ESPERANZA WHO?

After winning the Best New Artist at the 2011 Grammy Awards, it's about time to know more info's about ESPERANZA SPALDING. Spalding was born on October 18, 1984 in Portland, Oregon. At an early age of 14, she fell in love with an upright bass and distinguished herself playing blues, funk, hip-hop, pop fusion, and Brazilian and Afro-Cuban styles as well. She auditioned for the Berklee College of Music and managed to do so well that she was given a full scholarship and eventually graduated in 2005.

That same year, the dynamic singer has been heralded as jazz's next big thing after giving an impressive performance at the White House recital dates- with high praises from the likes of legendary musicians Stevie Wonder and Herbie Hancock. Spalding also has gigged it at the Nobel Peace Prize concert in 2009. And she got to sing a tribute to Prince at the BET Awards last year.

Critically acclaim indeed. Is it warranted? Listen to one of her songs, "Grooves" below and you might just become a fan of the relatively unknown musician ...

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