A jazz sensation known for her sultry, smooth vocals and skilled piano playing, blending traditional and contemporary styles to create a unique sound.
Diana Krall, the Canadian jazz pianist and singer, is renowned for her smooth, sultry contralto vocals and impressive piano skills, which have captivated audiences worldwide. With over 15 million albums sold globally, including six million in the US, Krall has solidified her position as one of the bestselling jazz artists of all time.
Born on November 16, 1964, in Nanaimo, British Columbia, Krall grew up in a musical family. Her father, Stephen James Krall, an accountant, played piano at home, while her mother, Adella A. Wende, an elementary school teacher, sang in a community choir. Krall began studying piano at the age of four and took exams through The Royal Conservatory of Music. In high school, she was a member of a student jazz group and started playing professionally in local restaurants at just 15 years old.
Krall won a scholarship to attend the Berklee College of Music in Boston, where she studied from 1981 to 1983. After spending time in Los Angeles, she returned to Canada to record her debut album, Stepping Out, in 1992. The album caught the attention of producer Tommy LiPuma, who produced her second album, Only Trust Your Heart, released in 1995. Her third album, All for You: A Dedication to the Nat King Cole Trio, released in 1996, was nominated for a Grammy and enjoyed a 70-week stint on the Billboard jazz charts.
Krall's fourth album, Love Scenes, released in 1997, became a hit record and cemented her status as a rising star in the jazz world. Her subsequent albums, including When I Look in Your Eyes (1999), The Look of Love (2001), and Live in Paris (2002), solidified her position as a leading lady of jazz. Krall has won numerous awards, including three Grammy Awards, eight Juno Awards, and multiple gold, platinum, and multiplatinum albums.
Krall's distinctive vocal style is characterized by her smooth, sultry tone and phrasing, which is reminiscent of jazz legends such as Ella Fitzgerald and Billie Holiday. Her piano playing is equally impressive, with a subtle, nuanced approach that adds depth and complexity to her music. Krall's music is heavily influenced by the Great American Songbook, as well as French jazz and Latin American music.
In 2003, Krall married British musician Elvis Costello, with whom she has twin sons, Dexter Henry Lorcan and Frank Harlan James. Krall is also an avid philanthropist, supporting various charitable organizations, including the Children's Hospital of Los Angeles and the Vancouver Children's Hospital.
Diana Krall's contributions to the world of jazz are undeniable. Her smooth, sultry vocals and impressive piano skills have captivated audiences worldwide, earning her a place among the pantheon of jazz greats. As a trailblazer for women in jazz, Krall has paved the way for future generations of female jazz musicians. Her influence extends beyond the jazz world, with her music featured in various films, television shows, and commercials.
With a career spanning over three decades, Diana Krall has solidified her position as one of the most talented and influential jazz musicians of our time. Her contributions to the world of jazz are a testament to her dedication, passion, and artistry.
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