Andra Day facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Andra Day
Day in 2016
Background information
Birth name	Cassandra Monique Batie
Born	(1984-12-30) December 30, 1984 (age 40) Edmonds, Washington, U.S.
Origin	San Diego, California, U.S.
Genres	R&B soul pop blues
Occupation(s)	Singer songwriter actress
Years active	2012–present
Labels	Warner Buskin

Andra Day (born Cassandra Monique Batie on December 30, 1984) is an American singer, songwriter, and actress. She is famous for her powerful voice and music that blends R&B, soul, and pop. Day has won many major awards, including a Grammy Award, a Golden Globe Award, and a Children's and Family Emmy Award. She was also nominated for an Academy Award.

Her first album, Cheers to the Fall, came out in 2015. It featured her hit song "Rise Up", which became an anthem of hope for many people. The album and the song were both nominated for Grammy Awards. Day even performed the song on the TV show The View.

In 2021, Day showed her talent as an actress by playing the legendary jazz singer Billie Holiday in the movie The United States vs. Billie Holiday. Her performance was so amazing that she won a Golden Globe Award for Best Actress and was nominated for an Academy Award.

Early Life and School

Andra Day was born in Edmonds, Washington, but she grew up in San Diego, California. She started singing in her church choir when she was very young. At age five, she also began taking dance lessons.

When she was 12, Day discovered famous jazz singers like Billie Holiday and Ella Fitzgerald. Their music had a big impact on her own singing style. She went to the San Diego School of Creative and Performing Arts, where she focused on music and graduated in 2003.

Career Journey

Singing Career

After high school, Day worked many different jobs. Her big break came in 2010 when Kai Millard, who was married to the music legend Stevie Wonder, saw her performing. Millard told her husband about Day's incredible talent. Soon after, Stevie Wonder himself called her. He later introduced her to a producer named Adrian Gurvitz, who helped her create her first album.

Day became popular on YouTube by posting videos of herself singing. She sang unique versions of songs by artists like Eminem and Muse. Her creative "mashups," where she combined two songs into one, also got a lot of attention. This online fame helped her get a record deal with Warner Bros. Records.

Her first album, Cheers to the Fall, was released in 2015. Critics loved it, comparing her voice to famous singers like Amy Winehouse and Adele. The album's most famous song, "Rise Up," was used in a commercial with tennis star Serena Williams. Day also appeared in an Apple TV commercial with Stevie Wonder.

Andra Day performing at Radio City Music Hall in New York City, March 2016

Day has performed at many important events. She sang at the White House, the BET Awards, and the 2016 Democratic National Convention. In 2017, she worked with the rapper Common on the song "Stand Up for Something" for the movie Marshall. They performed the song at the 90th Academy Awards. In 2024, she sang “Lift Every Voice and Sing” at Super Bowl LVIII.

Acting Career

Andra Day made a huge splash in Hollywood with her first major movie role. She played Billie Holiday in the 2021 film The United States vs. Billie Holiday. For this role, she won a Golden Globe and was nominated for an Oscar, which is one of the highest honors for an actor. She also won a Grammy for the movie's soundtrack.

In 2021, she was part of the educational TV series We the People, which won a Children's and Family Emmy Award. She also appeared in the horror film The Deliverance. In 2024, it was announced that she would play the Greek goddess Athena in the second season of the popular Disney+ show Percy Jackson and the Olympians.

Discography

• Cheers to the Fall (2015)
• The United States vs. Billie Holiday (soundtrack) (2021)
• CASSANDRA (cherith) (2024)

Filmography

Film

Television

Awards and Nominations

Andra Day has been recognized with many awards for her music and acting. She has received three Grammy Award nominations, including one for her album Cheers to the Fall and her song "Rise Up."

For her acting in The United States vs. Billie Holiday, she won the Golden Globe Award for Best Actress. She was also nominated for an Academy Award for Best Actress for the same role. Her work on the film's soundtrack also earned her a Grammy Award.

See also

In Spanish: Andra Day para niños