Introduction
Nigel Martin Smith is an influential figure in the music industry, best known for his role as the manager and mastermind behind the world-renowned boy band Take That. His vision and talent for discovering and nurturing musical talent have left a lasting impact on the British music scene. As the creator of one of the most successful pop groups of the 1990s, Nigel Martin Smith’s career has been both marked by immense success and high-profile legal battles. His influence in shaping the British boy band phenomenon continues to be felt today.
Early Life and Career Beginnings
Born in June 1958 in Manchester, England, Nigel Martin Smith grew up in a city that would later become central to his career in entertainment. He developed a keen interest in the arts from a young age, which led him to pursue a career in the entertainment industry. Martin-Smith began his professional journey in the early 1980s as a casting agent, working at the Royal Exchange Theatre in Manchester. His early work helped establish him as a rising talent scout and set the foundation for his future success.
In the 1980s, the pop music scene in the UK was dominated by a few major acts, but Martin-Smith saw an opportunity to create something fresh and innovative. He realized that the public was craving new pop acts, especially ones that combined youthful energy with musical talent.
Nigel Martin Smith Creating Take That
In 1989, Nigel Martin Smith founded Take That, a boy band that would go on to become one of the most successful British pop groups of all time. The band was initially made up of five members: Gary Barlow, Mark Owen, Robbie Williams, Howard Donald, and Jason Orange. Martin-Smith handpicked the members, combining their musical abilities and charismatic stage presence.
Under Martin-Smith’s management, Take That achieved monumental success, selling millions of albums and singles worldwide. They became a fixture on the UK charts in the early 1990s, with smash hits like “Back for Good,” “Never Forget,” and “Pray.” The group’s popularity soared, and Martin-Smith’s role as their manager was crucial in shaping their public image and guiding their career trajectory.
However, his time managing the group was not without controversy. When Robbie Williams left the band in 1995, a legal battle ensued, with Williams and Martin-Smith clashing over management contracts. Despite the tensions, Nigel Martin Smith’s efforts in creating Take That and his role in the music industry have been widely recognized.
The Legal Battles
One of the defining moments in Nigel Martin Smith’s career was the legal dispute with Robbie Williams after he left Take That. The conflict centered around unpaid commission fees and a disagreement about the band’s management contracts. In the end, Martin-Smith won the lawsuit against Williams and was awarded a financial settlement.
While the legal battles were painful for Martin-Smith, they did not deter his passion for the music industry. He continued to manage other talents and developed a reputation for being a tough yet fair manager, especially in the highly competitive world of pop music.
The Legacy of Take That and Later Career
Despite the ups and downs, Take That’s legacy remains intact. The band made a successful comeback in the mid-2000s, after a hiatus, with the return of Robbie Williams. Take That went on to release several more albums, including “Progress,” which became one of the fastest-selling albums in UK history. Nigel Martin-Smith’s early influence on the band was evident in their enduring success.
In the years following his time with Take That, Martin-Smith went on to develop new ventures, including his talent agency, which helped to launch the careers of other artists. He continued to contribute to the entertainment industry behind the scenes, though he remained a somewhat reclusive figure compared to the height of his fame during the 1990s.
Nigel Martin Smith Personal Life
Nigel Martin Smith has been quite private about his personal life, though it is widely known that he is openly gay. In fact, he was listed as one of the most influential gay figures in music by Gay Times in 1995. Despite his public persona as a music manager, he has always kept his private life separate from his professional career.
Details about his family, such as the names of his parents, siblings, or children, are not widely publicized, and he has kept his romantic relationships private as well. However, he is known to have been in a relationship with his long-time partner, though the specifics remain out of the public eye.
Nigel Martin Smith Net Worth and Financials
As of 2025, Nigel Martin Smith net worth is estimated to be around £8–10 million ($10 million), based on his successful career in the music industry. Much of his wealth comes from his work with Take That, including royalties from album sales and touring. In addition, he has profited from his talent agency, which continues to manage artists and musicians in various sectors of the entertainment industry.
Though his net worth is significant, it’s important to note that Martin-Smith’s wealth was not solely built on fame or public appearances. His business acumen, talent for recognizing potential, and legal battles have all contributed to his financial success.
Conclusion
Nigel Martin Smith’s impact on the music industry cannot be overstated. As the creator and manager of Take That, he helped shape the boy band phenomenon and established a legacy that continues to influence the pop world today. Despite the ups and downs, including legal battles and the departure of key members, Martin-Smith’s role as a visionary manager cannot be denied.
Today, though somewhat out of the limelight, he remains an important figure in the entertainment industry, having played a key role in the careers of many artists. His business savvy and ability to cultivate talent have earned him a place in the history books of British pop music.