Esperanza Spalding, born in Portland Oregon on October 18, 1984, suffered from juvenile idiopathic arthritis and was largely home-schooled. By age 16, she had enrolled in Portland State's Music program.  She entered Berklee School of Music on full scholarship, but was soon hired as an instructor.  Her 2006 debut album, Junjo, was a hit, and she toured with Patty Austin , then Joe Lovano.  She played the Nobel Peace Prize (Obama) Concert in 2009.  Her 2010/11 album Esperanza brought her a Best New Artist Grammy. 

At this point, she has 5 Grammys, a Boston Music and a Soul Train Award.  In 2008 Pat Metheny said,"She has that rare X-factor of being able to transmit a certain personal kind of vision and energy that is all her own."