Gary Barlow at 50: Highs and lows of Take That star's glittering career Pop star's songwriting talent as strong as ever as his latest solo record, Music Played By Humans, tops the album charts Gary Barlow celebrating the chart-topping success of his fifth solo album as he turns 50. Gary Barlow is one of the most successful songwriters in British musical history, proving wildly popular both as part of Take That and as a solo artist. Barlow, who celebrated his 50th birthday on Wednesday, developed a love of music thanks to stars including Sir Elton John and taught himself to play his favourite songs on a keyboard.