This young man grew up like any other kid in Stratford, Ontario, playing hockey and soccer. Originally from London, Ontario, he spent much of his early life involved in typical childhood activities. However, what set him apart was his growing passion for music. Inspired by the church drummer during Sunday services, he once said, “I’ve loved music for as long as I can remember.” His dedication was unmatched as he taught himself how to play the piano, guitar, and trumpet while taking drum lessons on the side.
Despite financial hardships, his mother remained his biggest supporter. Even though she couldn’t afford to buy him a drum kit, she still found a way—getting him drumsticks so he could practice on the ground. She was also the one behind the camera, filming his soulful cover performances and posting them on YouTube in hopes of showcasing his talent to the world.
At just twelve years old, the boy entered a local talent contest and took home second place with his rendition of Ne-Yo’s “So Sick.” His mother, determined to give her son every opportunity, shared videos of his performances online, where she could keep promoting his talent and dedication.
As his musical skills blossomed, so did his luck. Whether busking in front of the Stratford theater or singing pop songs while brushing his teeth, he made close to $3,000. With that money, he was able to make his family’s dream of visiting Disneyland come true, taking them on their very first vacation there. What was once a struggle to make ends meet now turned into a life where he could walk into a restaurant and order without worrying about the prices.
Looking back, Justin Bieber reflected on his humble beginnings and admitted that while his family didn’t have much, he always felt content. Growing up with limited resources instilled in him a deep appreciation for money and the opportunities that came later in life.
His grandfather, Bruce Dale, proudly spoke of Justin’s work ethic and natural talent, saying that Justin was a good kid who worked hard to earn his spot in the limelight of today’s music scene. Meanwhile, Scooter Braun, a rising figure in the music industry, stumbled upon one of Justin’s YouTube videos while looking for another artist. He was immediately captivated by Justin’s incredible vocal talent. Braun was relentless in his efforts to track down the boy behind the voice. After finding a video of Justin busking, he eventually located his school and began contacting Justin’s mother, Pattie, in hopes of taking the young singer’s career to the next level.
