Halsey, born Ashley Nicolette Frangipane on September 29, 1994, in Edison, New Jersey, has become a prominent figure in the music industry. Her parents, Chris and Nicole Frangipane, come from diverse backgrounds; her father is of West Indian descent, and her mother is Italian and Hungarian. This blend of cultures has influenced Halsey’s unique perspective and artistry. Growing up with two younger brothers, Sevian and Dante, Halsey’s early life was marked by frequent relocations due to her parents’ changing jobs, leading her to experience life in various cities.
From a young age, Halsey displayed a deep passion for music. She learned to play the violin, viola, and cello before settling on the acoustic guitar at age 14. Her musical influences were diverse, thanks to her parents’ eclectic taste, which included artists like The Notorious B.I.G., Tupac Shakur, Nirvana, Alanis Morissette, and Tori Amos. This rich musical environment shaped her artistic development and inspired her to pursue a career in music.
Halsey’s teenage years were challenging. She faced bullying in high school, which led to a suicide attempt at the age of 17. Following this incident, she was hospitalized for over two weeks and was subsequently diagnosed with bipolar disorder, a condition that also affected her mother. These experiences brought significant turmoil into her life, leading her to drop out of community college due to financial constraints and eventually becoming homeless. During this period, she stayed with friends, in homeless shelters, and occasionally in lower Manhattan basements.
Despite these hardships, Halsey’s commitment to music remained unwavering. She began posting videos of herself performing covers on YouTube and other social media platforms under various stage names. In 2014, she collaborated with a friend to record the song “Ghost,” which she uploaded to SoundCloud. The track gained significant attention, leading to multiple record labels expressing interest in signing her. Halsey ultimately chose to sign with Astralwerks, marking the beginning of her professional music career.
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Under Astralwerks, Halsey released her debut EP, “Room 93,” in 2014. The EP featured five tracks, each accompanied by a video that created a cohesive narrative, showcasing her innovative approach to storytelling through music. This unique concept caught the attention of both fans and critics, setting her apart from other emerging artists. Her debut studio album, “Badlands,” followed in 2015 and was a commercial success, debuting at number two on the Billboard 200 chart. The album featured hit singles like “New Americana” and “Colors,” which resonated with young audiences and established her as a significant presence in the music industry.
Halsey’s collaboration with The Chainsmokers on the 2016 single “Closer” further elevated her profile. The song topped charts in multiple countries and became one of the best-selling digital singles of all time. This success showcased her versatility and ability to connect with a broad audience. Her second album, “Hopeless Fountain Kingdom,” released in 2017, drew inspiration from Shakespeare’s “Romeo and Juliet” and explored themes of love, betrayal, and self-discovery. The album included chart-topping singles such as “Now or Never” and “Bad at Love,” further cementing her status as a leading artist.
Throughout her career, Halsey has been open about her struggles with mental health and has used her platform to advocate for mental health awareness and support. She has also been a vocal supporter of the LGBTQ+ community, speaking out about her own experiences as a bisexual woman and promoting acceptance and equality. In 2020, she launched the “Black Creators Fund,” an initiative aimed at supporting Black creators and amplifying their voices. Her commitment to social justice and activism has endeared her to fans and established her as a role model for many.
Halsey’s third album, “Manic,” released in 2020, showcased her evolution as an artist. The album featured collaborations with artists like BTS, Alanis Morissette, and Dominic Fike, and offered a deeply personal look into her experiences with mental health, identity, and personal relationships. Her willingness to explore and share her vulnerabilities through her music has resonated with many and demonstrated her growth as an artist.
In addition to her musical achievements, Halsey has made significant contributions to the fashion and beauty industries. Known for her ever-changing hairstyles and unique sense of style, she has become a fashion icon, gracing the covers of numerous fashion magazines and collaborating with brands like DKNY, Yves Saint Laurent, and Savage X Fenty. In 2021, she launched her own makeup line, “About-Face,” offering a range of high-quality, affordable products that reflect her commitment to inclusivity and individuality.
In July 2021, Halsey welcomed her first child, Ender Ridley Aydin, with her partner, screenwriter Alev Aydin. She has been open about her journey into motherhood, sharing her experiences with pregnancy, childbirth, and parenting. Her fourth album, “If I Can’t Have Love, I Want Power,” released in 2021, is a conceptual exploration of pregnancy and childbirth, featuring a darker, more industrial sound. The album, produced by Trent Reznor and Atticus Ross of Nine Inch Nails, marks a significant departure from her previous work and showcases her willingness to push artistic boundaries.
