Jessica Hannah Glynne entered the world in October 1989. Her birthplace was Hampstead, a creative hub in North London. This environment would later influence her artistic path.
She grew up in Muswell Hill, raised in a Jewish family with deep ties to the music industry. Her mother worked in A&R, giving her an early look behind the scenes. The family name, Glynne, was chosen by her grandfather, a shift from the original Goldstein.
This background set the stage for a remarkable career. By 2014, her powerful voice launched her into the spotlight. She featured on two number-one UK singles, “Rather Be” and “My Love.”
Her journey reflects a blend of natural talent and a supportive, music-savvy upbringing. It’s a story of how early influences can shape a world-class artist.
Overview of Jess Glynne’s Musical Journey
Two consecutive number one hits in 2014 launched a career that would redefine British female solo success. Jess Glynne’s voice first captivated audiences on Clean Bandit’s “Rather Be” and Route 94’s “My Love.” Both tracks dominated the UK Singles Chart within weeks of each other.
This explosive start led to a major label deal with Atlantic Records. Her debut album, I Cry When I Laugh, arrived in 2015. It immediately claimed the number one spot on the UK Albums Chart.
The artist’s second studio effort, Always In Between, repeated this achievement in 2018. Then came the historic track “I’ll Be There.” It made Jess Glynne the first British female solo artist with seven number one singles.
After parting ways with Atlantic, she signed with EMI Records. Her 2024 self-titled album represents a new creative chapter. The music reflects both artistic growth and maintained commercial appeal.
Early Life and Background
The foundation of Jess Glynne’s career began long before her chart-topping success. It was rooted in North London’s vibrant cultural landscape.
Upbringing and Family Roots
Jessica Hannah Glynne grew up in Muswell Hill within a Jewish family. Her mother worked in A&R, exposing her to the music industry early.
The family name changed from Goldstein to Glynne generations earlier. This cultural background shaped her artistic perspective from childhood.
Early Forays into Music and X Factor Experience
At age 15, she received an invitation to audition for The X Factor’s second season. She walked away after disagreeing with producers about creative direction.
This decision revealed her early commitment to artistic integrity. She chose patience over instant fame.
After completing A-levels at Fortismere School in 2008, she worked various jobs. She spent time at a boutique, fitness center, and hairdresser’s while building her music network.
| Year | Education/Milestone | Music Development |
|---|---|---|
| 2008 | Completed A-levels at Fortismere School | Began networking with songwriters |
| Late Teens | Worked retail and service jobs | Traveled and worked for music management |
| Early 20s | Access to Music London course | Met collaborators Jin Jin and Bless Beats |
| Preparation Years | Four years of artistic development | Refined voice and songwriting craft |
A month-long course at Access to Music London proved crucial. There she met future collaborators who helped shape her debut sound.
These formative years built the groundwork for authentic artistry. They prepared her for the breakthrough success that would follow.
Rise to Stardom: Breakthrough Hits & Collaborations
Recognition from two different producers in 2013 set the stage for an unprecedented chart assault. This period defined the artist’s rapid ascent from promising vocalist to a household name.
Defining Collaborations That Launched Her Career
Deep house producer Route 94 first approached the singer to rework and provide vocals for “My Love.” Released in February 2014, the track quickly reached number one on the UK Singles Chart.
British band Clean Bandit heard that hit and invited a collaboration. The result was “Rather Be,” which also charted atop the UK charts. It became the third fastest-selling single of the year.
“Rather Be” achieved global success, hitting number one and top five positions across Europe and Oceania. It also became a top ten hit on the US Billboard Hot 100.
Achieving Number One Singles Across Charts
Both “My Love” and “Rather Be” received BRIT Award nominations for Best British Single. The Clean Bandit collaboration earned a Grammy Award for Best Dance Recording.
Her debut solo single, “Right Here,” released in July 2014, proved her standalone appeal by charting at number six in the UK. A second team-up with Clean Bandit, “Real Love,” reached number two that November.
| Single | Collaborator | Release Date | UK Peak Chart Position |
|---|---|---|---|
| My Love | Route 94 | February 2014 | Number One |
| Rather Be | Clean Bandit | January 2014 | Number One |
| Right Here | Solo | July 2014 | Number Six |
| Real Love | Clean Bandit | November 2014 | Number Two |
This incredible run of success in a single year cemented her status. It showcased a voice capable of defining the sound of a generation.
Chart-Topping Discography and Groundbreaking Albums
Three studio albums tell the story of an artist who consistently delivers commercial and critical triumphs. Each release builds upon the last, creating a cohesive musical journey.
