Esperanza Spalding at the Oscars
February 28, 2012

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http://www.philly.com/philly/blogs/inthemix/140609113.html(Opens in a new window)
Esperanza Spalding has risen to the stature of an international symbol of cultural enlightenment. The Berklee educated (and educating) jazz bassist has played the White House, and the Nobel Peace Prize ceremony. Her first name means "hope." Last year, she enraged Beliebers by winning the best new artist Grammy. Last night, she got to sing Louis Armstrong's "What A Wonderful World" during the In Memoriam segment of the Oscar telecast.
Esperanza Spalding has risen to the stature of an international symbol of cultural enlightenment. The Berklee educated (and educating) jazz bassist has played the White House, and the Nobel Peace Prize ceremony. Her first name means "hope." Last year, she enraged Beliebers by winning the best new artist Grammy. Last night, she got to sing Louis Armstrong's "What A Wonderful World" during the In Memoriam segment of the Oscar telecast.