David Guetta: Everything you need to know about the superstar DJ
He's got another collab on the way
Last updated 6th Sep 2024
David Guetta has kept us bouncing to absolute bangers like 'Titanium', 'Sexy Chick' and 'When Love Takes Over' for literal decades now. And now he's released his brand new track 'Never Going Home Tonight', with Alesso and Madison Love.
Thankfully David shows no signs whatsoever of slowing down, releasing 'Lighter' with Galantis and 5 Seconds of Summer, and 'I Don't Wanna Wait' with OneRepublic, and 'Cry Baby' with Anne-Marie and Clean Bandit.
However, aside from his masses of incredibly successful songs and super impressive career, his first child with his girlfriend Jessica Ledon was born in March 2024, after making a red carpet debut with her baby bump in November 2023. How much do you actually know about the French DJ? Read on to to find out more...
Who is David Guetta?
David Guetta is a French DJ and producer. He has been in the music industry for many years, but broke through into the UK charts in 2009 with his hit featuring Kelly Rowland, 'When Love Takes Over'.
Where is he from?
David Guetta is French. The DJ was born in Paris on 7th November 1967, making him currently 56-years-old.
What is David Guetta’s real name?
His real name is Pierre David Guetta.
How did he get famous?
David Guetta started his career at a nightclub in Paris called Broad Club. In 1988 he started to host his own club nights and then in 1990 he released a hip-hop collaboration called 'Nation Rap'.
Over the following years, David released a number of songs, but it wasn't until 'Just a Little More Love' was released in 2001, which reached Number 19 in the UK, that he started to have success in the UK. David Guetta's songs continued to be successful with 'Love Don't Let Me Go (Walking Away)' reaching Number 3 in the UK.
It was then in 2009 that David started to have continued success with his first UK Number 1, 'When Love Takes Over', followed by 'Sexy Chick', which he revealed was written after a chance meeting with Akon.
WATCH: David Guetta Feat. Kelly Rowland - 'When Love Takes Over' (Official Video)
David Guetta's albums
David Guetta has released seven studio albums in total. The DJ's debut album 'Just a Little More Love' was released in 2002, reaching the Top 10 in France but it had limited success elsewhere. 'One Love' was David's first Top 5 album in the UK, released in 2009 and being certified 3x Platinum by the BPI in July 2024. It was followed by 'Nothing but the Beat' in 2011.
His most recent album was released in 2018 and called '7'. '7' included a number of very popular songs including 'Flames' with Sia, 'Don't Leave Me Alone' featuring Anne-Marie, '2U' featuring Justin Bieber and 'Like I Do' with Martin Garrix and Brooks.
In an interview with us David didn't dismiss the idea of an album of collabs with Sia, saying: "That would be amazing! That is actually a really good idea, because we've made so many records together, it would make a lot of sense. She makes it really easy you know."
Will he be doing an album with Bebe Rexha?
Despite doing their huge collab 'I'm Good (Blue)', back in 2022, we've not had another collab from the pair, but, there could be more music on the horizon.
At the Grammys in 2024, Bebe spoke to Entertainment Tonight on the red carpet, telling them they have discussed an album. "I know!" she explained: "I told him, David come on bro, let's do an album, but we're working on it."
When is David Guetta releasing new music?
'Never Going Home Tonight'
On 6th September, David has released his song 'Never Going Home Tonight' with Alesso and Madison Love. He has been playing the song for several months during his sets around the world, but it will finally get a release, so fans can get their hands on it.
'Cry Baby'
On 9th August 2024, David released a collab with Clean Bandit and Anne-Marie called 'Cry Baby'. Before the song's release, Anne-Marie had already started performing the song while on tour, but now that the song has been released, they've also shared the music video, which takes place on a train.
'I Don't Wanna Wait'
In 2024, David released 'I Don't Wanna Wait' with OneRepublic, which was released on 5th April. On the release date he also shared the live performance from Ultra Music Festival.
'When We Were Young'
David released a collab with Kim Petras called 'When We Were Young' in 2023, it featured a sample from Supertramp's 1979 hit 'The Logical Song', which was also covered by Scooter in 2001. In August 2024, the song received Silver certification, reaching sales of more than 200k.
'When We Were Young' followed his song with Zara Larsson called 'On My Love'. According to Zara, the song is about: "Loving someone deeply and someone that you can just put all that you know and own on that love."
'Baby Don't Hurt Me'
David Guetta premiered 'Baby Don't Hurt Me' at Ultra Music Festival in Miami. The song was released on 7th April 2023. The song samples the 90s classic 'What Is Love?' by Haddaway and features Anne-Marie and Coi Leray.
Which awards has David Guetta won?
