Wikipedia

Brandee Younger

Brandee Younger is an American harpist, composer, and educator.

Brandee Younger
Younger at the Harlem Arts Festival in 2013
Younger at the Harlem Arts Festival in 2013
Background information
Born (1983-07-01) July 1, 1983 (age 41)
OriginHempstead, New York, US
GenresJazz, classical, pop
Occupation(s)Harpist, Composer, Educator
InstrumentHarp
Years active2006–present
Websitewww.brandeeyounger.com
Brandee Younger, Detroit International Jazz Festival by Marek Lazarski

Early life and education

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Younger was born and raised in Hempstead, New York. She developed an early interest in music, leading her to pursue undergraduate degrees in Harp Performance and Music Management at The Hartt School of Music in West Hartford, Connecticut. She later earned a Master of Music degree at New York University (NYU) Steinhardt.[1]

Career

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2006–2015: Early career and collaborations

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Throughout her early career, Younger worked with a diverse range of artists across genres, including Pharoah Sanders, Ravi Coltrane, Jack DeJohnette, Common, John Legend, The Roots, and Lauryn Hill. Her work helped redefine the role of the harp in contemporary jazz, hip-hop, and popular music.

2016–2019: Solo projects and recognition

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In 2016, Younger released Wax & Wane, showcasing her innovative approach to the harp. [1] This was followed by Soul Awakening in 2019, which was met with critical acclaim for blending jazz, soul, and spiritual influences. [2]

In April 2019, Younger's original composition "Hortense" was featured Beyoncé's[2] Netflix concert documentary Homecoming. The recording used was from an NPR Music Field recording released in 2013.[3]

2020–present: Major label debut and historic achievements

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In 2020, Younger released Force Majeure, a duo album with bassist Dezron Douglas recorded during the COVID-19 lockdown, praised for its intimacy and spontaneity.

Her major label debut, Somewhere Different, arrived in 2021 via Impulse! Records.[4] The album earned her a 2022 Grammy® nomination for Best Instrumental Composition for "Beautiful Is Black," [5] making her the first Black woman nominated in that category.

In 2023, she released Brand New Life, an album paying tribute to harpist Dorothy Ashby [6]while continuing to push the instrument forward. The album won the 2024 NAACP Image Award for Outstanding Jazz Album.[7]

Younger’s contributions have cemented her as a leading force in contemporary jazz, known for her ability to bridge genres and expand the possibilities of the harp.

Educational contributions

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Younger serves on the teaching artist faculty at New York University and The New School College of Performing Arts.[8] She has conducted master classes and residencies at institutions such as Howard University, University of Michigan, Berklee College of Music, Tulane University, and Princeton University.

Awards and honors

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  • 2020: DownBeat Critics Poll winner in the "Rising Star" harpist category.[9]
  • 2022: Grammy® nomination for Best Instrumental Composition (Beautiful Is Black).
  • 2022: NAACP Image Award nomination for Outstanding Jazz Album – Instrumental (Somewhere Different).
  • 2022: Edison Award winner for International Jazz Album (Somewhere Different)[10]
  • 2023: Jazz Music Awards nomination for Best Mainstream Artist and Best Mainstream Album (Somewhere Different)[3]
  • 2023: DownBeat Critics Poll winner in the “Miscellaneous Instrument” (harpist)  category
  • 2024: NAACP Image Award winner for Outstanding Jazz Album (Brand New Life).

Personal life

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Younger is the cousin of urban farmer and MacArthur Fellow Will Allen, and Jordan Younger, former cornerback of the Toronto Argonauts.

Legacy and influence

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Brandee Younger is widely recognized for revolutionizing the harp’s role in modern music, drawing inspiration from trailblazers like Dorothy Ashby and Alice Coltrane while forging her own path. As a composer, performer, and educator, she continues to inspire new generations of musicians and expand the presence of the harp in contemporary jazz, hip-hop, and beyond.

Discography

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As leader

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  • 2011: Prelude, Independent
  • 2014: The Brandee Younger 4tet, Live at the Breeding Ground, Independent
  • 2016: Wax & Wane, Independent / Revive Music
  • 2019: Soul Awakening, Independent
  • 2020: Force Majeure, International Anthem
  • 2021: Somewhere Different, Impulse!
  • 2023: Brand New Life, Impulse!

Compilations

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As sideperson/contributor

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References

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  1. ^ "Brandee Younger | NYU Steinhardt". steinhardt.nyu.edu. Retrieved 2025-02-01.
  2. ^ "Homecoming: A Film by Beyoncé (2019): Soundtracks". IMDb.
  3. ^ Jarenwattananon, Patrick (June 6, 2013). "Brandee Younger: Taxidermy, Two-Headed Skeletons And Jazz Harp". NPR.
  4. ^ Peacock, Tim (2021-06-30). "Brandee Younger Announces Impulse! Debut, 'Somewhere Different'". uDiscover Music. Retrieved 2025-02-01.
  5. ^ "Brandee Younger | Artist | GRAMMY.com". grammy.com. Retrieved 2025-02-01.
  6. ^ America, Good Morning. "Harpist Brandee Younger's new album honors trailblazer Dorothy Ashby". Good Morning America. Retrieved 2025-02-01.
  7. ^ Schube, Will (2024-03-13). "Brandee Younger Earns NAACP Image Award For 'Outstanding Jazz Album'". uDiscover Music. Retrieved 2025-02-01.
  8. ^ "Brandee Younger | College of Performing Arts". www.newschool.edu. Retrieved 2025-02-01.
  9. ^ "Live Sessions". Live Sessions. Retrieved 2025-02-01.
  10. ^ Laura (2022-09-19). "Winnaars Edison Jazz bekendgemaakt tijdens Sublime Middagshow". Edison Jazz/World. Retrieved 2025-02-01.
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