Biography
Corinne Bailey Rae was born on February 26th in 1979. Music enters her life early with classic violin studies from an early age and singing in church. A guitar given by a local youth leader to Corinne sparks a profound obsession for the legendary rock band Led Zeppelin during her teens. This band is an example and inspires a new future goal, as Corinne herself mentions: “I wanted, somehow, to follow in their footsteps and create music of my own.”
And so she does. Corinne starts as a band member in the all-female indie group called Helen at age 15. This band draws immediate attention in the then predominant male indie music scene. Helen becomes the first indie group to be signed to heavy metal record label Roadrunner Records. However, before Helen has its big break-through their bassist becomes pregnant. As a result Helen disbands. For Corinne the time seems not yet right and better opportunities are still ahead.
After the perish of Helen, Corinne continues life as usual and attends the University of Leeds for an English Literature study. Corinne works on the side at the local jazz club as a hatcheck girl. Corinne ascends the stage and sings with the band now and then when business is slow for the jazz club. It is there that Corinne discoveres a whole new music genre to love.
Now armed with an expanded set of experience, Corinne starts working in the following three years on new material for her solo career. This time her music diverts from indie rock and turns in the direction of jazz and soul. Corinne collaborates with Leeds-based bands such as New Mastersounds and Homecut Directive. It is her collaboration with Mark Hill (formerly known as the Artful Dodger, now known under the alias The StiX) on the song ‘Young and Foolish’, that catches the eye of major record labels. Corinne then gets signed to record label EMI in spring 2005 and enters the studio to work on her debut album.
Corinne debutes with a limited–edition release of her single ‘Like a Star’ in November 2005. On February 20th 2006, the first release of her hit single ‘Put your Records On’ follows. The success of this single Europe–wide and the UK–chart topping release of her debut album a week later, launches Corinne in the contemporary music scene with a blast. What follows is an overwhelming critics attention together with overt positive reviews, sold-out tours and a major amount of radio play. Corinne’s establishment in North America quickly follows with her debut album release in June 2006. In that same year, Corinne gets nominated for 'Best New Artist' at the 49th Annual Grammy Awards.
Since her overwhelming and critically acclaimed debut Corinne has appeared at many more award shows, festivals and evening talk shows world–wide. Whether it is standing in front of big audiences or performing in an intimate, acoustic setting; from Live Earth to the AOL Sessions and Oprah, Corinne brings the charm of her music and image most wonderful when performing live.
If you haven't heard anything from this lovely lady yet, make sure you do. Corinne's music shines with the warmth of a summer's afternoon sun. The ambient melodies of her songs accompanied by her compelling, sweet voice are not to be missed in any music collection!