He has won two Grammy Awards in his time: Best Remixed Recording, Non-Classical for both 'When Love Takes Over' (Electro Extended Remix) featuring Kelly Rowland in 2010 and 'Revolver' featuring Afrojack in 2011.
He's been nominated for a further eight awards, most recently at the 2023 awards ceremony - Best Dance/Electronic Recording for 'I'm Good (Blue)' with Bebe Rexha. Sadly, they lost out to Beyoncé for 'Break My Soul'.
He's been nominated for 16 MTV EMAs, winning three: Best Electronic in 2012, 2017 and 2021. In 2023, he won Producer of the Year at the BRIT Awards 2023, also performing a medley at the ceremony along with Becky Hill, Ella Henderson and Sam Ryder.
What is The Monolith?
In March 2024, David unveiled a set he recorded in the Saudi Arabian desert. The backdrop of the music video was huge monolith, covered in huge screens, set amongst the amazing scenery of AlUla.
Is David Guetta married?
David was married to nightclub manager Cathy Lobé from 1992 until they divorced in 2014. They have two children together, son Tim Elvis Eric - born 9th Feb 2004, and daughter Angie - born 23rd Sept 2007.
Does David Guetta have a girlfriend?
Yes, David is in a relationship with Jessica Ledon.
Does David Guetta have any children?
Yes, as mentioned above, he has two children with his ex-wife Cathy, Elvis and Angie. After announcing his girlfriend Jessica was pregnant back in November 2023, they have now welcomed a little boy.
The couple announced they were expecting in an Instagram post following their appearance on the Latin Grammys red carpet, where Jess showed off her baby bump.
Then, in March 2024, the couple shared a gorgeous photo of the three of them, revealing they have welcomed a little boy called Cyan.
How much is David Guetta worth?
According to Celebrity Net Worth, the hitmaker is thought to be worth $200 million.
Scroll through to see David Guetta's career highlights so far:
Before 2000: Working as a DJ and nightclub manager
Born and raised in Paris, in the mid-90s David Guetta started working at a club called Broad Club in Paris, before becoming manager at Le Palace nightclub in the city.
During his time as a club DJ he played pop music followed by house music which he later became famous for.
2001 - 2004: David Guetta released 'Guetta Blaster'
'Just a Little More Love' featuring Chris Willis was released in 2001 and became David Guetta's first Top 20 hit in the UK. The song was included on David's debut album of the same name released a year later.
The first 'F*ck Me I'm Famous' compilation album was released in 2003, it was named after a residency David had at a club in Ibiza. A new compilation was released in the summer of most years from 2003 to 2013.
In 2004 'Guetta Blaster' was David Guetta's second studio album.
2009: David Guetta released 'When Love Takes Over' with Kelly Rowland
It was back in 2009 that David Guetta really started to have big success. He released his song 'When Love Takes Over' with Destiny's Child singer Kelly Rowland and it was Number 1 hit in the UK.
The song was originally instrumental, but when Kelly heard it she asked David if she could write words for it and the amazing collab happened.
The song was featured on the DJ's fourth album 'One Love' and is thought to have inspired Kelly to have a more dance sound in 2011 album 'Here I Am'.
David Guetta subsequently won a Grammy Award for his Electro Extended Mix of 'When Love Takes Over', for Best Non-Classical, Remixed Recording. He also received a Grammy nomination for Best Dance Recording.
2010: David Guetta won his first Grammy Award
David was nominated for five Grammy Awards in 2010, but picked up just one award, for Best Remixed Recording, Non-Classical for his song with Kelly Rowland, 'When Love Takes Over' (Electro Extended Remix).
The French DJ also had chart success with another UK Number 1, 'Gettin' Over You' with Chris Willis featuring Fergie and LMFAO.
2011: David Guetta picked up his second Grammy
In 2011, David Guetta picked up his second Grammy Award, which was for Best Remixed Recording, Non-Classical, the same category he won the year before.
This time, it was the remix of Madonna's song 'Revolver' with Dutch DJ Afrojack.
2011: David Guetta released 'Nothing But The Beat'
2011 was also the year that David Guetta released 'Nothing But The Beat'. The double album featured one disc full of collabs with the likes of Taio Cruz, Nicki Minaj, Snoop Dogg, Chris Brown, Flo Rida, Usher, Jennifer Hudson, Timbaland, Jessie J and Sia.
The second disc was full of instrumental tracks written by David Guetta, including one collaboration with the late DJ Tim Berling better known as Avicii.
David Guetta was also voted the Number 1 DJ in the world for the first time by the public in DJ Mag's Top 100 DJs in 2011.
2013: David Guetta released 'Play Hard'
2013 was a quiet year for David Guetta in terms of releases. His big hit this year was 'Play Hard' featuring Ne-Yo and Akon which he played live at Ultra Music Festival in March of that year, just after its release.
