Diana Krall OC OBC (born November 16, 1964) is a Canadian jazz pianist and singer known for her contralto vocals. She has sold more than 15 million albums worldwide, including over six million in the US. On December 11, 2009, Billboard magazine named her the second greatest jazz artist of the decade (2000–2009), establishing her as one of the best-selling artists of her time. Ms Krall is the only jazz singer to have had eight albums debut at the top of the Billboard Jazz Albums chart. To date, she has won two Grammy Awards and eight Juno Awards. She has also earned nine gold, three platinum, and seven multi-platinum albums. Born in Nanaimo B. C., Ms Krall was inspired by her father, who played piano at home, and her mother, who sang in a community choir. She began studying piano at the age of four and took exams through The Royal Conservatory of Music. She started playing professionally in high school and furthered her studies at the Berklee College of Music (1981-3). Moving to Los Angeles for playing experience, she met Ray Brown who became a mentor. Her first album, Steppin' Out with John Clayton and Jeff Hamilton, caught the attention of Tommy Lipuma who produced her second album, Only Trust Your Heart. Her third album, the Grammy-nominated All for You: A Dedication to the Nat King Cole Trio, spent 70 weeks on the Billboard Jazz chart, paving the way for her next, Love Scenes (1997) featuring Russell Malone and Christian McBride. 2001 release The Look of Love, arranged by Claus Ogerman, reached the top 10 in the Billboard Top 200. The video from her Paris Concert (featuring Anthony Wilson, John Clayton and Jeff Hamilton) was a huge hit:
In the continuous string of successes that have followed, her musical hallmarks, exquisite vocals and virtuoso-quality piano skills, have always been on display. An Order of Canada honouree, she is married to English singer-songwriter Elvis Costello.
