
Corinne Bailey Rae – Biography, New Book and Music 2025
Corinne Bailey Rae is a British singer-songwriter who rose to global fame with her 2006 hit “Put Your Records On.” This fact-driven profile covers her biography, music career, personal life, and current projects, including a 2025 children’s book and the album Black Rainbows.
Who Is Corinne Bailey Rae?
Corinne Jacqueline Bailey Rae was born on February 26, 1979, in Leeds, West Yorkshire, England. She is the eldest of three daughters, born to a British mother and a father from Saint Kitts and Nevis. She trained in classical music and violin lessons before discovering soul and jazz while working a coat-check job at a jazz club in Leeds.
- She rose to international fame in 2006 with her debut single “Put Your Records On,” a defining neo-soul anthem.
- Her career spans nearly two decades, including four studio albums and a 2025 children’s picture book.
- She has won two Grammy Awards: Album of the Year (2008) as a featured artist and Best R&B Performance (2012).
- Bailey Rae is the mother of two children with her current husband, Steve Brown, and was previously married to saxophonist Jason Rae, who died in 2008.
- Her style blends soul, jazz, R&B, and pop, earning comparisons to artists like Minnie Riperton and Billie Holiday.
- She has also earned 3 Brit Award nominations and 2 MOBO Awards.
- There is no publicly confirmed net worth figure for the artist.
| Fact | Value |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Corinne Jacqueline Bailey Rae |
| Date of Birth | 26 February 1979 |
| Birthplace | Leeds, West Yorkshire, England |
| Genres | Soul, Neo Soul, R&B, Jazz |
| Years Active | 2005–present |
| Current Spouse | Steve Brown (married 2013) |
| Children | 2 |
| Grammy Awards | 2 |
| Debut Album | Corinne Bailey Rae (2006) |
| Most Recent Album | Black Rainbows (2023) |
What Is Corinne Bailey Rae Famous For?
She is best known for her 2006 single “Put Your Records On,” which was nominated for Record of the Year and Song of the Year at the 2007 Grammys. The song became an anthem of joy and self-empowerment and is her biggest global hit.
Her Signature Song: “Put Your Records On”
The track appeared on her debut album, which debuted at number one in the UK, making her the fourth female British act to achieve that feat. The album also reached number four on the US Billboard charts. A second single from that album, “Like a Star,” also became a major hit.
Albums and Discography
Bailey Rae has released four studio albums. Her work addresses themes ranging from grief to Black history. The 2023 album Black Rainbows was inspired by artist Theaster Gates’ work in Chicago and represents her most experimental project to date.
| Album | Year | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Corinne Bailey Rae | 2006 | Debut album; #1 UK, #4 US; includes “Put Your Records On” |
| The Sea | 2010 | Second album, recorded after the death of her first husband |
| The Heart Speaks in Whispers | 2016 | Third album |
| Black Rainbows | 2023 | Fourth album; experimental; inspired by Theaster Gates’ art |
Bailey Rae’s music is primarily classified as neo-soul, soul, and R&B, with significant influences of jazz and pop. Critics have praised her warm, understated vocal delivery and songwriting depth.
Grammy Wins and Accolades
She has won two Grammy Awards. In 2008, she won Album of the Year as a featured artist on Herbie Hancock’s River: The Joni Letters. In 2012, she won Best R&B Performance for the track “Is This Love.” She was also nominated for Best New Artist, Record of the Year, and Song of the Year in 2007. Beyond the Grammys, she holds two MOBO Awards and three Brit Award nominations.
Who Is Corinne Bailey Rae’s Husband? Does She Have Children?
Bailey Rae has been married twice. Her personal life has seen both profound joy and tragedy, which has influenced her music.
First Marriage: Jason Rae
She met saxophonist Jason Rae when she was 22, and they married in April 2001. It was Jason who encouraged her to adopt the surname Bailey Rae and to begin writing her own material. He died from a drug overdose on March 22, 2008. His death halted her music career for over a year.
Current Marriage: Steve Brown
She married Steve Brown in 2013 and remains married to him. The couple has two children together, though the children’s names and ages are kept private.
While some sources state she has children with current husband Steve Brown, the exact details of her children—such as names and ages—are not publicly disclosed. Similarly, the names of her parents are not widely identified in public records.
Is Corinne Bailey Rae Touring or Releasing New Music in 2025?
As of early 2025, specific tour dates have not been fully announced. The artist’s recent activity centers on the promotional cycle for Black Rainbows and the release of a new children’s picture book.