The song samples Alice Deejay's 'Better Off Alone' and has been a big hit in the clubs since, it also became a Top 10 hit here in the UK.
In 2013, David Guetta also opened for Rihanna on her 'Diamonds' world tour, performing at her Paris, London and Sunderland dates.
2016: David Guetta opened Euro 2016
David Guetta was part of the opening ceremony for Euro 2016, he appeared on a stage in the middle of the pitch at Stade de France.
He played his remix of 'I Gotta Feeling' by The Black Eyed Peas, followed by 'Play Hard' and his hit 'Titanium' with Sia, before Zara Larsson joined him to finish the show performing their collab 'This One's for You'.
2016: David Guetta won a Billboard Award for Top dance/electronic artist
In 2016 David also won a Billboard Music Award for Top dance/electronic artist, beating The Chainsmokers, DJ Snake, Major Lazer and Zedd.
2017: David Guetta wins an MTV Europe Music Award
The biggest song of the year for David Guetta in 2017 was '2U' with Justin Bieber. The song was a Top 5 hit for the pair, with two versions of the music video being released. One version featured Victoria's Secret models lip-syncing to the song, with the second version being unbranded.
In 2017, David also headlined the massive dance music festival Tomorrowland in Belgium and won an MTV Europe Music Award for Best Electronic.
2020: David Guetta holds United at Home Covid relief gigs
Starting in 2020, David Guetta held a series of gigs to help raise money towards supporting those affected by the Coronavirus Pandemic.
Starting out poolside at a hotel in downtown Miami, David Guetta attracted a huge amount of attention and raised millions of dollars.
His gigs were streamed live for fans to watch and some could even get 'involved' by joining a massive Zoom call.
After Miami, David then held another gig from the top of the Rockefeller Center in New York City, ending the year and bringing in 2021, at the Louvre museum in Paris.
David was voted once again as the Number 1 DJ in the world according to DJ Mag's Top 100 DJs.
2021: David Guetta released several big collabs
David Guetta has released a number of huge collabs over the years, but 2021 was known for some of the biggest. He released 'Bed' with Joel Corry and RAYE, 'Heartbreak Anthem' with Galantis and Little Mix, and 'Remember' with Becky Hill.
For the second time in a row (third time overall), David Guetta was voted as the Number 1 DJ in the world according to DJ Mag's Top 100 DJ.
2022: David Guetta was nominated for several BRIT Awards
David Guetta received BRIT Award nominations for 'Heartbreak Anthem' (Best International Song), and both 'Bed' and 'Remember' were nominated for Best British Single.
He also presented the Best Dance Act award to Becky Hill along with Pete Tong.
13: 'Crazy What Love Can Do' with Becky Hill and Ella Henderson (2022)
In March 2022, David Guetta teased a new track with Becky Hill and Ella Henderson. The track was titled 'Crazy What Love Can Do', and was released on 8th April of that year. The song's release also came alongside a 'mini movie' as the music video, starring David, Ella and Becky. The song hit the Number 5 spot in the UK chart, as well as Number 2 in the UK Dance Chart. In August 2024, it received 2x Platinum certification, selling more than 1,200k copies.
14: David Guetta and Bebe Rexha release 'I'm Good (Blue)' (2022)
Years after the song was recorded, after it went viral on TikTok, David Guetta and Bebe Rexha released 'I'm Good (Blue)', which became a massive hit, sampling the 90s classic 'Blue' by Eiffel 65. In January 2023, the song was nominated for a BRIT Award for International Song of The Year, losing out to Beyoncé for 'Break My Soul'.
Given the song's insane popularity on TikTok, it's no surprise the bop hit the Number 1 spots on both the UK Singles and Dance charts.
2023: Producer of the Year at the BRIT Awards 2023
David won Producer of the Year at the 2023 BRIT Awards in February! In his acceptance speech, he praised British music: "I am very honoured to receive Producer of the Year. I have always felt a strong connection to British music and culture. The UK music scene is full of world class artists and producers so to be recognised like this means a lot to me. Thank you so much!"
David also performed at the ceremony, sharing the stage with Becky Hill, Ella Henderson and Sam Ryder as they performed a medley made up of 'Remember', 'Crazy What Love Can Do' and 'I'm Good (Blue)'.
2024: The Monolith
In March 2024, David Guetta unveiled something on YouTube he called The Monolith. The Monolith was an hour-long set performed in front of a monolith which was situated in the Saudi Arabian desert.
You can hear David Guetta on the MFR playlist!
Read more:
14 of David Guetta's most successful songs
David Guetta's career from nightclub DJ to Grammy Award winner
David Guetta confirms he's expecting his first child with girlfriend Jessica Ledon