Singer Corinne Bailey Rae Counts Nina Simone, Erykah Badu As Her Musical Icons

Who do you look to for inspiration when you’re topping the musical charts yourself? Corinne Bailey Rae has the answer.  

The British songstress is on her way to becoming a musical icon herself, but she opened up to ESSENCE.com about who she looks to for inspiration.

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“Erykah Badu would definitely be one,” she said, “obviously because of her music, but also how she carries herself. I think she has got say and philosophies, but also because she’s got children and still makes cool things happen and is a brilliant artist.”

Also topping her list is Grace Jones, Diana Ross and Aretha Franklin, who she admires for managing to forge her own space as a preacher’s daughter. However, one of the most influential women in music, she said, is none other than Nina Simone.

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“There is this really incredible song she sings—‘Feelings,’ which is a Carpenters song,” she said. “It seems like such a soft song until it’s in her hands. I think she’s got a real majestic power, like it’s a spiritual, almost witch-like power.” 

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