Tracks like ‘ Breathless‘ and ‘ Trouble Sleeping‘ became my anthem for unrequited love of which I was often a victim, while songs like ‘ Till it Happens to You‘ was my go-to in order to mourn loves that never actually happened (because teenage dramatics). Her debut album ended up becoming my soundtrack of sorts all through high school. My earliest memory of listening to Corinne Bailey Rae was in high school, her debut album premiering just one year prior to my Freshman year. The accolades and opportunities that came afterward were astounding as she went on to gain three nominations for the 2007 Grammy Awards Record of the Year, Song of the Year (Put Your Records On), and Best New Artist. Later, in November 2005, Bailey Rae released her first lead single “Like a Star” before releasing her self-titled debut album on February 24th 2006. This resulted in the release of a 2005 collaboration “Young and Foolish”, giving Corinne Bailey Rae even more public attention. She began gain traction in 2004, after getting signed by Global Talent Publishing and being approached by record producer Mark Hill. But within the few years after marrying Jason, she started working on her own solo material, approaching a more ‘soulful’ style rather than indie. Bailey Rae was crushed and wasn’t even sure where to go next from there. However, the deal ended before it could even start because the band disbanded after their bassist became pregnant. The group didn’t attract offers from UK labels, but soon were able to gain the attention of US-based label Roadrunner Records. Inspired by groups like Veruca Salt and L7, Bailey Rae would go on to form an indie band during college by the name of ‘Helen’.
It was during this time frame in which she met Jason Rae, a jazz musician whom she would marry in 2001 at the age of 22. Later Bailey Rae attended and graduated from The University of Leeds as an English Language and Literature major (we love a fellow English major). It was also at this church that she was able to expand her musical horizons and the youth leader contributed to Bailey Rae’s first guitar. Bailey Rae had started as a member of a Brethren church but eventually started attending a Baptist church, where youth worshippers such as herself had creative control and even had the opportunity to write their own worship songs. She describes singing at her family’s church as her favorite part of the service.
Growing up, she studied classical violin for a short period of time before directing her attention to singing. We have just recently passed the 15th anniversary of her debut (February 24th 2006), so in celebration of that alongside her birthday which is the date of this piece (February 26th), let’s take a dive into Bailey Rae’s artistry and her influence!īailey Rae had been involved in music long before her debut album. She is best known for her breakout single “Put Your Records On” which is featured on her debut self-titled studio album. Genre: Neo Soul, Contemporary R&B, Jazz, Blues, Acoustic Some BackgroundĬorinne Bailey Rae is an English singer/songwriter from Leeds, England.