Esperanza Spalding is an American jazz bassist, vocalist, and composer known for her innovative approach to music. Born on October 18, 1984, in Portland, Oregon, she gained recognition for blending various genres, including jazz, soul, and classical. Spalding's talent was evident from a young age, and she became the youngest instructor at the Berklee College of Music at just 20 years old. In 2011, Spalding won the Grammy Award for Best New Artist, making her the first jazz artist to receive this honor. She has released several acclaimed albums, such as Chamber Music Society and Emily's D+Evolution, showcasing her unique style and musical versatility.