Diana Krall

Early Life

Diana Jean Krall, born on November 16, 1964, in Nanaimo, British Columbia, Canada, is a celebrated jazz pianist and singer known for her rich contralto vocals. Growing up in a musical family, she was influenced by her mother, who was a piano teacher, and began playing the piano at a young age. Krall's passion for music led her to pursue a career in jazz, a genre that would define her artistic identity.

Career

Krall's professional journey began with her debut album, "Stepping Out," released in 1993 under Justin Time Records. This album showcased her talent and caught the attention of producer Tommy LiPuma, leading to her second album, "Only Trust Your Heart," in 1995. Over the years, she released several critically acclaimed albums, including "All for You: A Dedication to the Nat King Cole Trio" (1996), which earned a Grammy nomination, and "The Look of Love" (2001), which achieved platinum status. Her collaborations with other artists, such as Tony Bennett, and her live performances, including the celebrated "Live in Paris," have solidified her status as one of the leading figures in contemporary jazz.

Personal Life

Diana Krall married British musician Elvis Costello on December 6, 2003, at Elton John's estate. The couple welcomed twin sons, Dexter and Frank, in 2006. Krall's personal life has been marked by both joy and sorrow; she lost her mother to multiple myeloma in 2002, shortly after the deaths of her mentors Ray Brown and Rosemary Clooney. Despite these challenges, Krall has continued to thrive in her career, earning numerous accolades, including being named an Officer of the Order of Canada in 2005 and being inducted into Canada's Walk of Fame in 2004.

Legacy

Diana Krall has sold over 15 million albums worldwide, establishing herself as one of the best-selling jazz artists of her time. Her contributions to music have been recognized with various honors, including an honorary doctorate from the University of Victoria and a place on the Steinway & Sons roster of artists. Krall's influence extends beyond her recordings; she is also known for her philanthropic efforts, particularly in support of multiple myeloma research, reflecting her commitment to giving back to the community.