The Journey of Corinne Bailey Rae: From Coat Check to Grammy Awards

Before earning Grammy Awards, Corinne Bailey Rae worked at the coat check of the Hi-Fi Club in Leeds, England. She recalled sitting in a small room with limited visibility of the stage but able to hear the music being played. At the same venue, Rae auditioned for a record label, performing her first single “Like a Star,” which became a hit alongside her second song “Put Your Records On.” The lyrics of the latter express themes of self-acceptance, reflecting her personal experiences growing up in a multicultural household in Leeds.

Rae aspired to play the cello but settled for the violin due to practical constraints. She valued the discovery of voices like Billie Holiday and Kurt Cobain that embraced texture over perfection, inspiring her confidence in joining the music industry.

In 2006, Rae’s debut album reached the top of the charts, attracting attention from musicians like Stevie Wonder and Prince. However, her personal life faced hardship in 2008 when her husband, Jason Rae, died of an accidental overdose. Rae shared a poignant reflection on grief and the beauty within life’s temporal nature.

Two years later, while mourning Jason, Rae released “The Sea,” her second album. Matchmaking by Jason’s mother led to her marriage to Steve Brown in 2013. Rae considers this a new chapter in her life, emphasizing themes of rebirth and the capacity to create anew. They now have two daughters.

Despite releasing critically acclaimed albums thereafter, commercial success has varied. Rae’s impact in Leeds was recognized with a sculpture, “Ribbons,” featuring names of influential women from the city.

Rae ventured into writing with a children’s book that highlights music’s healing power. This book, reflecting on her hit song, coincides with the celebration of her debut album’s anniversary, marked by a tour beginning at the Cheltenham Jazz Festival.

Rae openly discusses the pressures of maintaining success following “Put Your Records On,” acknowledging the music industry’s focus on commercial achievements. Nonetheless, she emphasizes her primary aim was always to make songs work, regardless of external expectations. Rae sees rebirth as central to her journey, advocating for the potential to start anew at any stage in life.