Michael Bolton is an American singer, songwriter, and producer widely known for his powerful vocal delivery and emotionally driven ballads. He rose to international fame with songs such as How Am I Supposed to Live Without You, When a Man Loves a Woman, and Said I Loved You… But I Lied. His music blends pop, soul, and soft rock, and he became one of the most recognizable voices in adult contemporary music during the late 1980s and 1990s.
Quick Profile
- Stage Name: Michael Bolton
- Birth Name: Michael Bolotin
- Profession: Singer, Songwriter, Producer
- Genres: Pop, Soul, Soft Rock, Blue-Eyed Soul
- Date of Birth: February 26, 1953
- Age: 72 years old (as of 2026)
- Place of Birth: New Haven, Connecticut, United States
- Nationality: American
- Ethnicity: Jewish
- Years Active: 1975–present
- Net Worth: Approximately $80 million
Early Life
Michael Bolton developed an interest in music during his teenage years in Connecticut. He attended Fairfield Warde High School, where he began writing songs and performing with local bands.
After leaving high school, Michael Bolton focused on music full-time by performing and recording within the hard rock and heavy metal scene. In the late 1970s and early 1980s, he released rock-oriented albums under his birth name and later became the lead vocalist for the band Blackjack.
His early work during this period included aggressive rock vocals, touring, and studio recording, which are documented on albums such as Michael Bolotin (1975), Every Day of My Life (1976), and Blackjack’s self-titled releases. This phase of his career predates his transition into pop and adult contemporary music and explains the vocal strength and stage control evident in his later recordings.
Family Background
Michael Bolton was born in New Haven, Connecticut, into a Jewish family with Eastern European roots. He grew up in a supportive household where independence and creativity were encouraged. Although his parents were not part of the entertainment industry, they supported his interest in music from an early age, which allowed him to pursue a demanding and uncertain career path.
Parents, Siblings, and Early Family Life
Bolton’s parents valued stability and education, but they respected his commitment to music. Their support helped him remain focused during years when commercial success was slow and uncertain.
- Mother: Helen Bolotin, homemaker
- Father: George Bolotin, city planner
- Children: Three daughters
Songwriting Career & Industry Entry
Before becoming widely recognized as a solo performer, Michael Bolton built industry credibility as a songwriter by working with established artists. He co-wrote songs recorded by performers such as Laura Branigan, Cher, and Kenny Rogers.
These early songwriting successes helped him develop emotionally direct, commercially effective material and provided a strong professional foundation before his transition into mainstream adult contemporary music.
Studio Albums
- Soul Provider (1989): A breakthrough album that established Bolton as a major pop artist and produced multiple chart-topping singles.
- Time, Love & Tenderness (1991): A highly successful follow-up that confirmed his dominance in adult contemporary music.
- Timeless: The Classics (1992): A collection of classic covers highlighting his vocal strength.
- Spark of Light (2023): A later-career release reflecting maturity, gratitude, and resilience.
Sound, Structure & Lyrical Identity
Michael Bolton’s approach to music can be seen clearly in recordings such as How Am I Supposed to Live Without You and Said I Loved You… But I Lied, where the focus is placed on a prominent lead vocal and a straightforward melodic structure.
His performances rely on sustained phrasing rather than complex rhythms, and the lyrics concentrate on romantic relationships and personal reflection. This pattern appears consistently across his most recognizable work and aligns with his classification within pop and adult contemporary music.
Awards & Recognition
- Two Grammy Awards for Best Pop Male Vocal Performance
- Multiple American Music Awards
- Star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame
Personal Life
Michael Bolton married Maureen McGuire in 1975, early in his career, before he achieved mainstream success. The marriage lasted for approximately fifteen years and ended in divorce in 1990. The exact date and location of the wedding were never publicly shared.
Michael Bolton and Maureen McGuire have three daughters together. Bolton has consistently chosen to keep his family life private, rarely discussing personal details about his children in public.
- Wife: Maureen McGuire
- Marriage Year: 1975
- Divorce Year: 1990
- Children: Three daughters
- Daughter 1: Isa Bolotin
- Daughter 2: Holly Bolotin
- Daughter 3: Taryn Bolotin
No verified public information is available regarding wedding attendees or the sequence of the ceremony. Throughout his career, Bolton has maintained a clear separation between his professional life and his private family matters.
Business & Creative Ventures
In addition to his recording career, Michael Bolton has been involved in work outside of music releases. In 1993, he founded Michael Bolton Charities, which focuses on supporting women and children at risk.
His activities beyond music also include credited television appearances and film-related work, such as recording a song for the soundtrack of Hercules, reflecting documented involvement in television, film, and charitable initiatives.
Social Media Presence
Michael Bolton maintains an active but selective presence on social media, where he shares music updates, personal reflections, and messages for fans.
- Instagram: @michaelbolton — over 1 million followers
- Facebook: Michael Bolton — over 6 million followers
- X (Twitter): @mbsings — over 300,000 followers
Also read: Frank Ocean Biography
Net Worth
Michael Bolton’s estimated net worth is approximately $80 million, earned through album sales, songwriting royalties, touring, and licensing over a career spanning more than five decades.
FAQs
What is Michael Bolton’s real name?
His birth name is Michael Bolotin.
How old is Michael Bolton?
He is 72 years old as of 2025.
Is Michael Bolton still active?
Yes. While his public appearances are limited, he remains creatively active.
What is Michael Bolton’s real name?
His birth name is Michael Bolotin.
When was Michael Bolton born?
He was born on February 26, 1953.
Is Michael Bolton married?
Michael Bolton was previously married to Maureen McGuire. The marriage began in 1975 and ended in divorce in 1990.
Does Michael Bolton have children?
Yes, he has three daughters.
Did Michael Bolton work as a songwriter before becoming famous?
Yes. Before gaining wide recognition as a solo performer, he worked as a songwriter and wrote songs for other artists, which helped establish his career in the music industry.
What genres is Michael Bolton associated with?
His music is primarily associated with pop, adult contemporary, and soul.
Has Michael Bolton worked outside of music?
Yes. He founded Michael Bolton Charities in 1993 and has also been involved in television appearances and film-related music projects.
Did Michael Bolton contribute to any films?
Yes. He recorded a song for the soundtrack of Hercules.
Is Michael Bolton still active?
Yes. While his public appearances have become more selective, he remains active in music and related projects.
