Esperanza Emily Spalding, born October 18, 1984, in Portland, Oregon, is an American bassist, singer, songwriter, and composer. She is renowned for her innovative blend of jazz, rock, funk, soul, and R&B, enriched with influences from Brazilian music.
Esperanza's musical journey began at the tender age of five when she started playing the violin with the Chamber Music Society of Oregon. Demonstrating remarkable versatility, she is self-taught on multiple instruments, including the guitar and bass. Her exceptional talent earned her scholarships to both Portland State University and Berklee College of Music, where she graduated in 2005.
Esperanza released her debut album "Junjo" in 2006 and quickly gained acclaim for her talents. At just 20, she became one of Berklee's youngest instructors. In 2011, Esperanza made history by winning the Grammy for Best New Artist, a feat never before achieved by a jazz musician. Her discography includes celebrated albums like "Esperanza" (2008), "Chamber Music Society" (2010), and "Radio Music Society" (2012). She was appointed professor of practice at Harvard University in 2017 and has accumulated five Grammy Awards throughout her career.
Esperanza is widely recognized for her adeptness on the bass and her multilingual singing abilities, performing in English, Spanish, Portuguese, and French. Her musical style has been shaped by jazz bassists Ron Carter and Dave Holland, and she draws inspiration from artists such as Wayne Shorter, Milton Nascimento, Madonna, and Ornette Coleman.
Throughout her career, Esperanza has collaborated with prestigious artists such as Stevie Wonder, Herbie Hancock, and Prince, performing at illustrious venues including the White House, the Nobel Peace Prize ceremony, and the Oscars.
Esperanza Spalding's artistry has been recognized with numerous awards:
Esperanza is recognized not only for her musical talents but also for her artistic evolution and engagement in social transformation. She curated the "Esperanza Spalding Selects" exhibition at the Cooper Hewitt, Smithsonian Design Museum, and created a poignant video titled "We Are America" in 2013 highlighting issues at Guantanamo Bay. Her performance at the Peace Ball at the National Museum of African American History and Culture showcases her commitment to important causes.
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