Who Is Esperanza Spalding, Grammy Best New Artist Winner?

By Zach Dionne Posted Feb 13th 2011 10:45PM

Who is Esperanza Spalding? The 26-year-old jazz bassist who snatched the Best New Artist Grammy out of the hands of Justin Bieber, that's who.

Although cameras quickly cut away, Bieber's disappointment at the announcement seemed clear. The AP reports Spalding had just one Grammy nomination entering the show's 53rd annual ceremony Sunday night.

Drake, Mumford & Sons and Florence and the Machine were also nominated. While a lot of people will spend the wake of Bieber's Best New Artist loss figuring out who Spalding is, there's little doubt she's extremely talented.

"From the time Esperanza Spalding appeared on the scene in 2005, the dynamic singer, bassist, composer and arranger has been heralded as jazz's next big thing," the AP wrote in a lead-up to the Grammys. "Her impressive musicianship has won her White House recital dates, praise from the likes of Stevie Wonder and Herbie Hancock, and critical acclaim."

"I am new in that I haven't been around that long, and I'm an artist," Spalding told AOL's Spinner in January, following her Grammy nomination. "So it fits. Somebody out there thinks that in their mind that I am one of the best. It's flattering. I'll take it."

Spalding's third album, 'Chamber Music Society,' dropped in the summer of 2010. Co-producer Gil Goldstein told the AP of Spalding's nomination, "I've been kind of joking, saying it would be nice that if once in a while, the best new artist would be someone who reads and writes [music]."

See a music video for Esperanza Spalding's 'Little Fly':

Spinner's in-depth interview with Spalding gave a solid glimpse into her career: "I like to work. I like music," she explained. "The real issue is that the solo career is the odd man out in my life right now. I have much more experience playing bass for other bandleaders than leading my own gigs, and I love being a sideman just as much. That's why I got into music. It wasn't to become my own phenomenon; it was to play music with other people. So whomever wants to play with me, and I can, and I'm into it, and inspired? Then off I go."

Did Esperanza's Win Pique Your Interest Or Confuse You? Tell Us!

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Tags: Best New Artist, Esperanza Spalding, Grammys

Comments

(99)

Monday 14 February

By thudula

Highest Rank Vote down Vote up Report this

Listen to recordings of DAKOTA STATON and you will understand why she won. Only two recent singers have that style the other is Young British Widow Corrine Bailey Rae.

By Jaye E

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Is that the name she's going by now, "Young British Widow Corrine Bailey Rae"? LOL Wouldn't it have been easier on your fingers to just type Corrine Bailey Rae. I'm sure most people would have known who you were talking about.

By Observer

What is so special about Bieber anyway....The best artist won!

By S.

Low Ranked Vote down Vote up Report this

Well, apparently only losers listen to jazz!!!

By snakemon

High Rank Vote down Vote up Report this

The s. must be for "stupid"

By akqueenie

ummm....actually, that would be winners listen to jazz. Get it? 'Cause she won...?

By Felicia

At last someone with real talent!

By parris

Jennie Incorrect.. Grammy's is not based on record sales.. it's your peers. folks in the industry... GRAMMY MEMBERS ONLY that can vote..

By Debbie

FINALLY!!
A 'music' award given to someone who actually truly KNOWS music. What a novel idea! A true musician who isn't some contrived "product" thought up by a team of "experts" somewhere. Congrats to Esperanza Spalding AND to the people who voted for her! I wish you voted this way more often~

By mrbluesays

When I think of Bieber I think of bubble gum, When I listen to Esperanza Spalding I think of a yummy steak and red wine, Which is better for you? I but Bieber right there with Will Smith's daughter. =)

By Tis I

This is REAL talent Bieber! looks like your 15 minutes of fame are just about over!

By Bonbon

Florence and the Machine deserved it also.

By Sandra London

When they got to Esperanza Spalding's name in the list of nominees, I squinted, "Who?" But it did make me want to know more, especially when she gave her beautiful, yet humble speech and appeared all a-glow in her beautiful green dress.

I look forward to learning more and hearing more about this new jazz artist. And Arcade Fire, as well!

Congratulations, Esperanza!

Some of you people are so stuck on bubble gum voiced kids with hair you would not know realtalent if it SMACKED you in the face. Bieber's kid voice will change soon will he still sound cute? and what is he without the beatles look hair?

By RochonLSU

S. I am a gentleman, so I will not say that you and Emily are lacking some brain power. Perhaps you are just some souls of this jaded generation that know little about music and Jazz in particular.

Please try to refrain from only focusing on how music affects your listening capabilities.

We will all grow when we feel the vibe of patience and kindness.

Please show some patience and try to listen to all things around you there is beauty and you will grow.

Congrats to the Grammys for getting it right this year.

By ed baggett

There is a certain amount of "rigging" & bias built into these shows.....Justin Bieber will have to acknowledge this & live with it too.....

By cfl

I'm sure she's talented, no doubt....but if "she's been on the scene since 2005" and this is her third album, how can she be considered a NEW artist?

By apercu001

At least the grammys are trying to regain their credibility. Let People's Choice and the American Music Awards be for the flavor of the month. The Grammy's are decided by voting musicians not groupies. Congratulations Esperanza!

By Tuxedo-Kitten

It's probably because the panel is not made up of a bunch of 12 year old girls...

By WILL

Why is it that some Jazz sounds like all the musicians in the band are playing different songs ?

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