Esperanza Spalding: Who the Heck is That?
by Free Britney at .That question was likely asked more than a few times last night.
If you asked people to predict the 2011 Grammy Awards winners going in, jazz bassist Esperanza Spalding, 26, probably wouldn't have been on many lists.
Nevertheless, she took home the coveted Best New Artist Grammy, upsetting the likes of Drake, Florence and the Machine AND Justin Bieber to do so.
While people may spend the wake of Justin Bieber's surprising Best New Artist loss figuring out who Spalding is and where she came from, her talent is no mystery.
The AP writes the following:
"From the time Esperanza Spalding appeared in 2005, the dynamic singer, bassist, composer and arranger has been heralded as jazz's next big thing."
"Her impressive musicianship has won her White House recital dates, praise from the likes of Stevie Wonder and Herbie Hancock, and critical acclaim."
High praise indeed. Is it warranted? Lsten to one of her songs, "Little Fly," below and you might just become a fan of the relatively unknown musician ...
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Comments (15 Total)
WV Peach: It's called being natural, idiot. Everyone in the world does not want straight hair. Justin (2/15 at 8:22) You are beyond ignorant. You may not know who Esperanza is, but it is obvious others do: She won a Grammy. Duh. You probably don't even know who Herbie Hancock is either.....
she should not have won! none even knows who she is and justin bieber IS talented! so fuck of haters!!
I'm really happy that Esperanza Spalding for winning the Grammy for "Best New Artist." I'll admit I didn't know who she was when her name was announced. I have listened to some of her work since then, and I am impressed. If you like jazz, chances are you'll like her. But, let's face it, the Grammys are about commercial music. Whoever attracts the most money or fans wins. While I'm glad to see someone with real talent and dedication get this award, there has to be something more going on here. Did NARAS members simply vote against Bieber & Gaga? Did anti-Usher people lobby against Bieber? When a complete unknown outside of a rarefied genre beats out profitable, mainstream stars, something must be going on behind the scenes.
She needs a Hot Comb and some Afro Sheen; WTF is up with her hair? No bueno.
I HATE HER SHE SHOULDNT HAVE WON!!!!1 WHO THE HELL IS SHE!!!! hhow the hell couuld she be nominated for new artist when shes been around for like 8 year!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!