Drawing immediate comparisons to the late Eartha Kitt, the supremely talented vocalist Andra Day broke through in a big way in late 2015 with “Rise Up” which earned her a Grammy nomination for “Best R&B Performance” and is now, not surprisingly, crossing over to Top 40 stations, because it’s just so good. Andra’s soaring voice is inspirational (sometimes a capella) as she sings of hope and inner strength and fortitude. A class act.
Baby Boomer Anita Baker won a Grammy for her first big hit, “Sweet Love,” that featured the same sensitive, sincere and soulful approach that has catapulted Andra Day to national fame.
Audra Day is 31 years old and a bit of a Rihanna look alike, meaning adorable. She’s professionally trained, from San Diego, CA.
As an aside: At a time when racial diversity is the topic du jour, Andra’s R&B hit going mainstream is an example of music as the universal language with the capacity to unite. We‘re in it for the sound, or the feeling or the experience. Color and/or race are non-starters.