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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Grammy Awards 2011

Lady Gaga arrives at the 53rd annual Grammy Awards on Sunday, Feb. 13, 2011, in Los Angeles.

Chris Pizzello, AP

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Lady Gaga arrives at the 53rd annual Grammy Awards on Sunday, Feb. 13, 2011, in Los Angeles.

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Kelly Osbourne arrives at the 53rd annual Grammy Awards on Sunday, Feb. 13, 2011, in Los Angeles.

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Actress Selma Blair arrives at The 53rd Annual GRAMMY Awards held at Staples Center on February 13, 2011 in Los Angeles, California.

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Margaret Cho arrives at The 53rd Annual GRAMMY Awards held at Staples Center on February 13, 2011 in Los Angeles, California.

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Barry Manilow arrives at the 53rd annual Grammy Awards on Sunday, Feb. 13, 2011, in Los Angeles.

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Musician D.L. Menard arrives at The 53rd Annual GRAMMY Awards held at Staples Center on February 13, 2011 in Los Angeles, California.

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Musicians Patrick Carney and Dan Auerbach of The Black Keys arrive at The 53rd Annual GRAMMY Awards held at Staples Center on February 13, 2011 in Los Angeles, California.

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Grammys Red Carpet 2011

Tags: Best New Artist, Esperanza Spalding, Grammys

Comments

(99)

Tuesday 15 February

By William Schroedter

High Rank Vote down Vote up Report this

Sorry to say but Justin Beiber has been transformed into a Black Wannabe by his promoters that think it's cool for performers to look like Street thugs. This Boy will never survive in the long run and his life will suffer from the artificial Fame and Glory bestowed upon him at such a young age. Life is more important than Money and his life is controlled by the Greedy Money Barons of the Music Industry who could care less about him in a personal way. Soon as he falls out of favor he'll be left out in the rain.

By Texas Electrician

Vote down Vote up Report this

Found the great posting.

By Debbie Bordelon

Quoting Ozzie: "What's a Bieber?"

By Toddbx

As far as new is concerned 2006 is not near new. I'm not a big Justin fan. If he started in 2009 it is possible he started too late in the year to be considered for the 2010 awards; but eligible for the 2011 awards.

By Miamigold

It's a fact that the Industry and the Award is manipulated by a few.Granted Esperanza is a Multi Real Talented Musician.
I was flicker channels last week and watch her gig I was blown away by her style and talent.I myself and old school musician appreciate real talent.Again,it shows Nashville used their muscle and influence to the show the world their power.
As for best new artist can be the kiss of death.Hopefully not for Esperanza.As for Bieber,he will be gone in 2 years,and a new BubbleGum/Pop King or Queen will take it's place.Can we say Wil Smiths Daughter?in 4 years?Ok, lets all wait n see.Bieber enjoy the ride it's not forever..Save the money,don't blow it away like all the rest..Also,who the hell is Lady Antellebum never heard of them or their stuff?!! lol!..Are they Country..? "Nashville's Cowboy Mafia" ROFL..

By Mike1098

Damn, I can imagine how pissed Justin Bieber fans will be when his new movie "Never Say Never" does'nt win best picture!!

By De

lmao

By SSR

I wasn't rooting for Esperanza Spalding to win, but I sure as hell wasn't rooting for Bieber.

By LMC

Justin Bieber is just a rude brat! While the other nominees in the category stood and clapped for her, you could see Justin sitting in seat feeling sorry for himself. Where were his manners?

By gregg

bieber is a very pretty boy that
makes up for his limited talent.

case in point- if bieber was a
70 year old fat man would he still
be so 'popular'?

By DJH

Bieber? give me a friggin break. Just another Mousekateer being made into a pop celebrity by the worlds strongest PR machine. If it wasnt for studio experts, make up artists, voice synthasizers etc this little androgenous no talent hack wouls still be back home getting beat up on by some girl. The only thing he has done that I enjoyed was get hit in the head by that soda at his concert.

Hey thats not cool man.

By Tom

If you listen to music, Ms Spalding is well known. I am glad to see an artist win!

By leart

The Grammy's were just trying to make a statement with the "Spalding" Award. She is the most talented in this category, but the Grammy's was just trying to give Jazz Music a surely needed boost. I enjoy Jazz Music, but the live Venues are drying up in most Cities with all the Crime in the Night Club Areas today.

There use to be several places in my City where Live Jazz was played on the weekends, but you can't find them now. Also, a lot of the interest in the music has wained since the death of Miles Davis, and a lot of the other Legends of the Music.

Wednesday 16 February

By Debbi Mac

I am thrilled that a real talent won the grammy!

By Ruth

It will be such a relief when Bieber hits 20 and is no longer popular with the children and he will JUST GO AWAY.

By Thumper

Great pic,true talent vs the media hype machine.

Thursday 17 February

By Joyce

Who is Justin Bever, oops Bieber?

By J.C.

The Grammys is nothing but a popularity contest. I have never seen so many people who could not sing before in my life. It gets worst EVERY year.

Friday 01 July

By blahblahblah

i am not a 12/13 yr old girl who is in love with justin bieber. however, being talented doesnt make you the best new artist. there is other criteria. like popularity. i would have loved to see drake or mumford & sons take the award as well. its not just about justin bieber, but i think there is more to it than just saying you're talented. how can you be the best if the general public doesn't know who you are? you are the best at what you do, without a doubt but that doesnt mean
1. its the best that anyone else has ever heard
2. or that she is the best out of the other people mentioned.

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