Artist Wiki

Diana Krall

Overview

Diana Krall is a celebrated Canadian jazz pianist and vocalist, renowned for her rich contralto voice and masterful piano performances that breathe new life into jazz standards. With multiple Grammy Awards and a legacy of chart-topping albums, she stands as a pivotal figure in contemporary jazz, captivating audiences worldwide with her elegant interpretations and timeless sound.

Diana Krall

Diana Krall is a renowned Canadian jazz pianist and singer, celebrated globally for her contralto vocals and impeccable piano skills. Her distinctive voice and elegant interpretations of jazz standards have cemented her as one of the most successful jazz artists of her generation.

Early Life and Background

Born on November 16, 1964, in Nanaimo, British Columbia, Canada, Diana Krall was immersed in music from a tender age. She began playing the piano at the age of four and was performing professionally by the time she was 15. Her musical upbringing was heavily influenced by her father's extensive collection of jazz records, particularly those of Fats Waller. Diana further honed her skills at the Berklee College of Music in Boston from 1981 to 1983.

Musical Style and Influences

Diana Krall's music is celebrated for her interpretations of jazz standards and American Songbook classics. Influenced by legendary pianists such as Oscar Peterson, Monty Alexander, and Bill Evans, her style cohesively blends cool jazz, bossa nova, and traditional pop. Her performances are distinguished by her contralto vocals, which complement her sophisticated piano playing.

Career Highlights

Diana released her debut album, "Stepping Out," in 1993. Her breakthrough came with the 1996 album "All for You: A Dedication to the Nat King Cole Trio," which set her on a path to international acclaim. The 1999 release "When I Look in Your Eyes" won her a Grammy Award, solidifying her status in the jazz world. Over her career, she has had eight albums debut at #1 on the Billboard Jazz Albums chart and has sold over 15 million albums worldwide. Billboard named her the second greatest jazz artist of the 2000-2009 decade.

Notable Albums

  • All for You (1996)
  • When I Look in Your Eyes (1999)
  • The Look of Love (2001)
  • The Girl in the Other Room (2004) - featured original compositions
  • Quiet Nights (2009)
  • Glad Rag Doll (2012)
  • Turn Up the Quiet (2017)
  • This Dream of You (2020)

Collaborations and Production

Diana Krall's musical journey is marked by her longtime collaboration with the renowned producer Tommy LiPuma. Her career is also highlighted by collaborations with music giants like Tony Bennett, Paul McCartney, and Barbra Streisand. In addition to performing, she produced Barbra Streisand's 2009 album "Love Is the Answer."

Awards and Honors

Throughout her illustrious career, Diana Krall has garnered numerous accolades, including three Grammy Awards and eight Juno Awards. Additionally, she has been honored as an Officer of the Order of Canada and received the Order of British Columbia.

Personal Life

Since 2003, Diana Krall has been married to musician Elvis Costello, and they have twin sons born in 2006. Krall's ability to breathe life into classic jazz tunes while embracing new genres has made her an influential figure in contemporary jazz, and her work continues to resonate with audiences around the world.

Sources

Date added:
Fri Mar 21 2025 14:51:17 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)