Lizz Wright

Lizz Wright (born January 22, 1980, in Hahira, Georgia) is an American jazz and gospel singer, songwriter, and arranger whose music bridges jazz, soul, folk, and gospel traditions. Raised as the daughter of a minister, Wright first found her voice singing in church, where she developed the warm, resonant style that would later define her career.

She began formal musical training at Georgia State University, where she studied jazz and classical voice, before emerging on the national scene in the early 2000s. In 2003, she released her debut album Salt on Verve Records, which quickly drew critical acclaim for its unique blend of jazz sophistication and gospel-inspired depth. Follow-up albums such as Dreaming Wide Awake (2005), The Orchard (2008), Fellowship (2010), Freedom & Surrender (2015), and Grace (2017) further showcased her ability to reinterpret standards and craft original songs with spiritual warmth and emotional honesty.

Wright is widely admired for her deep, earthy contralto and her ability to move seamlessly across genres, bringing a soulful touch to everything from jazz ballads and folk songs to gospel hymns and R&B grooves. Beyond her recordings, she is a sought-after performer who has graced concert halls and festivals around the world, captivating audiences with her intimate and heartfelt stage presence.

Through her artistry, Wright has established herself as one of the most distinctive voices in contemporary jazz and soul, continuing a tradition of storytelling that speaks to both personal and universal themes of faith, love, and resilience.