The debut album I Cry When I Laugh arrived in August 2015. It immediately claimed the number one spot on the UK Albums Chart. This commercial success was fueled by hit singles like “Don’t Be So Hard on Yourself.”
Production on I Cry When I Laugh featured diverse talents. Knox Brown, Naughty Boy, and Starsmith contributed to the sound. The album earned triple Platinum certification, demonstrating lasting appeal.
September 2018 brought the second studio effort Always In Between. It debuted at number one, proving the artist’s staying power. Key tracks like “I’ll Be There” and “All I Am” drove its success.
After signing with EMI Records, the self-titled third album arrived in 2024. This project marked a new creative chapter with fresh sonic exploration.
The complete discography includes three studio albums and twenty singles. Seventeen music videos complement this extensive catalog. Each project reinforces the artist’s position in contemporary pop music.
In-Depth Look at “Jess Glynne” as a Solo Artist
Establishing independence from collaborative hits required a signature sound that would define the artist’s solo identity. This journey from featured vocalist to headline act unfolded through carefully chosen releases.
Signature Solo Singles and Album Milestones
“Hold My Hand” arrived in March 2015 as the singer’s second solo single. It debuted at number one, spending three weeks atop the UK charts.
This success proved the artist could command attention without collaborative backing. By June, she had accumulated four UK number one singles.
Mid-2015 brought a vocal cord surgery that forced performance cancellations. This included the prestigious Glastonbury Festival slot.
Health became the priority over immediate visibility. The decision showed professional maturity during a challenging period.
November’s “Take Me Home” served as the Children in Need charity single. It peaked at number six, becoming her eighth top ten hit.
Three years later, “I’ll Be There” arrived as the lead single from her second album. It reached number one in June 2018.
This achievement made Jess Glynne the first British female solo artist with seven number one singles. The milestone redefined what was possible for UK artists.
Collaborative Ventures and Featured Tracks
A defining feature of the singer’s career is her powerful presence on collaborative tracks. These partnerships introduced her voice to wide audiences and showcased her versatility across genres.
Her featured work began with two massive hits in 2014. Each track demonstrated her ability to elevate a production.
Highlighting Key Featured Collaborations
The debut on Clean Bandit’s “Rather Be” in January 2014 was an instant smash. It claimed the number one spot on the UK Singles Chart.
Just one month later, her feature on Route 94’s “My Love” also topped the charts. This double success made her a highly sought-after vocalist.
A return to work with Clean Bandit on “Real Love” later that year reinforced the strong creative partnership. The track peaked at number two.
In 2018, she joined Rudimental, Macklemore, and Dan Caplen on the multi-artist track “These Days.” It was a commercial powerhouse.
The song held the number two position for seven weeks before finally reaching number one in March. It earned 5× Platinum certification in the UK.
The 2019 collaboration “One Touch” with Jax Jones added another dimension to her featured discography. It charted at number 19 in the UK.
| Collaboration Track | Primary Artist(s) | Release Year | UK Peak Position |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rather Be | Clean Bandit | 2014 | Number One |
| My Love | Route 94 | 2014 | Number One |
| Real Love | Clean Bandit | 2014 | Number Two |
| These Days | Rudimental, Macklemore, Dan Caplen | 2018 | Number One |
| One Touch | Jax Jones | 2019 | Number 19 |
These six featured tracks span different sounds and artists. They highlight a consistent ability to deliver memorable performances within a collaborative framework.
Tour Milestones and Live Performances
The stage has always been where Jess Glynne’s powerful voice finds its truest home. It transforms chart-topping hits into shared, emotional experiences for her fans.
Her journey as a live performer began in earnest during the summer of 2014. She graced the stages of major British festivals like Glastonbury and Wireless.
UK and International Arena Tours
That initial buzz led to her first headline tour across the UK later that year. It was a modest run, starting in Sheffield and concluding in London.
A significant leap came in November 2015 with the Take Me Home Tour. This was her first major UK arena tour, a clear sign of her growing drawing power.
The Always In Between Tour, launched in 2018, expanded her reach globally. It spanned over 50 dates across Europe, the UK, and the United States.
On the US leg, soul artist Leon Bridges joined as a special guest. This pairing highlighted the soulful roots in her music.
In 2019, she took on a high-profile role as a special guest for the Spice Girls’ reunion stadium tour. This introduced her sound to massive, multigenerational crowds.
Her touring history is extensive. It includes the Ain’t Got Far to Go Tour and recent international runs in 2024.
She has also supported major acts like Rudimental and Beyoncé. Each tour marked a new level of confidence and connection.
