The Music Division is excited to welcome Nashville vocalist, pianist, and songwriter Kandace Springs to the Library of Congress. Springs and her all-
women trio will present a virtual performance of her most recent album, “The Women Who Raised Me.” Her program pays tribute to legendary female singers, including Nina Simone, Billie Holiday, Carmen McRae, and Ella Fitzgerald, who inspired her to begin her journey towards becoming one of the premier jazz/soul vocalists of our time. The virtual performance will stream on Saturday, May 22, 2021, at 8:00 pm. The audience is welcome to watch the streaming on Facebook, YouTube, and on loc.gov/concerts. As a special treat, Springs will join us in the comment section of Facebook during the concert streaming.
“I love to see young musicians take the time to study and learn the material from the great American songbook, and I’m hoping she will include some Gershwin songs on her next album,” said Michael Turpin of the Music Division’s Concert Office. “Presenting her at the Library continues our commitment to showcase jazz. Many Americans consider jazz to be our nation’s “classical” music…a form that was invented and developed here. I feel it’s music that carries the same cultural weight and significance as the Beethoven Quartets or Schubert songs”.
Late legend Prince once said that Springs “has a voice that could melt snow.” In our conversation with artist, Springs tells us the behind-the-scene story of her friendship with Prince and how he helped her find her voice. Springs welcomed us in her home studio in Nashville for a dynamic conversation about her latest album, “The Women Who Raised Me,” her career, her friendship with late superstar Prince and her love for cars. Join us on May 21 at 10:00 am for the streaming of the conversation with the artist.
In her fun and upbeat educational videos, Springs and her all-women trio demonstrate and discuss some jazz vocal fundamentals, including scat singing, swinging, and styles. They also reflect on music and how they refuged in it during the pandemic. Join us on May 21 at 10:00 for the streaming of Kandace Springs’ educational videos.
Springs’ father, Scat Springs, a Nashville soul vocalist, introduced Springs to music. He taught her and her sisters how to sing. At age 10, he recognized her natural talent for playing piano and signed her up for piano lessons. Later during her teenage years, she received a scholarship from a local arts organization to learn jazz. During the same years, Mr. Springs gave his daughter a Norah Jones album, and it was love at first sight. Springs’s dream came true when years later she met Norah Jones and collaborated with her in the song “Angel Eyes.”
Certain artists can brighten the room with their inner light, and Kandace Springs is one of them. Her brassy voice, style, and connection to her music make her a true joy to listen to. The future looks promising for Springs as she is working on never-released songs that she wrote with her father.