In a world dominated by industry created pop idols, the story of David Gray is a heartwarming one of passionate belief in music and a healthy mistrust of celebrity. In this first major account of Gray's life and work, Michael Heatley examines the cult singer/songwriter's Manchester roots, his Welsh upbringing and his unique popularity in Ireland. Here too are the stories behind the four legendary albums that preceded the phenomenally successful White Ladder, recorded in the summer of 1998. Heatley assesses the imact of global success on Gray, who faced with following up his surprise multi-million seller, achieved the near-impossible. The chart-topping A New Day At Midnight, acclaimed by The Guardian as 'Darker, stronger, bleaker and more powerful than White Ladder's wistful sadness,' reflected personal changes in Gray's life and pointed to a fascinating future. Fully illustrated with a comprehensive discography.