Corinne Bailey Rae – Biography, Albums, Book, and 2025 Tour

Corinne Bailey Rae is an English singer-songwriter who rose to fame in the mid-2000s with her blend of soul, jazz, and R&B. Born in Leeds, she became known for her warm vocals and introspective lyrics, particularly on the global hit “Put Your Records On.” Her career has spanned multiple acclaimed albums, major awards, and a recent expansion into children’s literature with a picture book inspired by her signature song.

From a classical piano background in her youth to forming an all-female rock band as a teenager, Bailey Rae’s path to stardom was unconventional. Her debut album, released in 2006, was a commercial and critical success that set the stage for a career defined by resilience and artistic evolution. She continues to tour and create, engaging a new generation of listeners.

Who Is Corinne Bailey Rae? Her Biography and Early Life

Corinne Jacqueline Bailey Rae was born on February 26, 1979, in Leeds, West Yorkshire, England. Her father is from Saint Kitts and Nevis, and her mother, Linda, is English. She grew up in a mixed-race household as the eldest of three daughters. This background was described in a Guardian interview as formative to her outlook and music. She studied classical piano at school before forming an all-female rock group called Helen during her teenage years.

Her breakthrough came when BBC critics named her the number-one predicted breakthrough act of 2006. Her self-titled debut album was released in February of that year, quickly reaching number one in the UK and selling over four million copies worldwide. This made her the fourth female British act to debut an album at number one.

Quick Overview

Key Insights

• Corinne Bailey Rae is a two-time Grammy Award-winning English singer-songwriter.
• Her breakout hit “Put Your Records On” (2006) remains her most streamed song.
• She released her fourth studio album, Black Rainbows, in 2023.
• In 2024, she authored a children’s picture book titled Put Your Records On.
• She is currently touring to celebrate the 20th anniversary of her debut album.

Snapshot Facts

What Is Corinne Bailey Rae Known For? Her Music and Hit Songs

Bailey Rae is best known for her warm, soulful voice and songs that blend R&B with jazz and indie influences. Her most iconic track, “Put Your Records On,” became an anthem of self-acceptance and nostalgia. The song’s simple, uplifting message resonated with millions and remains a staple of her live shows. Another signature song, “Like a Star,” is a tender love ballad that showcases her gentle vocal delivery.

Albums and Artistic Evolution

Her debut album, released in 2006, set a high bar. Its success earned her three Grammy nominations and two MOBO Awards for Best UK Newcomer and Best UK Female. She later won a Grammy for Album of the Year as a featured artist on Herbie Hancock’s River: The Joni Letters in 2008. In 2012, she won another Grammy for Best R&B Performance for her cover of “Is This Love.”

Her second album, The Sea (2010), was nominated for the Mercury Prize and dealt with themes of grief and loss. Her third album, The Heart Speaks in Whispers (2016), was widely praised for its experimental, genre-blending sound. In 2023, she released Black Rainbows, a project that marked a more personal and expansive direction.

Live Performances and Touring

Bailey Rae has performed at major festivals around the world, including New Orleans Jazz Fest, Glastonbury, and the Hollywood Bowl. She has also appeared as a special guest for Stevie Wonder’s BST Hyde Park concert in London. In 2025, she embarked on a tour celebrating the 20th anniversary of her debut album.

Is Corinne Bailey Rae Married? Family and Personal Life

Bailey Rae was married to saxophonist Jason Rae, whom she wed in 2008. The couple had two daughters together. Jason Rae passed away in 2023. Sources also mention that she later married musician Steve Brown in 2013, though personal details following the death of her first husband remain private.

According to IMDb and other biographical entries, she has two children. Their names have not been publicly disclosed, which appears to be a deliberate choice for privacy. Her current relationship status after her husband’s death is not a matter of public record.

Does Corinne Bailey Rae Have a Book? “Put Your Records On” Picture Book

In 2026, Bailey Rae’s official site announced her debut picture book, titled Put Your Records On. The book is inspired by the themes of her hit song of the same name. It represents her first venture into children’s literature, expanding her creative output beyond music.

The book was published following years of touring and album releases. According to her own statements, writing a children’s book was a new challenge, but the song felt like a story waiting to be told.

Is Corinne Bailey Rae Touring? Tour Dates and Concerts

Bailey Rae is actively touring in 2025. The tour celebrates the 20th anniversary of her debut album. However, exact tour dates and specific venues for all stops are not fully listed on her official site as of early 2025. For the most current information, her Instagram and Facebook pages are recommended sources.

Career Timeline: Key Milestones

1. 1979 – Born in Leeds, England.
2. 2006 – Debut album Corinne Bailey Rae released, including hit “Put Your Records On.”
3. 2007 – Won two Grammy Awards (Album of the Year as featured artist, and Best R&B Performance).
4. 2008 – Married saxophonist Jason Rae.
5. 2010 – Released second album The Sea, nominated for the Mercury Prize.
6. 2016 – Released third album The Heart Speaks in Whispers.
7. 2023 – Released fourth album Black Rainbows; husband Jason Rae passed away.
8. 2024 – Published children’s picture book Put Your Records On.
9. 2025 – Embarked on a tour celebrating 20 years of her debut album.

Certainty and Clarity: What Is Known and What Remains Unclear

Context: The Meaning and Background of Her Work

Corinne Bailey Rae emerged in the mid-2000s as a fresh voice in soul and R&B, blending jazz influences with contemporary pop. Her music often explores themes of love, loss, and resilience. The release of Black Rainbows (2023) marked a more experimental direction, while her first picture book expanded her creative output into children’s literature. Her ongoing tour celebrates the enduring appeal of her debut album, which continues to attract new listeners.

Sources and Notable Quotes

The strongest biographical details come from the official artist site, La Phil’s artist bio, IMDb, and major media coverage such as The Guardian and uDiscover Music. Some details, especially on family and later personal life, vary slightly across secondary sources, so the most consistently supported facts are the ones presented here.

“I’m really excited to be touring again and celebrating the album that started it all.”

– Corinne Bailey Rae, official website announcement

“Writing a children’s book was a new challenge, but the song ‘Put Your Records On’ felt like a story waiting to be told.”

– Interview with Publishers Weekly, 2024

Summary: What Next for Corinne Bailey Rae?

Bailey Rae remains an active and evolving artist. Her 2025 tour continues to bring her music to audiences worldwide. The success of her picture book suggests further book projects may be possible. There is also speculation about a potential documentary or anniversary re-release of her debut album. For anyone interested in the career of a distinctive British singer-songwriter, her biography offers a story of talent, resilience, and creative reinvention. For a deeper look into the UK music scene, read about Kelly Jones Stereophonics – Age, Wife, Net Worth, and More.

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