Home » Jazz Musicians » Erykah Badu
Erykah Badu
Erykah Badu, born Erica Abi Wright in 1971 in Dallas, Texas, is an American singer-songwriter who has become known as the "Queen of Neo-Soul" for her pioneering contributions to the genre.
Raised in a musical family, Badu's artistic talents were evident from a young age. She began singing in her church choir as a child and later attended Grambling State University on a theater scholarship. It was during this time that she adopted the stage name "Erykah Badu," which she has explained reflects her desire to be "free" from constraints.
Badu's breakthrough came in 1997 with the release of her debut album, "Baduizm." The album was an immediate critical and commercial success, earning Badu a Grammy Award for Best Female R&B Vocal Performance. Featuring hits like "On & On" and "Next Lifetime," the album's fusion of soul, jazz, and hip-hop established Badu as a singular voice in contemporary R&B.
In the years that followed, Badu cemented her status as one of the most influential and distinctive artists of her era. Albums like "Mama's Gun" (2000) and "New Amerykah Part One (4th World War)" (2008) further developed her eclectic sound and incorporated deeper explorations of African-American history, spirituality, and social consciousness.
Beyond her music, Badu has also earned acclaim for her striking visual aesthetic, which often features natural hairstyles and unconventional fashion choices that reflect her independent spirit and progressive worldview. She has been outspoken on political and social issues, using her platform to promote causes like HIV/AIDS awareness and environmental sustainability.
Throughout her career, Badu has accumulated numerous accolades, including multiple Grammy Awards, and has been hailed as a crucial figure in the development of neo-soul. Her influence can be heard in the work of countless contemporary R&B and soul artists who have been inspired by her innovative approach to music and her unapologetic artistic vision.
Tags
Four Headliners Announced For Xerox Rochester International Jazz Festival's 15th Edition -- Chick Corea Plus Joey Alexander, Chris Botti, Grace Potter And Erykah Badu
Source:
Dalmath Associates Inc.
Producers John Nugent and Marc Iacona announced four headliner shows today for the nine-day 15th edition Xerox Rochester International Jazz Festival (XRIJF) June 24 to July 2. Singer songwriter Grace Potter will perform on opening night, Friday, June 24. Grammy winner and “First Lady of Neo Soul" Erykah Badu will perform on Saturday, June 25. Twenty-two-time Grammy-winning jazz legend, pianist and composer Chick Corea “Trilogy" Trio plus special guest Joey Alexander Trio, the 12-year-old pianist who mesmerized XRIJF audiences last ...
read more
Dwayne Kerr Garners Endorsement from GUO Musical Instruments Co. on the Eve of Touring Again with Erykah Badu
Source:
Cheryl Hughey Promotions
Dwayne Kerr, flutist for Erykah Badu, recently announced his endorsement with GUO Musical Instruments Co. As a frequently touring artist, Kerr is a great match for this maker of composite flutes. “I always wanted to own a wood flute, but touring with the additional stress of changing weather and climate can make traveling with a wood flute challenging. The Grenaditte is great. It's made with a polymer composite material...no problems and no more worries," he said. Kerr is quick to ...
read more
Erykah Badu Offers an Unapologetic 'Window Seat' to Her Soul
Source:
Michael Ricci
Since releasing her debut, Baduizm, more than 13 years ago, the Dallas native has found new, creative -- though sometimes controversial -- ways of expression.
From donning head wraps as towering as Marge Simpsons tresses to shaving all her hair completely off -- she knows how to make a bold declaration. But it was her last artistic statement that sent tongues wagging and the media afire when she premiered the video for Window Seat, the lead single from her newest ...
read more
Erykah Badu: Tour w/ ?uestlove N.E.R.D., Monae, Maxwell
Source:
JamBase
“OUT MY MIND, JUST IN TIME" TOUR INCLUDES N.E.R.D., JANELLE MONAE, MAXWELL, ?UESTLOVE OF THE ROOTS
Hot on the heels of the headline-making video for “Window Seat" which resulted in a disorderly conduct charge, Erykah Badu has announced a North American summer tour in support of her new album, New Amerykah Part Two (Return of the Ankh). The “Out My Mind, Just In Time" tour will feature opening acts including N.E.R.D., Janelle Monae, Maxwell and ?uestlove ...
read more
Soul Singer Erykah Badu Strips, Gets Shot, Shocks
Source:
All About Jazz
Soul singer gets shot at site of JFK assassination in new music video. Sex and violence: In pop culture, it's the one-two punch that knocks the wind out of just about everyone. Currently basking in its power is Erykah Badu. The soul singer scored a mother lode of attention (and free publicity) this week with her new video “Window Seat," in which she strips nude and simulates getting shot in the head. A single camera follows Badu for nearly five ...
read more
Erykah Badu New Album Details
Source:
JamBase
ERYKAH BADU RELEASES DETAILS FOR NEW AMERYKAH PART II: RETURN OF THE ANKH
Erykah Badu Soul/R&B queen Erykah Badu has announced details for her forthcoming album New Amerykah Part II: Return Of The Ankh, the sequel to 2008's New Amerykah Part One: 4th World War.
Part II will be released March 30 via Universal Motown, with each of the 11 tracks either produced or co-produced by Badu (full production details included with the track listing below). ?uestlove makes an appearance, ...
read more
2007 Jazzfest West to Feature Erykah Badu & Brian McKnight: 12th Annual Event Formerly Known as "Old Pasadena Jazzfest"
Source:
All About Jazz
SAN DIMAS, CA - Omega Events is proud to announce the lineup for the 12th Annual JazzFest West, formerly the Old Pasadena JazzFest, slated for July 21 & 22. The lineup will feature three hip, urban vocalists... Erykah Badu, Brian McKnight & KEM... as well as many jazz festival favorites including Stanley Clarke, Euge Groove and The Average White Band, amongst others. The new home of the festival is Bonelli Park in San Dimas, a tree-lined venue that is adjacent ...
read more
Norah Jones, George Benson and Erykah Badu Among Festival Headliners for 2003 Verizon Music Festival
Source:
All About Jazz
Four-City Tour Kicks off in New York in May
NEW YORK - Sporting an award-winning, diverse and totally cool lineup, the 2003 Verizon Music Festival kicks off in New York City in May.
Topping an all-star array of entertainers is Norah Jones, winner of five 2003 Grammy Awards. Jones will be part of the festival performances in Tampa.
Headlining concerts in other festival stops will be Erykah Badu, George Benson, Bo Diddley, Big Bad Voodoo Daddy, Gilberto Santa Rosa, Dee ...
read more
Lola Regenthal
vocals
June Bisantz
vocals
Gretchen Elise
composer / conductor
Telmo Fernandez
guitar
Heistheartist
vocals
Syna Awel
vocals
Taylor Kelly
trumpet and vocals
Eve Minor
multi-instrumentalist
Bridget Walsh
vocals
