lizz wright

Biography

Lizz Wright is an acclaimed American vocalist and songwriter whose artistry bridges jazz, gospel, soul, and folk traditions. Born in Hahira, Georgia, she was immersed in music from an early age, serving as the musical director of her father's church and developing her voice through gospel and call-and-response singing. Her formal studies included classical repertoire at Georgia State University and jazz and spirituals at The New School in New York, further broadening her musical foundation[4][1].

Wright's national breakthrough came at age 22 as a featured vocalist in a touring tribute to Billie Holiday, which led to her signing with Verve Records at 23. Her 2003 debut album, 'Salt', topped Billboard’s contemporary jazz charts and established her as a major new voice in American music. Subsequent albums such as 'Dreaming Wide Awake' (2005), 'The Orchard' (2008), and 'Fellowship' (2010) showcased her ability to blend genres and interpret the Great American Songbook, while 'Freedom & Surrender' (2016) and 'Grace' (2017) further cemented her reputation for soulful, genre-defying performances[1][2][3].

Wright is celebrated for her rich, dark alto—described by The New York Times as possessing qualities akin to 'barrel-aged bourbon or butter-soft leather'—and for her capacity to evoke deep emotion and connection. Her music is recognized for transcending social divides, offering messages of love, community, and healing. With a career spanning over two decades, she continues to influence the landscape of modern American vocal music, most recently launching her own label, Blues & Greens Records, and releasing her first live album, 'Holding Space', in 2022[6][1].

Fun Facts

• Lizz Wright's single 'Lean In' from the album 'Freedom & Surrender' was featured on President Barack Obama's 2016 Summer Playlist[1][6].
• She launched her own independent record label, Blues & Greens Records, in 2022, debuting with the live album 'Holding Space'[6].
• Wright's first major national exposure was as a vocalist in a Billie Holiday tribute tour at age 22[1][2].
• Her voice has been described by The New York Times as 'a smooth, dark alto possessed of qualities you might associate with barrel-aged bourbon or butter-soft leather'[1][6].

Musical Connections

Mentors/Influences

• Dr. Dwight Coleman - Classical vocal instructor at Georgia State University (Classical repertoire studies) [Late 1990s]
• Dr. Richard Harper - Jazz and spirituals instructor at The New School, New York (Jazz and spirituals studies) [Early 2000s]
• Billie Holiday - Major stylistic influence; Wright's early career highlight was a tribute tour to Holiday (Touring concert tribute to Billie Holiday) [Early 2000s]

Key Collaborators

• Larry Klein - Producer and songwriting collaborator (Freedom & Surrender (2016)) [2014–2016]
• Meshell Ndegeocello - Guest performer (bass) on album (Fellowship (2010)) [2010]
• Angélique Kidjo - Guest vocalist on album (Fellowship (2010)) [2010]
• Joe Henry - Producer (Grace (2017)) [2017]
• Bobby Ray Sparks II, Ben Zwerin, Ivan Edwards, Chris Bruce - Band members for live performances and recordings (Holding Space (2022, live album)) [2018–2022]

Artists Influenced

• Emerging jazz and soul vocalists - Wright's genre-blending style and vocal approach have inspired a new generation of American singers, though specific protégés are not widely documented in public sources. (N/A) [2010s–present]

Discography

Albums

Top Tracks

1. Hit The Ground (Dreaming Wide Awake)
2. Stars Fell On Alabama (Grace)
3. I'm Confessin' (Dreaming Wide Awake)
4. Hit The Ground (Dreaming Wide Awake)
5. My Heart (The Orchard)
6. Hit The Ground (Dreaming Wide Awake)
7. I'm Confessin' (Dreaming Wide Awake)
8. I'm Confessin' (Dreaming Wide Awake)
9. A Taste Of Honey (Dreaming Wide Awake)
10. Seems I’m Never Tired Lovin’ You (Grace)

External Links

• Spotify
• Wikipedia
• MusicBrainz

Tags: #blues, #gospel, #jazz