Norah Jones has made her dreams a reality and even exceeded them in many respects.
She attended the University of North Texas, studying piano and singing with the UNT Jazz Singers. It was there where she first met composer Jesse Harris – with whom she would later collaborate on several albums together.
Born in Dallas, Texas
Norah Jones first entered the music world by singing Billie Holiday songs at a Dallas coffeehouse. She graduated from Grapevine High School before attending Booker T. Washington High School for the Performing and Visual Arts; later studying jazz piano and singing with the University of North Texas Jazz Singers.
Once she graduated, she relocated to New York City in pursuit of her music career. Her debut album Come Away With Me combined mellow acoustic pop with soul and jazz elements for a truly original sound.
Moved to New York City
After more than a decade-long absence, Norah Jones is back with her sixth studio album Day Breaks and it pays homage to the ambitions she held before becoming famous, prioritizing art over commerce and creativity over celebrity.
Jazz singer and songwriter Liane Carroll also explores soul, pop, folk rock and country elements within her music. She has collaborated with Foo Fighters as well as Willie Nelson; starting roots-influenced side projects such as The Little Willies and Puss n Boots along the way.
Recorded her first album in New York City
Norah Jones first emerged onto the world stage with her 2002 record Come Away With Me, an intimate yet captivating album that introduced an altogether unique new voice and became an international success story. Come Away With Me won multiple GRAMMYs for Album of the Year and Best New Artist.
On Day Breaks, Jones takes an active part in composing her songs, writing or co-writing six of the 13 tracks herself. Her approach brings jazz elements back together with country, folk and pop sounds for an album full of surprises and delight.
Recorded her second album in New York City
Once Come Away With Me was released to critical acclaim, Jones quickly got to work planning its follow-up. She wanted this album to stand out from its predecessor by adding new material.
Feels Like Home, the result, explored new sounds and styles and became both commercially successful and critically acclaimed – winning numerous Grammy awards along the way.
Little Willies, the band she assembled for this album, had a funky-chic aesthetic. Members included Oda, an aspirational downtown cocktail waitress; and Alexander, a fleece-vested journeyman bassist.
Recorded her third album in New York City
Come Away With Me was released in 2002 and sold millions, garnering her several Grammy awards. Since then, Feels Like Home also achieved massive sales and chart success.
Jones took inspiration from her mother’s record collection of jazz, soul and country records to expand upon her own songwriting abilities for this record. Instead of relying solely on improvisational skills for this album release, however, Jones also learned songwriting techniques from professional mentors in Nashville and Los Angeles.
She stripped back production, working with a loose collection of musicians including Wilco’s Jeff Tweedy and Thomas Bartlett from piano. As a result, intimate yet moody songs emerged.
Recorded her fourth album in New York City
Norah Jones considers New York her true home. In 2021, she recorded her fourth album Visions at Allaire Studios.
This album was produced with producer Leon Michels, known for his work with Sharon Jones & the Dap-Kings and The Arcs. The work was inspired by those final hours before sleep.
Norah has not only released her own music but has also taken part in many tours with other notable acts, such as Foo Fighters, Ryan Adams and Tedeschi Trucks Band.
Recorded her fifth album in New York City
Norah Jones first rose to stardom with her debut album Come Away With Me, offering an effortless blend of soft pop, soul, and jazz music.
Her smooth vocals still sound impressive a decade later, particularly when set against hearty grooves like Talib Kweli’s “Brass in Pocket” or her AM radio-friendly single “Happy Pills.”
Brian “Danger Mouse” Burton, who produced Jones’ previous trumpet album (2011’s Rome), oversees this set. He provides beats while leaving room for her to explore reverb and piano atmospherics.
Recorded her sixth album in New York City
Following her initial albums, Jones began hearing whispers of artistic restrictions and gradually broadened her sound on subsequent releases. Visions was one such instance where Jones added new influences such as funk and psychedelia into her trademark sultry jazz sound.
This album opens with a lightly rustic shuffle that showcases her silky vocals over pizzicato strings and lively bass, then slowly transitions through various genres; including Townes Van Zandt covers, organist Dr. Lonnie Smith tributes and even some nods towards Duke Ellington!
Recorded her seventh album in New York City
Norah Jones emerges from years of disillusionment with her seventh album. This time around, its songs speak directly to people’s despair and longing.
Norah Jones can be difficult to pin down. Her musical endeavors span across genres – indie rock band Fuzzboxx and doo-wop garage outfit Puss N Boots have both featured her.