Norah Jones quickly rose to stardom following the release of her Grammy-winning debut album Come Away With Me, an eclectic mixture of contemporary jazz, folk and country music.
Jones has since expanded her horizons. She collaborated with Family Guy creator Seth MacFarlane and recorded a song for Ted movie.
Her Life
As soon as her debut single Come Away With Me was released in 2002, Norah Jones quickly rose to global music fame. Her inimitable vocals and intimate jazz-influenced acoustics resonated deeply with audiences worldwide.
Her subsequent albums Not Too Late (2007), The Fall (2009) and Little Broken Hearts (2012) broadened her musical palette further with moody electric instrumentation that leant more toward rock and soul music.
Jones has produced her own music as well as recorded with numerous artists and is deeply committed to supporting music education initiatives through philanthropy, believing music has the power to change lives.
Matt Berninger and Bryce Dessner of The National joined Norah at her Woodstock home to discuss their recent release, The First Two Pages of Frankenstein, share high school memories, and perform their version of Soundgarden’s Black Hole Sun together – creating an intimate conversation and performance that showcases their incredible musical abilities.
Her Music
Norah Jones first released Come Away With Me in 2002, but her sound has changed considerably since. Piano remains at the core of her sound; Feels Like Home expanded her musical palette further by including elements of country rock while maintaining jazz’s core foundation.
On Visions, she collaborated with producer and multi-instrumentalist Leon Michels (El Michels Affair, Sharon Jones & The Dap-Kings) for an album which finds her playing more freely; most tracks feature them jamming, often overdubbing instrumental and vocal parts.
On this week’s World Cafe, Jones and Michels perform “Staring At The Wall.” It’s a swingin’ jazz number with just the right touch of soul; Jones’s melodic vocals provide just the right amount of romance without taking away from being present in the moment.
Her Awards
Norah Jones has won many accolades, including nine Grammys. She has sold more than 50 million albums worldwide – becoming one of the best-selling female artists ever! Her first album, Come Away With Me (2002) was an unexpected critical hit that went on to sell over 6 million copies!
Feels Like Home (2004) was another success for her and Not Too Late (2007) was the first studio release on which she co-wrote every track and added guitar to her sound.
Norah embarked upon her fourth studio album, The Fall (2009), with new musical and aesthetic directions in mind. To achieve this she enlisted the aid of songwriting collaborators Ryan Adams, Okkervil River’s Will Sheff, Jesse Harris (winner of a Grammy for “Don’t Know Why”, recorded by Norah) and producer Jacquire King who had worked previously with Kings of Leon and Tom Waits.
Her Appearances
Norah Jones has appeared on television programs including Dancing with the Stars, The Tonight Show with David Letterman and Good Morning America. Additionally, in 2012 she played the part of an important character on NBC’s Law and Order Special Victims Unit series.
Jones will soon release her ninth studio album, Visions. Produced and multi-instrumentalist Leon Michaels were involved with its creation.
Jones’ forthcoming record will likely mark a departure from her previous album, Pick Me Up Off the Floor, which explored themes of melancholy and regret.
Jones’ new album emphasizes positivity and music’s healing powers, providing a platform to show their optimistic approach.
“Staring at the Wall”, Jones’s lead single for her ninth studio album due out March 8th, has garnered more than 6 million views online – both on YouTube and Facebook combined! Jones is currently touring North America with Puss N Boots.