When music icon Prince heard Kandace Springs’ cover of Sam Smith’s “Stay With Me” in 2014, he invited her to perform with him at Paisley Park for the 30th anniversary of Purple Rain, becoming a mentor to the young singer and pianist. Appearances on Letterman, Kimmel, Fallon, and the Afropunk and Bonnaroo festivals followed, along with the signing of the revered Blue Note label and three albums: Soul Eyes (2016), Indigo (2018), and The Women Who Raised Me (2020). While all three recordings are tied together by an aesthetic throughline, each one is a distinct synthesis of classic and contemporary inspirations.

Known for her lithe and smoky voice and an intensely expressive mastery over the piano, Springs draws much of her musical inspiration from her father, Scat Springs, a respected session singer, and other jazz influences from her Nashville upbringing. She credits Norah Jones and Bonnie Raitt for sparking something deeper in herself.  

The Women Who Raised Me is a loving covers tribute to the great female singers who inspired her toward becoming one of the premier jazz/soul vocalists of our time: Ella Fitzgerald, Roberta Flack, Astrud Gilberto, Lauryn Hill, Billie Holiday, Norah Jones, Diana Krall, Carmen McRae, Bonnie Raitt, Sade, Nina Simone, and Dusty Springfield.

 “I literally learned to do what I do by singing along with them,” states Springs. “Ever since, I’ve wanted to pay that forward by reminding people of how great these ladies are; we all owe them so much.”

This is Kandace’s fourth JusticeAid performance. Yes, we love her!