Kurt Elling Biography

Fast Facts

• Was awarded the Edison Jazz Oeuvreprijs for lifetime achievment
• Has won the Jazz Journalist Association Male Singer of the Year Award
• Graduated from Gustavus Adolphus College in 1989
• While trying to become a professional singer, he worked as a bartender, furniture and wedding singer
• Has served as an artist in residence at the Singapore and Monterey Jazz Festivals
• Sings in a four-octave, baritone voice
• Has written pieces for The Steppenwolf Theatre and the City of Chicago
• Performed at the first state dinner hosted by President Obama