British singer/songwriter David Gray had released three overlooked albums by the time White Ladder (and its international hit single, "Babylon") brought his mix of acoustic instrumentation and electronic samples to the mainstream. Born in Manchester in 1968, Gray relocated to Wales at the age of nine before returning home to attend the University of Liverpool. While in school, he dabbled in several punk bands and began exploring new styles of writing, eventually uncovering his own poetic penmanship. Following a move to London, Gray signed to Hut Records in the United Kingdom and Caroline Records in the United States, releasing the single Birds Without Wings in 1992. The next year saw the release of his folksy full-length debut, A Century Ends. Through his emotional tales of passion, love, and solitude, Gray's trademark style of fiery intensity countered with tender poignancy started to find an audience, particularly in Ireland. However, despite frequent solo tours (as well as an opening slot for Shawn Colvin), Gray's edgy sophomore effort, Flesh, was released in 1994 to an underwhelming response, and he was subsequently dropped from his label.