Artistic Style, Influences, and Creative Process
The architecture of Jess Glynne’s sound reveals a blueprint drawn from soul legends and rap innovators. Her creative process blends emotional honesty with rhythmic precision.
Musical Insporsations and Vocal Techniques
Powerful soul voices like Aretha Franklin and Whitney Houston shaped her vocal approach. She studied their control and emotional delivery.
Contemporary artists like Frank Ocean and Amy Winehouse influenced her genre-blending style. Their raw honesty resonates in her music.
The Art of Songwriting and Innovation
Lauryn Hill’s landmark album inspired her to begin writing songs. The blend of rap and soul became a foundational track for her development.
She draws lyrical depth from rappers like Kendrick Lamar and Eminem. Their storytelling informs her songwriting approach.
Recent studio sessions with producers Greg Kurstin and Malay marked a new chapter. They worked on songs like “Promise Me” between 2022 and 2023.
This collaborative period produced innovative sounds for her third album. The music reflects both tradition and evolution.
Awards, Recognitions, and Industry Accolades
A Grammy Award and nine BRIT nominations mark the high points of a career built on chart-topping success. These honors reflect both critical respect and lasting public appeal.
Her work on the global hit “Rather Be” earned the Grammy for Best Dance Recording. This placed the singer among music’s elite.
Early recognition also included a Song of the Year nod at the BBC Music Awards.
Grammy Wins, Brit Awards and More
Both “Rather Be” and “My Love” received BRIT Award nominations for Best British Single. This cemented her status as a major new artist.
By 2019, she received five BRIT nominations in a single year. Categories included Best British Female and Best British Single.
Forbes magazine named her one of the “Most Influential People Under 30” that same year. This acknowledged her cultural impact beyond the charts.
A significant milestone arrived in April 2024. She was presented with the BRIT Billion Award for over one billion UK streams.
This award highlights sustained popularity in the modern streaming era.
| Award | Category | Year | Result |
|---|---|---|---|
| Grammy Award | Best Dance Recording (“Rather Be”) | 2015 | Won |
| BRIT Awards | Best British Single (“Rather Be”) | 2015 | Nominated |
| BRIT Awards | Best British Female | 2019 | Nominated |
| BRIT Awards | BRIT Billion Award | 2024 | Won |
Public Persona, Media Presence, and Personal Insights
Beyond the recording studio, Jess Glynne’s public presence reveals a complex figure navigating media scrutiny and personal boundaries. Her journey shows how an artist balances creative expression with public expectations.
Media Highlights and Public Appearances
October 2015 marked significant media expansion for the artist. She served as a guest judge on The X Factor and presented The Brit Invasion documentary.
This Vice film explored British dance music’s impact in America. These appearances demonstrated her growing influence beyond just music.
Personal relationships have drawn media attention throughout her career. A past breakup inspired much of her debut album I Cry When I Laugh.
The artist has stated she prefers not to be labeled by sexuality. Since summer 2023, she has been in a relationship with sports broadcaster Alex Scott.
Career decisions also shaped her public narrative. In January 2022, she parted ways with Atlantic Records over creative differences.
This move reflected her desire for artistic autonomy. Later that year, she signed with United Talent Agency and Roc Nation management.
By November 2022, she confirmed a new record deal with EMI. These business moves signaled a fresh creative chapter.
| Year | Public Moment | Significance |
|---|---|---|
| 2015 | X Factor guest judge | Expanded television presence |
| 2021 | Podcast controversy | Public learning moment |
| 2022 | Atlantic Records split | Creative independence |
| 2022 | EMI signing | New business chapter |
| 2023 | Relationship with Alex Scott | Positive media coverage |
Each public moment contributes to her evolving image. They reveal an artist committed to authenticity while navigating fame’s complexities.
Reflecting on a Remarkable Journey in Music
From chart-topping collaborations to solo dominance, this career trajectory redefined what was possible for UK artists. Jess Glynne built a legacy across three studio albums, each marking distinct creative phases.
Her catalog includes twenty singles and seventeen music videos. This body of work showcases both collaborative power and solo artistry.
The singer made history as the first British female solo artist with seven number one singles. This achievement rewrote the record books for the UK Singles Chart.
Accolades include a Grammy Award and nine BRIT nominations. Forbes recognized her influence among people under thirty.
In April 2024, she received the BRIT Billion Award for one billion UK streams. This milestone confirms her enduring relevance.
The journey from North London beginnings to Grammy-winning success demonstrates remarkable perseverance. It stands as a testament to vocal power and artistic evolution.
