9781422286609

LEFT: Justin with his mother Pattie Mallette. BELOW: Justin Bieber’s grandfather, Bruce Dale.

Early Life Justin Drew Bieber was born on March 1, 1994 in London, Ontario, Canada, at St Joseph’s Hospital. Pattie Mallette, as a young single mother who at just 17 had become pregnant, raised Justin in Stratford, Ontario. Justin’s parents had never been married and separated while he was only a baby. Justin’s father Jeremy Bieber went on to marry another woman and had two children: Jaxon and Jazmyn. Justin had a very modest upbringing, with his mother working a series of low-paying office jobs and living in low- income housing. When times got really tough, Justin and his mother moved in with her parents Bruce and Diane who offered help and support to the young family. Justin was an active youth who enjoyed spending his time playing soccer and chess. He was bullied as a youngster because he was short so his grandfather Bruce inspired and encouraged him to play ice hockey; although small, Justin was nimble and the experience of playing ice hockey

gave him a fighting spirit. His love for music began at an early age when, at just four years old, he was given a drum kit. Even when he was a toddler, Justin’s mom recalls how he would “tap and bang” anything to make simple rhythms and she encouraged Justin to play. With tips from the local church, and youthful determination, he enthusiastically taught himself how to master the drums. His dedication continued when, at eight years old, he started to play guitar. His creative ambition drove him to pick up an instrument that his mother had at home. Being left handed, this presented a new challenge when he realized he would need a left-handed guitar but, as soon as this was resolved, Justin was well on his way to accompanying himself.

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“I didn’t have a real bed. I slept on a blue pullout couch in my room.”