Corinne Bailey Rae’s journey to fame began far from the glamour of the stage. Before earning two Grammy Awards and multiple nominations, she worked a coat check at The Hi-Fi Club in Leeds, England. Sitting in a small room, she often wished to see the bands she could hear but not watch.
Her passion for music eventually led to an audition that caught the attention of a record label. Her first single, “Like a Star,” became a hit, followed by “Put Your Records On.” The song’s lyrics reflect self-acceptance and her diverse background, growing up with parents of different ethnicities. Despite Leeds’ diversity, she sometimes felt different.
Bailey Rae recounts the modest beginnings of her musical journey. Without a car, she chose to play the violin over the cello due to its portability. She fondly remembers the simplicity of her childhood and did not view their lack of material commodities as a negative.
“I felt ‘sad’ about my voice at first because of its texture,” she explained. Listening to Billie Holiday and Kurt Cobain changed her perspective on what music could be.
The release of her debut album in 2006 propelled her into the music industry, connecting with legendary artists like Stevie Wonder and Prince. However, personal tragedy struck in 2008 as her husband Jason Rae died from an accidental overdose. In coping with grief, Bailey Rae reflected, acknowledging the complex emotions surrounding loss and life’s beauty.
Emerging from this grief, she released “The Sea,” her second album, collaborating with Steve Brown. Jason’s mother encouraged their relationship, leading to their marriage in 2013. They now have two daughters, symbolizing a new chapter in Bailey Rae’s life. She sees her journey as two distinct periods, before and after these personal and professional changes.
Bailey Rae continued to release albums, gaining critical success and recognition in Leeds with a sculpture named “Ribbons.” It celebrates women who’ve impacted culture in the city, including Bailey Rae.
This year, she introduced a children’s book, echoing her hit song’s theme, emphasizing music’s healing power. The release coincides with a celebration of her debut album, marked by a tour and performances at the Cheltenham Jazz Festival.
While “Put Your Records On” brought commercial success, Bailey Rae feels the pressure to replicate that. Her approach to music was never fuelled by ambition but by the desire to make songs work in a simple basement studio.
Rebirth and transformation feature heavily in her perspective. To Bailey Rae, each moment in life offers an opportunity for renewal, reinforcing the belief in starting over, regardless of age or situation.
Extended Interview: Watch a longer interview with Corinne Bailey Rae for deeper insights into her career and life.
Streaming Available: Listen to the 2006 album “Corinne Bailey Rae” on Spotify for the full tracks—for registered users.
For more information, visit corinnebaileyrae.com or find her book “Put Your Records On” illustrated by Gillian Eilidh O’Mara, available in multiple formats through retailers such as Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and Bookshop.org.
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