New Book: Put Your Records On
In 2024/2025, Bailey Rae announced her debut picture book, also titled Put Your Records On. The book is inspired by the message of self-acceptance and joy found in her hit song and is aimed at a younger audience.
Recent Performances
Following the release of Black Rainbows in 2023, she performed several shows, including a notable appearance at the LA Phil in Los Angeles. It remains possible that a 2025 tour will be announced to celebrate the 20th anniversary of her career.
Still Making Music?
Yes. The 2023 album Black Rainbows confirms she is still actively recording and performing. Her official website and social media remain the best sources for updates on new music and tour plans.
Where to Find Corinne Bailey Rae Online
For official announcements, music, and social media content, these are the primary verified channels:
Career Timeline (2005–2025)
- : Signed to EMI Records; released debut single “Like a Star”.
- : Released debut album Corinne Bailey Rae featuring “Put Your Records On”.
- : Won first Grammy Award (Album of the Year) with Herbie Hancock.
- : Released second album The Sea.
- : Won second Grammy (Best R&B Performance) for “Is This Love”.
- : Released third album The Heart Speaks in Whispers.
- : Released fourth studio album Black Rainbows.
- : Announced debut picture book Put Your Records On.
- : Celebrating 20 years of career; potential tour and new projects.
What Is Confirmed and What Remains Unclear?
Established Information
- Born on 26 February 1979 in Leeds.
- Married saxophonist Jason Rae in 2001 (died 2008).
- Married Steve Brown in 2013; has two children.
- Debut album released in 2006.
- Most recent studio album is Black Rainbows (2023).
- Has an official children’s book titled Put Your Records On.
Information That Remains Unclear
- Exact 2025 tour dates (not yet fully announced).
- Children’s names and ages (kept private).
- Current net worth (no verified public figure).
Why Corinne Bailey Rae Matters: Legacy and Cultural Impact
Bailey Rae emerged during the mid-2000s neo-soul revival, bringing melodic, jazz-infused R&B to mainstream radio. “Put Your Records On” has been widely recognized as a feminist anthem of joy and self-empowerment and is frequently sampled and covered by other artists.
Her body of work addresses a range of emotional and social themes. The Sea is a meditation on grief, The Heart Speaks in Whispers explores love and resilience, and Black Rainbows engages with Black history and experimental art. As of 2025, she remains active in both music and children’s literature, expanding her influence to new generations. Her presence on streaming platforms and social media ensures her catalog continues to reach listeners worldwide.
Sources and Credibility
The following quotes are drawn from verified, publicly available sources and reflect established facts about the artist.
“Corinne Bailey Rae is best known for her 2006 single ‘Put Your Records On’.”
— Wikipedia
“Grammy Award-winning singer/songwriter Corinne Bailey Rae announces her debut picture book, Put Your Records On, inspired by her hit song.”
— corinnebaileyrae.com (official site)
Additional authoritative references include her Corinne Bailey Rae on Wikipedia and her GRAMMY Awards History.
Summary
Corinne Bailey Rae is a two-time Grammy-winning artist from Leeds whose music blends soul, jazz, and R&B. She rose to fame with “Put Your Records On” and remains active in 2025, with a new children’s book and the album Black Rainbows. Her personal life includes two marriages and two children. For the latest news on tours and releases, her official website and social media channels are the most reliable sources.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Corinne Bailey Rae’s net worth?
There is no publicly verified net worth for Corinne Bailey Rae. Estimates vary widely across websites and are not confirmed by the artist or official sources.
How many daughters does Corinne Bailey Rae have?
Corinne Bailey Rae has two children with her husband Steve Brown. Their names and ages are kept private.
What genre is Corinne Bailey Rae?
Corinne Bailey Rae is primarily classified as neo-soul, soul, and R&B, with influences of jazz and pop.
When did Corinne Bailey Rae win a Grammy?
She won her first Grammy in 2008 (Album of the Year) and her second in 2012 (Best R&B Performance).
Where is Corinne Bailey Rae from?
She was born in Leeds, West Yorkshire, England.
What is Corinne Bailey Rae’s real name?
Her full name is Corinne Jacqueline Bailey Rae.
Who are Corinne Bailey Rae’s parents?
Her parents are not widely identified by name in public sources. Her father was from St. Kitts and her mother is British.
What is Corinne Bailey Rae’s Instagram handle?
Her official Instagram handle is @corinnebaileyrae.