Esperanza Spalding

Esperanza Emily Spalding is an American bassist, singer, songwriter, and composer. Born on October 18, 1984, in Portland, Oregon, she began playing music professionally at a young age. Spalding is proficient in various instruments, including the violin, guitar, and bass. She earned academic scholarships to Portland State University and the Berklee College of Music, where she studied music. In 2006, Spalding released her first album, 'Junjo,' followed by her self-titled album in 2008. Throughout her career, she has received numerous accolades, including five Grammy Awards, a Boston Music Award, and a Soul Train Music Award. In 2018, she received an honorary doctorate from Berklee College of Music, and in 2022, she received another honorary doctorate from CalArts.