Nate Ruess

Early Life

Nathaniel Joseph Ruess, known as Nate Ruess, was born in the United States and grew up in Glendale, Arizona. He was the second child of Larry Ruess and Bess Zinger, with a Broadway performer uncle, John Ruess, who inspired his musical journey. Ruess faced health challenges as a child, including pneumonia, which influenced his family's move to a farm in Arizona. He graduated from Deer Valley High School in 2000, where he played in punk bands. Ruess pursued music professionally, learning to sing by mimicking challenging vocalists in his car while working at a law firm to support his ambitions.

Career

In 2002, at just 19 years old, Ruess formed the indie rock band The Format with his best friend Sam Means. The band gained local attention with their debut EP and was signed to Elektra Records, releasing their first studio album, "Interventions + Lullabies," in 2003. Despite their growing fanbase, The Format disbanded in 2008. Shortly after, Ruess formed the band fun. with Jack Antonoff and Andrew Dost. Fun. achieved significant success with their debut album "Aim and Ignite" and later the hit single "We Are Young," which topped charts and garnered multiple awards.

Personal Life

Ruess's personal life has been intertwined with his music career. He dated fashion designer Rachel Antonoff from 2009 to 2013, collaborating on various projects, including The Ally Coalition, which advocates for LGBTQ issues. In 2014, he began a relationship with Charlotte Ronson, and they married in 2017. The couple has three children, including an adopted daughter. Ruess values his friendships, particularly with his co-hosts on the podcast ClayneCast, whom he considers his best friends.