Who do you look to for inspiration when you’re topping the musical charts yourself? Corinne Bailey Rae has the answer.
The British songstress is on her way to becoming a musical icon herself, but she opened up to ESSENCE.com about who she looks to for inspiration.
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“Erykah Badu would definitely be one,” she said, “obviously because of her music, but also how she carries herself. I think she has got say and philosophies, but also because she’s got children and still makes cool things happen and is a brilliant artist.”
Also topping her list is Grace Jones, Diana Ross and Aretha Franklin, who she admires for managing to forge her own space as a preacher’s daughter. However, one of the most influential women in music, she said, is none other than Nina Simone.
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“There is this really incredible song she sings—‘Feelings,’ which is a Carpenters song,” she said. “It seems like such a soft song until it’s in her hands. I think she’s got a real majestic power, like it’s a spiritual, almost witch-like power.”
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