Rachael Yamagata facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Rachael Yamagata
Rachael Yamagata on stage in 2008
Background information
Born	(1977-09-23) September 23, 1977 (age 47) Arlington, Virginia, United States
Genres	Adult alternative, indie
Occupation(s)	Singer-songwriter
Instruments	Piano, guitar, vocals
Years active	1995–present
Labels	RCA Victor, Warner Bros., Frankenfish/Megaforce

Rachael Amanda Yamagata (born September 23, 1977) is an American singer and songwriter. She also plays the piano. Rachael is from Arlington, Virginia.

She started her music journey with a band called Bumpus. Later, she became a solo artist. She has released five EPs (Extended Plays) and four studio albums. Her songs have been used in many TV shows. She has also worked with famous artists like Jason Mraz, Bright Eyes, and Ray Lamontagne.

Early Life and School Days

Rachael Yamagata was born to a Japanese American father. Her mother has Italian and German roots. She grew up with her half-brother, Josh Ruben, who is a comedian and actor.

Rachael went to the Holton-Arms School. She also studied at Northwestern University and Vassar College.

Rachael's Music Career

Rachael became the singer for a band called Bumpus in Chicago. She spent six years traveling, writing, and recording with the band. In 2001, she left the band to start her solo career.

In 2002, she signed a deal for two albums with Private Music. Her first EP, named Rachael Yamagata EP, came out in October 2002. Her first full album, Happenstance, was released in 2004. Between 2003 and 2005, Rachael performed at popular places like Amoeba Records in Hollywood.

Rachael was featured on the album True Love by Toots and the Maytals. This album won a Grammy Award in 2004 for Best Reggae Album. Many other famous musicians were also on that album.

She toured with singer Mandy Moore. Rachael also wrote a song for Mandy Moore's 2007 album, Wild Hope.

In May 2008, Rachael released a three-song EP called Loose Ends. Her second full album, Elephants...Teeth Sinking Into Heart, came out in October 2008. Billboard magazine said this album sounded darker and sadder than her first one. In April 2009, Rachael sang her song "Elephants" on the TV show One Life to Live.

Rachael released her third studio album, Chesapeake, in October 2011. In 2012, she released another EP called Heavyweight.

Rachael has often sung as a guest on other artists' songs. For example, she sang on Jason Mraz's "Did You Get My Message?". She also sang on songs by Rhett Miller, Ray Lamontagne, and Ryan Adams. She lent her voice to six songs on the Bright Eyes album Cassadaga. Rachael also helped write and sing on the song "Kaleidoscope" by Jill Cunniff. She even appeared on an episode of the TV show 30 Rock.

Her song "You Take My Troubles Away" is a duet with Dan Wilson and was featured in the movie Dear John. She also sang the Muppets song "I'm Going to Go Back There Someday" for a cover album called Muppets: The Green Album.

Rachael worked with PledgeMusic again for her album Tightrope Walker, which was released on September 23, 2016.

Rachael's Personal Life

Rachael has a twin brother named Benji. Her half-brother, Josh Ruben, is an actor and director. He used to work for CollegeHumor.

Rachael's Music Albums

Studio albums

Compilation albums

Extended plays

Singles

Original soundtrack contributions

Other soundtrack appearances

Rachael Yamagata's songs have been used in many movies and TV shows. Here are some of them:

See also

In Spanish: Rachael Yamagata para niños