Spotlight On: Pharrell Williams

The singer/songwriter/producer has a lot to be "Happy" about. Newly anointed as one of the celebrity coaches on NBC's 'The Voice,' Pharrell also received his first Oscar nomination this year. Get to know the work of the man in the big hat.

Here's Pharrell with wife Helen Lasichanh (and Minion) at the premiere of the movie that gave us "Happy" – and Pharrell's Oscar nomination. He lost to "Let It Go" from 'Frozen,' but "Happy" was still a considerable hit. 

Pharrell wrote and performed even more songs for the first installment of this animated franchise, including "Despicable Me," "Prettiest Girls" and "Fun, Fun, Fun." No Oscar nods this time, but lots of memorable tunes.

The superhero sequel features three songs co-written by Pharrell, including "It's On Again," performed by Alicia Keys and Kendrick Lamar. He's even credited as one of the film's composers, alongside Hans Zimmer and Johnny Marr.

If there's one thing Pharrell hasn't pursued yet, it's an acting career. He did, however, have an amusing cameo in this comedy about the music industry, where he traded barbs with Sean Combs.

Before he became a solo artist, Pharrell was a member of the funk/rock trio N.E.R.D. The band made an appearance on the '90210' reboot performing their song "Hear Me on the Radio."

As a songwriter and producer, Pharrell's fingerprints are on countless songs by other artists. Beyoncé's "Work It Out," which the singer wrote for this movie with Pharrell and his N.E.R.D. bandmate, Chad Hugo, is just one of them.

Pharrell Williams and Chad Hugo have been producing music since 1992, calling themselves The Neptunes. "Beautiful," one of their hits for Snoop Dogg (right), is featured on this comedy's soundtrack.

This football drama sent Pharrell his first movie royalty check, for The Neptunes' work on Mystikal's "Jump."