Esperanza Spalding: Who the Heck is That?
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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February 17th, 2011 3:53 PM
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.....
February 15th, 2011 8:22 PM
she should not have won! none even knows who she is and justin bieber IS talented! so fuck of haters!!
February 15th, 2011 8:04 PM
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.
Rank: D-Lister
February 15th, 2011 7:43 PM
She needs a Hot Comb and some Afro Sheen; WTF is up with her hair? No bueno.
February 15th, 2011 5:56 PM
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!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Rank: D-Lister
February 15th, 2011 9:03 AM
I still dont kno who she is!but maybe her music is not my type!and @ALL justin bieber fans....i think that he should move on from that category and let NEW artist win c'mon hes around for like 3 yrs. JUST SAYIN'!!!
Rank: D-Lister
February 15th, 2011 6:44 AM
.....i rather other people winning, maybe her songs are just not my type...
February 14th, 2011 6:41 PM
wow really, she won and not justin :L
February 14th, 2011 2:56 PM
I was glad when Herbie Hancock's tribute to Joni Mitchell, River won the Grammy's 2008 Album of the Year. Now this year 3 years later Esperenza Spalding wins best new artist. I hope to see more of this instead of sporadic surprises. I'd long ago stop watching the Grammy's because they are a joke. It's not about musicianship or artistry but rather who is more popular. What is popular is not necessarily what is musical or true artistry. The Grammy's awarded milli vanilli only to have to revoke it when it was discovered they were lip-sincing the music. The sad thing is the Grammy Foundation supposedly supports real musicians in high schools, yet their award ceremonies all to often gives award based on everything but musicianship. It's hypocrisy and contradictory. Personally I think the Grammy's should go away because they have long lost what they're supposed to stand for. It's not about the most record sells, or who is most popular or what record mogul has the most pull in the industry, i
February 14th, 2011 2:02 PM
I think jb deserve it but wat not everytime he can be a winner i was sooooo upset but i let it go bcaz maybe she can be di nex sesation all she av to is prove herself but jb all the no ona can beat that