Stella Cole
Stella Cole | |
|---|---|
| Birth name | Stella Katherine Cole |
| Born | 13 January 1999 Springfield, Illinois, U.S. |
| Genres | |
| Occupation | Singer-songwriter |
| Years active | 2020–present |
| Labels |
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| Website | www |
Stella Katherine Cole is an American singer known for her interpretations of jazz standards and songs from the Great American Songbook. She gained significant popularity through social media platforms before establishing herself as a prominent live performer and recording artist in the New York City jazz scene.[1]
Early life and education
Cole was born and raised in Springfield, Illinois.[2] Her fascination with music began at the age of three after watching The Wizard of Oz. This sparked a lifelong passion for movie musicals and their iconic stars, particularly Judy Garland and Barbra Streisand, who remain her biggest inspirations.[3] She attended Northwestern University, where she graduated in 2021 with a degree in theatre and international relations. According to Cole, her time at university helped her to hone her vocal skills and deepen her understanding of the music that she loved.[4]
Career
During the COVID-19 pandemic, while at home, she began posting videos of herself singing on TikTok. An impromptu clip of "Over the Rainbow" went viral, and she quickly amassed a large following.[1] Her rendition of Stephen Sondheim's "Everybody Says Don't" also went viral.[5] After graduating, Cole moved to New York City and immersed herself in the local jazz community. She began performing at various clubs and restaurants, building her repertoire and reputation. She has since performed at venues like Birdland Jazz Club, Dizzy's Club at Jazz at Lincoln Center, and the Café Carlyle.[4] Her online fame led to collaborations with major artists and groups. She has toured with Postmodern Jukebox across the United States, Australia, and New Zealand. Her 2023 collaboration with the group on a cover of Miley Cyrus's "Flowers" was widely acclaimed, racking up more than 6 million views.[1][4] Cole released her self-titled debut album that year, produced by Matt Pierson. The album features a mix of well-known standards and lesser-known gems, with arrangements by Grammy-winner Alan Broadbent.[1]
Artistry
Cole performs jazz standards, may of which are from the Great American Songbook.[1]
Discography
Albums
- Stella Cole (2023)
- Snow! (2024)
Singles
- "Next Christmas" (2022)
- "Flowers" (with Postmodern Jukebox) (2023)
- "Uptown Girl" (with Postmodern Jukebox) (2023)
- "Christmas Dreaming" (2023)
- "Moon River" (2024)
- "P.S. I Love You" (2024)
- "Till There Was You" (2025)
References
- ^ a b c d e "Bio - Stella Cole". stellacole.net. Retrieved June 14, 2025.
- ^ "Young jazz singer takes musical inspiration from Great American Songbook". Illinois Public Media. October 24, 2024. Retrieved June 14, 2025.
- ^ "Rising Star Stella Cole Talks Early Beginnings, Touring and Debut Album". Hamptons.com. Retrieved June 14, 2025.
- ^ a b c "Stella Cole - The Kennedy Center". kennedy-center.org. January 11, 2024. Retrieved June 14, 2025.
- ^ "From TikTok to Birdland, NU alum Stella Cole swings into spotlight with timeless tunes". The Daily Northwestern. May 6, 2025. Retrieved June 14, 2025.