Durand Bernarr facts for kids

Durand Bernarr, whose real name is Bernarr Ferebee Jr., is an American singer, songwriter, and producer. He often sings background vocals for the famous neo-soul artist Erykah Badu. He has also sung with other artists like Anderson .Paak, Kaytranada, and The Internet. In 2019, he was a runner-up on the TV music show The Next Big Thing on BET. His latest album, Wanderlust, came out in 2022. His album En Route was even nominated for a Grammy Award in 2025!

Early Life and Musical Roots

Durand Bernarr grew up in Cleveland, Ohio. He was an only child. His mom was a music teacher and vocal coach. His dad was an audio engineer. His dad worked with many famous artists. These included Jay-Z, Beyoncé, Rihanna, and Whitney Houston.

When Durand was 16, he went on tour with his dad. They worked with the band Earth, Wind & Fire. Durand was a production assistant. He also learned a lot about music at church. His mom was the music director there. He says that Erykah Badu, Rick James, and Little Richard are his biggest musical inspirations.

Durand Bernarr's Music Career

Starting on YouTube

In 2008, Durand Bernarr started sharing his talent online. He posted videos on YouTube. These videos showed him singing, dancing, and adding funny comments. He also sang covers of popular songs. Some of these were by artists like Kanye West, Amy Winehouse, and Gnarls Barkley.

In 2009, he released his first mixtape. It was called alcoholharmony: The MixT@pe. This mixtape had studio versions of his popular YouTube covers. It also included his own original songs. He released it through Bandcamp.

Working with Erykah Badu

In 2010, Durand released another EP. It was called 8ight: The Stepson of Erykah Badu. This EP was a collection of songs by Erykah Badu. He covered them and made medleys. Soon after, Erykah Badu sent him a message on Twitter. She had heard his EP. In 2011, she hired him to sing background vocals. He joined her band, Nedda Stella.

Releasing More Music

In November 2012, he released a holiday EP. It was called "EXTRA Stankin' Christmas". Between 2010 and 2014, he released many other EPs and LPs. These were available on Spotify, Apple Music, and Bandcamp. Some of these older releases have since been removed.

In September 2016, he released a 7-track EP. It was titled "Sound Check". He also released a music video for the main song, "Around".

Collaborations and TV Shows

Durand Bernarr works with many well-known and independent artists. He sings with them or provides background vocals. He has worked with Ari Lennox, Kaytranada, The Foreign Exchange, The Internet, Sam Sparro, Thundercat, Knxwledge, Qveen Herby, and Teedra Moses.

In 2019, Durand competed on a TV show. It was BET's reality music competition The Next Big Thing. He both rapped and sang on the show. He ended up as one of the top three performers.

Recent Albums and Grammy Nomination

In September 2020, he released the album DUR&. It is pronounced "Durand." A review in Numéro magazine praised the album. It said Durand could sing high notes like D'Angelo. It also said he could sing low, groovy parts like Nate Dogg.

Durand Bernarr's album En Route received a big honor. It was nominated for a 2025 Grammy Award for Best Progressive R&B Album.

Personal Life

Durand Bernarr lives in Los Angeles.

Discography

Studio Albums

• #Blameitonthemango (2014)
• DUR& (2020)
• Wanderlust (2022)

EPs

• EXTRA Stankin' Christmas (2012)
• ANXIETY (2013)
• Sound Check (2016)
• En Route (2024)
• Charlie Vettuno Presents... Where in the World is Carmen Randiego?! (with Charlie Vettuno) (2024)

Mixtapes

• alcoholharmony: The MixT@pe (2009)
• 8ight: The Stepson of Erykah Badu (2010)
• Some Time in December, 1987 (2011)
• 80's Baby (2012)

As Featured Artist