Corinne Bailey Rae: Grief shaped my career

Seventeen years after the tragic overdose death of her husband Jason Rae, singer Corinne Bailey Rae has shared rare insights into how the loss has shaped her life and career. The incident, which occurred when Rae was just 22, involved an accidental overdose of methadone and alcohol. Rae views her adult life as distinctly divided into 'before' and 'after' this devastating event.

Her musical journey directly reflects this divide, with her 2006 debut album representing the 'before' period and her 2010 album, 'The Sea,' emerging after her life was irrevocably altered. Rae stated that her husband's death significantly impacted her career, acknowledging that the music industry understood her need for space and did not push her into capitalizing on her initial success.

Rae has since found love again with her longtime friend, producer, and jazz musician Steve Brown. The couple married in 2013 and share two children. Reflecting on marriage, she describes it as a significant commitment, viewing the journey ahead with a partner as an exciting yet profound undertaking.