Corinne Bailey Rae – Biography, New Book and Anniversary Tour
Corinne Bailey Rae rose to global fame in 2006 with her debut single “Put Your Records On” and a self-titled album that made her the fourth British female act to debut at number one in the UK. Over two decades, the Leeds-born singer has navigated personal tragedy, evolved her sound across four studio albums, and recently expanded into children’s literature. Here is a detailed look at her career, family, and what she is doing next.
Bailey Rae’s warm, soulful voice and genre-blending style have earned her multiple Grammy nominations and a devoted fan base. Her latest album Black Rainbows (2023) marked a bold experimental turn, while a 20th anniversary tour and a picture book are bringing new attention to her work.
What are Corinne Bailey Rae’s most popular songs and tour plans?
- Bio – Born in Leeds, England, to an English mother and a father from Saint Kitts and Nevis. Studied English at the University of Leeds.
- Music – Best known for “Put Your Records On” and “Like a Star.” Her debut album sold over 4 million copies worldwide.
- Personal – Married saxophonist Jason Rae in 2001 (died 2008); later married producer Steve Brown; has two daughters.
- Latest – Released a children’s picture book Put Your Records On in March 2026 and announced a “Like a Star” 20th anniversary tour.
Key insights
- Corinne Bailey Rae rose to fame in 2006 with her self-titled debut album.
- Her most streamed song “Put Your Records On” remains a cultural touchstone.
- She experienced personal tragedy with the death of her husband in 2008.
- In 2023 she released Black Rainbows, a more experimental album.
- She is now branching into children’s literature with a picture book. For more details, visit her artist profile.
Snapshot fact table
| Attribute | Detail |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Corinne Bailey Rae |
| Born | Leeds, England (exact date not confirmed) |
| Occupation | Singer-songwriter, author |
| Years Active | 2005–present |
| Notable Song | “Put Your Records On” |
| Spouse | Jason Rae (m. 2001–2008) |
| Children | Two daughters |
| Website | corinnebaileyrae.com |
| Latest Album | Black Rainbows (2023) |
| Upcoming Book | Put Your Records On picture book |
What is known about Corinne Bailey Rae’s personal life and family?
Husband and marriage
Bailey Rae married saxophonist Jason Rae in 2001. He died in 2008 from an accidental overdose of methadone and alcohol, according to Wikipedia. The loss deeply influenced her second album The Sea, which explores grief and healing. In 2013 she married Steve Brown, a producer and jazz musician.
Bailey Rae channeled the grief of her first husband’s death into the album The Sea (2010). Critics noted the record’s raw emotional depth, with many tracks directly addressing mourning and recovery.
Children and parents
She has two daughters with Steve Brown; their names have not been publicly confirmed. Bailey Rae is the eldest of three daughters, including actress Rhea Bailey. Her mother Linda is English; her father is originally from Saint Kitts and Nevis. She attended Allerton High School and earned a degree in English Language and Literature from the University of Leeds in 2000.
What is Corinne Bailey Rae’s new book and where is her official website?
Debut picture book: Put Your Records On
In March 2026 Bailey Rae released her first children’s picture book, Put Your Records On, inspired by her hit song. The lyrical story, illustrated by Gillian Eilidh O’Mara, follows a young girl named Bea whose world expands through her great aunt Portia’s record collection. Bailey Rae promoted the book with a live performance on the TODAY Show on March 4, 2026, as announced on her official website.
The picture book celebrates the emotional power of music and self-discovery. It is aimed at young readers and ties directly into the themes of Bailey Rae’s breakout single.
Official website and discography
The singer’s official site, corinnebaileyrae.com, features news on the book, tour dates, and music. Her discography includes four studio albums: Corinne Bailey Rae (2006), The Sea (2010), The Heart Speaks in Whispers (2016), and Black Rainbows (2023). She has also collaborated with artists such as Mary J. Blige, Paul McCartney, Herbie Hancock, Tyler the Creator, and Stevie Wonder, as noted by Yale Schwarzman Center.
What are the key milestones in Corinne Bailey Rae’s life and career?
- – Marries saxophonist Jason Rae.
- – Releases debut single “Put Your Records On” and self-titled album.
- – Husband Jason Rae dies of accidental overdose.
- – Releases second album The Sea, shaped by grief.
- – Awarded honorary doctorate by the University of Leeds.
- – Releases third album The Heart Speaks in Whispers.
- – Releases fourth album Black Rainbows.
- – Releases debut picture book Put Your Records On.
What information is certain and what remains unclear about Corinne Bailey Rae?
| Established information | Information that remains unclear |
|---|---|
| She was married to Jason Rae, who died in 2008. | Exact date of birth (some sources say February 26, 1979, but not officially confirmed). |
| She has two daughters (names not public). | Names and ages of her daughters. |
| She released the hit song “Put Your Records On” in 2006. | Specific tour dates for the 20th anniversary tour (only general U.S. and Europe announced). |
| Her debut picture book was released in March 2026. | Exact release date for the book was not provided in available sources. |
How has Corinne Bailey Rae’s personal journey shaped her music?
Bailey Rae’s music blends soul, jazz, and pop, often reflecting her life experiences. Her debut album captured the optimism of a young artist, while The Sea emerged from the devastation of losing her husband. The Heart Speaks in Whispers marked a return to brighter themes, and Black Rainbows drew inspiration from a visit to Theaster Gates’ Stony Island Arts Bank in Chicago, blending funk, soul, jazz, and electronic elements. The 20th anniversary of her first album has prompted a reflective period, with the new picture book extending her storytelling into a new medium.
What have official sources and the artist herself said about her life and work?
“Next February will mark 20 years since my first album. The songs on that record were moments from my life, and those songs went on to change my life.”
— Instagram post, cited on @corinnebaileyrae
“Bailey Rae was married to fellow musician Jason Rae from 2001 until his death from an accidental overdose of methadone and alcohol in 2008; she channelled the grief into her second album.”
— Wikipedia, Corinne Bailey Rae
What is the current status of Corinne Bailey Rae’s career and upcoming projects?
As of mid-2026, Bailey Rae is actively promoting her debut picture book Put Your Records On and preparing for a “Like a Star” 20th anniversary tour across the U.S. and Europe. A special anniversary concert is scheduled for October 27, 2026, at London’s Royal Albert Hall, with support from Laura Mvula. Her official site, /music/artists/corinne-bailey-rae, provides further updates. The singer continues to be a defining voice in contemporary R&B and soul, known for genre-bending music and authentic storytelling.
Frequently asked questions about Corinne Bailey Rae
How old is Corinne Bailey Rae?
She was born on February 26, 1979, which makes her 47 years old as of 2026. Some sources do not list an exact date, but that is the most commonly cited birthday.
What is Corinne Bailey Rae’s real name?
Her full birth name is Corinne Jacqueline Bailey Rae, according to multiple biographical sources.
What genre is Corinne Bailey Rae?
Her music blends R&B, soul, jazz, and pop. Later work on Black Rainbows also incorporates funk and electronic elements.
Has Corinne Bailey Rae won a Grammy?
Yes, she won the Grammy for Best R&B Performance for “Is This Love.” She also received three nominations in 2007 for “Put Your Records On.” More details are available on the Grammy website.
Does Corinne Bailey Rae have a new album?
Her most recent studio album is Black Rainbows, released in 2023. No new album has been announced yet, but a 20th anniversary tour and picture book are currently her main projects.
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