Current age and date of birth
Corinne Bailey Rae was born on 26 February 1979 in Leeds, United Kingdom. As of 2026, she is 47 years old. She is a British singer, songwriter, and guitarist best known for her debut album Corinne Bailey Rae (2006), which includes the global single “Put Your Records On.” She has continued to release well-received work, including The Sea (2010), The Heart Speaks in Whispers (2016), and Black Rainbows (2023).
Career milestones at a glance
Bailey Rae turned from session work and local performances to worldwide recognition after signing to EMI and releasing her debut in 2006. The album reached multi-platinum in the UK and multiple other markets, establishing her as a leading voice in British soul and pop. Subsequent projects expanded her repertoire into jazz, folk, and psychedelic-tinged songwriting, while high-profile collaborations and curated soundtrack work maintained her visibility.
Key releases and years
| Year | Release | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 2006 | Corinne Bailey Rae | Platinum-scale debut; “Put Your Records On,” “Like a Star” |
| 2010 | The Sea | Darker, jazz-inflected follow-up; Grammy nomination |
| 2016 | The Heart Speaks in Whispers | Return after personal and professional challenges |
| 2023 | Black Rainbows | Psych-pop shift; strong critical reception |
Context on age questions in biographical reporting
Public interest in a musician’s age often intersects with career phases, legacy narratives, and contemporary relevance. For Corinne Bailey Rae, age is one dimension of a longer creative arc that includes early influences, mid-career breakout, and sustained output. Because she continues to release music and tour, age is frequently referenced in timelines, anniversary coverage, and retrospective features, making precise, verifiable details useful.
Personal background and formative influences
Bailey Rae grew up in Leeds listening to soul, jazz, and hip-hop. Her parents’ record collection and local scene shaped her musical vocabulary. Before her solo success, she performed in bands and worked as a session vocalist, skills that informed her later studio craftsmanship. She has spoken about balancing artistic integrity with industry expectations, a tension that many peers also navigate.
Artistic evolution and collaborations
Across her discography, Bailey Rae has moved from intimate singer-songwriter framing toward more orchestral and electronic textures. Collaborations have included work with legends like Herbie Hancock and younger artists, bringing her into cross-generational conversations. She has also engaged in curated projects and soundtrack contributions, which extend her reach beyond core discography fans while preserving her core identity as a songwriter.
Verified profile facts summary
Corinne Bailey Rae is a British vocalist and guitarist born 26 February 1979. She gained widespread recognition in the mid-2000s, released multiple genre-adjacent albums, and maintains an active touring and recording presence. Independent sources consistently list her year of birth as 1979, making age calculations straightforward for any given year.
Quick facts at a glance
- Date of birth: 26 February 1979
- Place of birth: Leeds, United Kingdom
- Primary genres: Soul, pop, jazz, folk
- Key albums: Corinne Bailey Rae (2006), The Sea (2010), The Heart Speaks in Whispers (2016), Black Rainbows (2023)
- Notable single: “Put Your Records On” (2006)
- Grammy recognition: Multiple nominations across her career