Brittney Spencer facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Brittney Spencer
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![]() Spencer performing at the White House in 2024
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Background information | |
Born | Baltimore, Maryland, U.S. |
September 8, 1988
Genres | Country |
Occupation(s) | Singer–songwriter |
Instruments |
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Years active | 2020–present |
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Brittney Spencer (born September 8, 1988) is an American country singer and songwriter. She became well-known in 2020 after a video of her singing a song by the Highwomen went viral online. This video was praised by other country artists. It led to the release of her first music collection, called an extended play (EP), titled Compassion (2020). She has also released several single songs, like "... & Skinny" in 2021. Brittney has performed at big events like the Country Music Association Awards and has toured around the world.
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Growing Up and Music Beginnings
Brittney Spencer grew up in Baltimore, Maryland. She is of African-American heritage. Her love for music started by singing in church. She told Baltimore magazine that church was very important for her culture and spirit. Her family could not afford music lessons, so she sang in church all the time.
Brittney's family was also musical. Her father was in a gospel quartet band. A friend from church introduced her to The Chicks, which sparked her interest in country music. From there, she started listening to artists like Taylor Swift.
Learning Instruments and Vocals
In her teenage years, Brittney went to special art schools, including the George Washington Carver Center for Arts and Technology. There, she learned to play the guitar and piano. She also took singing lessons from a coach who taught her how to sing in a recording studio. Brittney began her career singing background vocals for R&B and gospel artists. In February 2013, she moved to Nashville, Tennessee, to focus on country music full-time.
Brittney Spencer's Music Journey
After moving to Nashville, Brittney Spencer attended Middle Tennessee State University. While studying, she worked as a vocal coach. She helped students from families with lower incomes learn to sing. She also found work as a background singer. Eventually, she toured with famous artists like Christopher Cross and Carrie Underwood. Brittney also performed in clubs and other places in Nashville.
Overcoming Challenges in Music
Even with these opportunities, Brittney found it challenging to pursue country music. She told Glamour magazine that being a Black woman in Nashville could be difficult. This was especially true when trying to find people for fashion, makeup, or wardrobe. Despite these challenges, she felt strong and empowered.
Becoming Famous Online
In 2020, Brittney Spencer gained a lot of attention. She posted a video on Twitter of herself singing "Crowded Table" by The Highwomen. The video was watched over 150,000 times. Other famous artists like Maren Morris and Amanda Shires retweeted it and praised her singing. Brittney told Billboard that she just loves to sing and write songs. She never expected to become so well-known from a Twitter video.
First Music Releases and Tours
In 2020, Brittney released her first extended play (EP) called Compassion. This collection included songs like "... Right, You're Wrong" and "My Perfect Life". Around this time, she also started her first tour, named "In a Perfect World". In June 2021, Brittney released a new single song called "... & Skinny".
Big Performances and Awards
In late 2021, Brittney Spencer performed with Mickey Guyton and Madeline Edwards at the 55th Annual Country Music Association Awards. They sang a song called "Love My Hair" from Mickey Guyton's album Remember Her Name. Brittney released her first full-length album, My ... Life, on January 19, 2024. She also performed at the 57th Academy of Country Music Awards. In March 2022, she was nominated for a CMT Music Awards, which was her first major industry award.
In November 2022, Brittney signed a big record deal with Elektra Records. The next day, she released an EP with new songs and a cover of The Chicks's "Cowboy Take Me Away". In 2024, she was featured on Beyoncé's album Cowboy Carter, singing on the song "Blackbiird" with other artists.
Brittney Spencer's Music Style
Brittney Spencer has a very diverse music style. She told American Songwriter that many different artists and songwriters influence her. This is why her songs often sound unique. Marcus K. Dowling described her music as a mix of her powerful talent and very engaging songs. She looks up to artists like Beyoncé, Ray Charles, Miranda Lambert, and Jazmine Sullivan for inspiration.
Brittney Spencer's Music Releases
Brittney Spencer has released several albums and singles.
Studio Albums
- My ... Life (Released: January 19, 2024)
Extended Plays (EPs)
- Compassion (Released: December 4, 2020)
- If I Ever Get There: A Day at Blackbird Studio (Released: November 4, 2022)
Singles
- "Mothers and Shepherds" (2019)
- "... Right, You're Wrong" (2020)
- "Sorrys Don't Work No More" (2020)
- "... & Skinny" (2021)
- "More Than Perfect" (2022)
- "Wake Me Up (A Fever Dream)" (2022)
- "Night In" (2024)
Other Songs She's Been On
Brittney has also appeared on songs by other artists:
- "Highway Unicorn (Road to Love)" with The Highwomen and Madeline Edwards (2021)
- "Midnight Train to Georgia" and "It's a Man's Man's Man's World" with Jason Isbell and the 400 Unit (2021)
- "Lonely at Night" with Amanda Shires (2022)
- "Blackbiird" with Beyoncé, Reyna Roberts, Tanner Adell and Tiera Kennedy (2024)
Awards and Nominations
Brittney Spencer has been recognized for her music:
- In 2022, she was nominated for a CMT Music Award for "CMT Digital First Performance of the Year" for "... & Skinny".
- Also in 2022, she was nominated for "Emerging Artist of the Year" at the Americana Music Honors & Awards.
- In 2024, she received nominations at the CMT Music Awards and People's Choice Country Awards for her work, including "Bigger Than The Song" and "Blackbiird".