Andra Day, originally known as Cassandra Monique Batie, is a remarkable singer and skilled songwriter with a diverse musical background encompassing gospel, jazz, and blues. Her debut album, ‘Cheers to the Fall’ in 2015, marked a significant breakthrough in her career, landing in the Top Ten of the R&B/hip-hop charts and earning multiple Grammy nominations as well as an Academy Award nomination for the song ‘Stand Up for Something.’ Her talents extended beyond music as she portrayed Billie Holiday in ‘The United States vs. Billie Holiday’ in 2021, winning a Golden Globe for her performance. Following her debut success, Day’s second album ‘CASSANDRA (cherith)’ in 2024 showcased her versatility in blending traditional and progressive R&B, orchestral pop, and bossa nova.
Born in Edmonds, Washington, Andra Day spent her formative years in San Diego, where her passion for music flourished through performances in church and studies at the School of Creative and Performing Arts. Transitioning from contemporary R&B to classic jazz and soul, Day’s talent caught the attention of industry icons like Stevie Wonder and Adrian Gurvitz, leading to her signing with Warner Bros. With her debut album ‘Cheers to the Fall,’ Day collaborated with renowned artists like Raphael Saadiq, earning critical acclaim and Grammy nominations. Her contribution to various soundtracks and projects, including ‘The Hamilton Mixtape’ and ‘The United States vs. Billie Holiday,’ solidified her position as a versatile artist with a powerful voice and significant influence in the music industry.