Born:
February 26, 1979 - Leeds, West Yorkshire, England.
Early Musical Education:
Corinne Bailey Rae began her musical education studying violin prior to turning to singing. Like many pop and soul artists, much of her early singing was done in church. She was a member of a Brethren church which she claims was "totally sexist." The singing was done a capella resulting in "amazing harmonies."
Quote from Corinne Bailey Rae:
From an interview with The Guardian in reference to the "Bailey Rae" in her name, a combination of her own surname and that of her husband:
"There's no hyphen. Stops it being posh!"
Helen:
As a teenager Corinne Bailey Rae was introduced to such classic rock acts as Led Zeppelin and Radiohead. She was inspired to form her own all-female indie rock group called Helen. Such seminal all-female groups as L7 and Veruca Salt were inspirations. The group was signed to a recording contract with the Roadrunner label, but everything fell apart after the bass player became pregnant.
Corinne Bailey Rae's Early Solo Career:
After the breakup of Helen, Corinne Bailey Rae enrolled in the University of Leeds to work on a degree in English literature. While working in a jazz club she was exposed to a wide range of jazz and soul as well as meeting her future husband, saxophone player Jason Rae. During her college years, Corinne Bailey Rae began working on solo material and recorded with local groups New Mastersounds and Homecut Directive.
Corinne Bailey Rae Trivia Fact:
Jools Holland, host of BBC2's Later With Jools Holland said of Corinne Bailey Rae:
"A voice so fabulous that after I hear this I will melt"
Corinne Bailey Rae Video:
Pop Chart Success:
After appearing on a track on an album by the stiX, a project by producer Mark Hill of Artful Dodger, in 2005, major record labels began to take notice of Corinne Bailey Rae. She was signed to EMI and recorded her debut, self-titled album. "Put Your Records On," the second single from the album, reached #1 on the UK pop singles chart, and she then became only the 4th female solo artist in UK history to debut at #1 on the album chart.
