Samara Joy, who won “Best New Artist” at the 2023 Grammy Awards, has become the leading jazz vocalist of Generation Z and is defying conventions in the music industry. The 23-year-old from New York is now the face of Theory Holiday’s newest ad, which photographer Tyler Mitchell took.
Samara Joy’s historic night she occurred on the Grammy Awards stage in Los Angeles on February 5, 2023. Standing ovations were given to her for her rendition of “Can’t Get Out of This Mood” in a pale pink evening gown and her elegant introduction of the pianist who was providing accompaniment. She returned shortly to pick up the much-coveted Grammy Award for “Best New Artist,” beating out competitors like Anitta and Måneskin.
Wearing a red dress for her winning speech, Samara Joy is now in the illustrious company of previous winners, like Megan Thee Stallion and Billie Eilish. She entered the fashion industry as Theory’s newest ambassador after her Grammy victory, expressing happiness at being in line with the brand’s subtle elegance and excellence.
Samara Joy’s music conjures nostalgic images of jazz clubs in 1950s Manhattan, complete with smoky windows and an air of bygone days. Her distinctive style, which combines controlled chicness with incredibly precise vocals, makes her stand out in a field dominated by modern genres. She stands out as a torchbearer of classic Afro-American jazz, drawing influence from the explosive bebop melodies and the swing of the 1920s.
Samara Joy, the legitimate heir to Ella Fitzgerald and Billie Holiday’s tradition, uses elements such as Louis Armstrong’s scat and the rich resonance of a double bass. Notably, she was signed to the storied Verve Records label, and she has achieved success with her two solo albums, “Linger Awhile” (2022) and “Samara Joy” (2021). Despite winning the JazzTimes’ 2021 “Best New Artist” award, she maintains her groundedness, listing Beyoncé, Duke Ellington, James Brown, Whitney Houston, and Beyoncé as influences.
Samara Joy responds to the idea that jazz is an exclusive genre by striking a balance between creating music for other people and herself. She cherishes the delight she gets from making music and ensures it stays that way before releasing it to a larger audience.
Samara Joy was born and raised in the Bronx in the 2000s, and her family has a long history in music. She was raised in a musical household, from her grandparents’ gospel choir training to her bass-playing father’s inspirational lessons. She began honing her talents in the church choir and a jazz ensemble at Fordham High School for the Arts when she was a teenager, winning many music competitions.
Remarkably, she started her journey into jazz at the age of 18. This starkly contrasted her lighthearted TikTok compositions, which garnered her a sizable fan base. Her melodies already resonate as contemporary classics, and her silky, crystalline voice now sets her apart as Generation Z’s first classical jazz vocalist.
Samara Joy recalls her early years in the Bronx as a close-knit neighborhood where neighbors treated each other like family. The sounds of children playing and the comfort of quality time spent with family members filled her grandmother’s home, a center of activity. The performer, who recently performed at the Jazz à la Villette Music Festival in Paris, firmly established herself as a rising star in the jazz world because of her background.
