biography

Esperanza Spalding was born on October 18, 1984 in Portland, Oregon. She is known for her amazing bass playing, jazz singing, and creative compositions. She began her professional career at a very young age playing violin for the Chamber Music Society of Oregon at only age 5! She later picked up the guitar and bass, and began composing. She ended up dropping out of high school at 16 due to her success in performing, but later decided to finish her GED and earn a collegiate music education. She studied music at both Portland State University and the Berklee College of Music. Shortly after she recorded her first album Junjo, in 2006, she was signed onto a small, independent label called “Heads Up”. Her third album, Chamber Music Society, grew popularity and hit the charts at #34 on the Billboard 200. This album led her to win her first GRAMMY for “Best New Artist”, which was her first GRAMMY of many to come. Additionally, she was the first jazz artist to ever win this award. On top of being a full-time musician, she also enjoys teaching. She started teaching as an instructor at the Berklee College of Music at only 20 years old, and continued to become an appointed professor of the Practice of Music at Harvard University. Berklee also presented her with an Honorary Doctorate of Music due to her many amazing accomplishments.