Brandee Younger is a groundbreaking harpist and composer who blends jazz, hip-hop, classical, and R&B, redefining the harp's role in contemporary music while paying homage to its rich history. With notable collaborations and accolades, including a Grammy nomination and an NAACP Image Award, she is a dynamic force in the music scene, inspiring the next generation through her teaching and advocacy.
Brandee Younger has made a significant mark in the contemporary music scene as an innovative harpist and composer. Bridging the worlds of jazz, hip-hop, classical, and R&B, she is dedicated to expanding the role of the harp in modern music while honoring the legacies of past harp masters.
Born on July 1, 1983, in Hempstead, New York, Younger's journey in music began around age 11. A meeting with a harpist who mentioned scholarship possibilities inspired her to take up the instrument. As a teenager in the 1990s, she was influenced by hip-hop and R&B, frequently tuning in to radio stations like Hot 97 and WBLS. Younger pursued formal studies in classical harp, often asking her teacher to transcribe pop songs. She completed her Bachelor’s degree in Harp Performance and Music Management at the Hartt School of Music, followed by a Master’s degree in Harp Performance and Composition from New York University.
Brandee Younger's musical style is a reflection of her diverse influences. Her work seamlessly blends elements from jazz, hip-hop, classical, and R&B traditions. Influenced by harp legends like Dorothy Ashby and Alice Coltrane, as well as the classical teachings of Carlos Salzedo, Younger also draws inspiration from the hip-hop and R&B artists she grew up with. This fusion is evident in her efforts to make the harp a vital element in contemporary music genres where it is not traditionally featured.
A pivotal moment in Younger's career came in 2007 when she performed at a memorial for Alice Coltrane, alongside Ravi Coltrane. Over the years, she has collaborated with jazz giants such as Pharoah Sanders, Jack DeJohnette, Charlie Haden, and Reggie Workman. Her reach extends into hip-hop and R&B, collaborating with Common, John Legend, The Roots, and Lauryn Hill. Notably, her composition "Hortense" was featured in Beyoncé's Netflix concert documentary "Homecoming." In 2022, Younger made history as the first Black woman to earn a Grammy nomination for Best Instrumental Composition. In 2024, she won the NAACP Image Award for Outstanding Jazz Album for "Brand New Life."
Brandee Younger serves as a harp instructor at both New York University and The New School. Her commitment to music education is reflected through masterclasses and residencies at institutions such as Berklee College of Music, Princeton, and Howard University. Additionally, Younger champions the expansion of the harp's presence in contemporary music and pays homage to jazz harp pioneers. She is an active board member for The Coltrane Home and New Music USA.
Her innovative approach and ability to transcend genre boundaries have earned Younger widespread acclaim. The New York Times lauded her for seamlessly integrating modern harp traditions, showcasing strength, grace, and commitment. She was recognized in the DownBeat Critics Poll, winning the "Rising Star" harpist category in 2020.
Brandee Younger continues to push boundaries, shaping the future of harp music while honoring its rich history.
