Tori Kelly, the self-made American singer, songwriter, and record producer, gained fame through her viral YouTube cover of Frank Ocean’s ‘Thinkin Bout You’. Starting her musical journey by creating songs at home and posting them online, she took a leap of faith by releasing her first EP, ‘Handmade Songs By Tori Kelly’, independently. This EP served as a launch-pad for her career, leading her to sign with ‘Capitol Records’ and release her debut album, ‘Unbreakable Smile’. With her lead single, ‘Nobody Love’, co-written with Max Martin, she achieved her first entry on the US ‘Billboard’ Hot 100. Tori’s unique blend of soulful urban music and mainstream pop has garnered her numerous awards and a Grammy nomination. Additionally, she has showcased her talent as a voice actor in the animated film ‘Sing’.
Quick Facts
- Also Known As: Victoria Loren Kelly
- Age: 31 Years, 31 Year Old Females
- Family: father: Allwyn Kelly, mother: Laura Kelly
- Lyricists & Songwriters
- Record Producers
- Height: 5’4″ (163 cm), 5’4″ Females
- Ancestry: Puerto Rican American, Jamaican American, German American, Irish American
- U.S. State: California
Childhood & Early Life
Victoria Loren “Tori” Kelly was born on December 14, 1992, in Wildomar, California, to Allwyn and Laura Kelly. Her father is half Jamaican and half Puerto Rican, while her mother is half Irish and half German. She has a younger brother named Noah. Tori grew up listening to different types of music thanks to her parents. Her father, despite being a construction worker, can sing and play bass, while her mother is a talented keyboard artist and saxophone player. As a child, Tori was influenced by gospel, pop, and R&B music, with singers like Crystal Lewis, Jill Scott, Jeff Buckley, and Maxwell having a significant impact on her musical taste.
Career
Tori Kelly’s journey in the music industry began when she participated in the television show ‘Star Search’ in 2003. The following year, she became a contestant on ‘America’s Most Talented Kids’ and emerged as the winner. This victory led her to sign a record deal with Geffen Records, although no music was released due to conflicts of ideas. Undeterred, Tori started recording her songs on her computer and releasing them on YouTube in 2007. Her cover versions of popular songs, particularly Frank Ocean’s ‘Thinkin Bout You’, gained her popularity.
After failing to make it into the ‘Top 24’ on ‘American Idol’ in 2010, Tori focused on creating her first EP, ‘Handmade Songs by Tori Kelly’, which she released on May 1, 2012, from her own label, Toraay Records. She wrote, recorded, and produced the songs herself. In February 2013, she released the song ‘Fill a Heart’ for the ‘Child Hunger Ends Here’ campaign, and went on a tour titled ‘Fill a Heart’ to support the cause. Tori’s talent caught the attention of Scooter Braun, who became her manager and helped her sign a deal with Capitol Records in 2013. Her second EP, ‘Foreword’, was released on October 22, 2013, and reached number 16 on the US ‘Billboard’ 200 chart.
Tori Kelly’s career continued to flourish as she performed as the supporting act for artists like Ed Sheeran and Sam Smith. She also contributed to the soundtrack of the film ‘The Giver’ with her song ‘Silent’. In 2014, she collaborated with British rapper Professor Green on the song ‘Lullaby’, which became her first British top ten hit. On February 8, 2015, she released the lead single ‘Nobody Love’ from her debut album ‘Unbreakable Smile’, which received critical acclaim. The album debuted at number two on the ‘Billboard’ 200 chart and sold 75,000 copies in its first week. Tori Kelly’s success continued as she voiced the character Meena in the movie ‘Sing’ and released the tribute song ‘Blink of an Eye’ in memory of Christina Grimmie.
Major Works
Tori Kelly’s first EP, ‘Handmade Songs by Tori Kelly’, gained recognition despite not being released by a major record label. It reached the ‘Top 10 Pop Albums’ list on iTunes and ranked 9 on the US Heatseekers Albums chart. Her debut album ‘Unbreakable Smile’ was highly praised for its lyrics and vocals. It debuted at number two on the ‘Billboard’ 200 chart and sold 75,000 copies in its first week.
Awards & Achievements
In 2015, Tori Kelly won the Billboard Women in Music award for ‘Breakthrough Artist’ and was included in the YouTube Music Awards’ list of ’50 Artists to Watch’. She was nominated for a Grammy Award for ‘Best New Artist’ in 2016 and won the Radio Disney Music Award for ‘Breakout Artist of the Year’.
Personal Life & Legacy
Tori Kelly is often linked to British artist Ed Sheeran due to their collaborations, but she has clarified that their relationship is strictly professional. She is currently single and is supported by her mother during her shows and tours. She shares a close bond with her younger brother Noah and is a devout Christian.
Trivia
When Tori Kelly auditioned for ‘American Idol’ at the age of 16, Simon Cowell referred to her voice as “almost annoying”. Despite being eliminated before reaching the ‘Top 24’, Tori is grateful for the experience as it encouraged her and shaped her into the artist she is today.