Grammy Award-winning singer-songwriter Corinne Bailey Rae has been announced as the headline act for the first night of next year’s BlueTone Festival which runs in Taunton’s Vivary Park from 9th-11th July.
Known in particular for neo-soul, contemporary R&B, pop-soul and jazz, it is Corinne’s first appearance in Taunton, although Somerset audiences will remember her appearances at Glastonbury Extravaganza, most recently supporting Brian Wilson in 2017.
Corinne Bailey Rae’s breakthrough came in 2006 with Put Your Records On, the song that transformed her from jazz-club hostess into an internationally acclaimed, platinum-selling artist. Her self-titled debut album reached number one in both the UK and US, selling more than four million copies, while the single has now passed a billion streams. She has since won two Grammy Awards, two MOBOs and a BET Award, alongside further Grammy and Mercury Music Prize nominations.
Born and raised in Leeds to an English mother and a father from Saint Kitts and Nevis, Bailey Rae grew up immersed in music. She played classical violin, sang in church choirs and youth orchestras, and performed in both jazz and punk bands. Discovering Billie Holiday at the age of 12 proved particularly influential, while Nirvana’s raw, DIY spirit also shaped her musical outlook.
Her career has continued to evolve. Following the death of her first husband, jazz musician Jason Rae, The Sea became a deeply personal exploration of grief and loss. Her 2023 album Black Rainbows took another dramatic turn, combining punk, jazz and experimental sounds with themes exploring Black history, femininity and identity.
In 2026, Bailey Rae celebrates 20 years since her breakthrough with a new children’s book inspired by Put Your Records On, a reissue of her Live in New York album, and a headline performance at London’s Royal Albert Hall. She has also worked with artists including Herbie Hancock, Prince, Stevie Wonder and Angélique Kidjo.
Still writing and recording new material, Bailey Rae says she remains committed to experimentation, blending the jazz, soul and funk that have defined her career with a more adventurous, independent spirit.
The BlueTone Festival is produced by a Somerset team with the aim of promoting local talent by way of re-investing surplus funds back into the Taunton arts and culture scene.
Festival Lead Matt Roe said, “ We were delighted with the response to this year’s inaugural Festival. Bringing Ruby Turner, The Brand New Heavies, Curtis Stigers and Courtney Pine to headline alongside 30 other acts in Vivary Park was a real privilege and the way everyone enthusiastically received the music reinforces our commitment to bring the genres of jazz, blues, funk and soul to new and existing audiences in Somerset. The team are thrilled to be able to bring Corinne Bailey Rae to Taunton, and we are sure that the rest of the festival line-up will not disappoint – BlueTone 2027 will be the place to be!”
Lower-priced early bird tickets are now available at www.bluetone-festival.co.uk with a Festival Pass for the 3 days priced at £115 with Friday-only £50; but don’t hang around, these offers are only available until the end of Sunday 11th October when prices rise to £135 for a festival ticket, and £55 for the Friday.
More acts will be confirmed in coming weeks.
