Come Closer: Corrine Bailey Rae

Who can forget 'Put Your Records On?' The signature single that placed Corrine's name up in lights throughout the United States.  The 31 year old British born songstress/guitarist/songwriter has come Closer and she's proven she is Just Like a Star.  Raised in Leeds, Corrine Bailey Rae (Corrine Jaqueline Bailey) is the daughter of a Kittitian (St. Kitts) and European mother.  She is the oldest of 3 children, Corrine has 2 younger sister's.  Performing arts runs hot in this family, Corrine's sister, Rhea Bailey is an actress.  

Growing-up mulatto was not easy, Corrine was teased often by her peers for her really thick hair and fair complexion.  Corrine recalls being teased by other's.  "My sisters and I were different and people used to say, 'Ah, aren't they cute, the little chocolate children, and look at their hair.'  We all know the ramifications of such covert racism and the lasting effects on children.  Corrine learned from an early age to stand up for herself, she would correct those who ignorantly accused her of being a 'Paki' which is what the British called those who were from Pakistan.

One things for certain there is nothing covert about her talent.  She formed her first 'all girl' group called Helen in her mid-teens.  She focused on her craft and while in high school, Corrine studied classical violin.  Corrine has roots similar to singers from the states, she began singing in church.  Corrine's light could not be dimmed despite adversity.

Upon graduating high school Corrine was accepted at the University of Leeds and went on to earn a degree in English Literature in 2000 and had a job as a "hat girl" in a jazz nightclub.  It was in 2001, Corrine married the late Jason Rae.  Together, in love, Corrine continued to pursue music when sadly in March 2008, Jason was found dead in a London Hyde Park flat of an overdose.  The coroner's report indicated that Jason had methadone and alcohol in his system at the time of his death and have since ruled his death an accidental overdose.

~Finding Peace~

This year finds Corrine back after a 2 year hiatus since the death of her husband and she's on top of her game!  With a new c.d. entitled: The Sea, I have fallen in love with her song 'Closer' which debut on urban radio in February of this year.  Corrine has won the heart of Americans and has earned 2 Grammy's to date in categories of Album of The Year and Best Contemporary Jazz Album a collaboration with Herbie Hancock entitled: River: The Joni Letters.  I will proudly admit that I listen to Corrine's self entitled debut c.d. at least once a week.  Put Your Records On sold over 945,000 in downloads alone, is she phenomenal or what?  And I have no doubt that her most recent project will follow on the same heels of success.  Corrine, we love you here at Alana's Musical Diary....stay where you are, in the hot seat!