KURT ELLING: Why Winning a Grammy Made Me Work Even Harder | dopeYEAH talk

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What happens when one of the most celebrated jazz vocalists of all time shares his untold stories? 🎙 Rob Cass invites you to an unforgettable conversation with @kurtelling8869, the Grammy-winning jazz legend who has redefined vocal jazz with his unparalleled artistry and charisma.

In this episode, Kurt takes us on a journey—from growing up in Chicago and falling in love with jazz, to signing with Blue Note Records and performing with icons like Lang Lang and Al Jarreau. He shares the unforgettable highs of his career, like winning multiple Grammys, and the lows, including "the most hideously awful thing that has ever happened" to him (yes, in Berlin 😲).

🎧 Highlights from the interview:

👉 How jazz transformed his life and why he believes jazz must keep evolving
👉 The importance of having a "no-assholes policy" in his band 😅
👉 How competition drives musicians to be better
👉 The future of jazz and his dream collaborations
👉 Insightful advice on balancing family life as a musician
👉 And as a special treat—two exclusive live performances by Kurt at the dopeYEAH club! 🎶

Kurt’s wit, passion for music, and incredible stories will leave you inspired to rediscover jazz like never before. This episode is packed with laughter, wisdom, and unforgettable moments from a true master of his craft.

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🕒 CHAPTERS:

00:00 Episode recap
00:53 Kurt Elling’s live performance at the dopeYEAH club
06:16 You never know, where you gonna hear some music that’s gonna change you life again
09:23 The guy who perfected the greatest of jazz lyricist
10:22 I guess all jazz musicians are dead
12:00 Why all musicians deserves the spotlight
14:07 I have no-assholes policy in my band
15:53 Growing up in Chicago and falling for the jazz
19:32 Guilty Pleasures side project, AC/DC, U2 and other covers
24:23 Signing a deal with the Blue Note Records
28:51 Why jazz deserves to continue to move forward
32:45 How winning the Grammy changed music career for Kurt Elling
34:56 Kurt’s recipe for happy marriage as a musician
38:31 Amazing cooperation with Lang Lang or Al Jarreau
42:24 Pop and Rock’n’Roll cooperations
43:56 Rock gifted voice
46:08 You need a competition to be better
51:32 I think I own the right to sing for people
53:53 You have to manifest the song for the audience
56:27 The most hideously awful thing that has ever happened to me (in Berlin)
01:01:06 One of the most proudest moments of Kurt Elling
01:04:43 What is the future of jazz
01:07:39 Dream future collaborations of Kurt Elling
01:10:05 Ending and message from Rob to dopeYEAH fans
01:10:36 Kurt Elling’s live performance at the dopeYEAH club
01:16:57 Credits and backstage from the dopeYEAH club

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