Stella Cole

Not to be confused with pop singer Stela Cole.

Stella Cole
Birth name	Stella Katherine Cole
Born	(1999-01-13) 13 January 1999 Springfield, Illinois, U.S.
Genres	Jazz pop traditional pop classical
Occupation	Singer-songwriter
Years active	2020–present
Labels	La Reserve Records
Website	www.stellacole.net

Stella Katherine Cole is an American singer known for her interpretations of jazz standards and songs from the Great American Songbook. She gained significant popularity through social media platforms before establishing herself as a prominent live performer and recording artist in the New York City jazz scene.

Early life and education

Cole was born and raised in Springfield, Illinois. Her fascination with classic music began at the age of three after watching The Wizard of Oz. This sparked a lifelong passion for movie musicals and their iconic stars, particularly Judy Garland and Barbra Streisand, who remain her biggest inspirations.

She pursued her passion for performance at Northwestern University, where she graduated in 2021 with a degree in theatre and international relations. Her time at university helped her to hone her vocal skills and deepen her understanding of the music that she loved.

Career

During the COVID-19 pandemic, while at home, she began posting videos of herself singing on TikTok. An impromptu clip of "Over the Rainbow" went viral, and she quickly amassed a large following. Her rendition of Stephen Sondheim's "Everybody Says Don't" was another viral hit, solidifying her presence on social media.

After graduating, Cole moved to New York City and immersed herself in the local jazz community. She began performing at various clubs and restaurants, building her repertoire and reputation. She has since performed at iconic venues like Birdland Jazz Club, Dizzy's Club at Jazz at Lincoln Center, and the Café Carlyle.

Her online fame led to collaborations with major artists and groups. She has toured with Scott Bradlee's Postmodern Jukebox across the United States, Australia, and New Zealand. Her 2023 collaboration with the group on a cover of Miley Cyrus's "Flowers" was widely acclaimed, racking up more than 6 million views.

Cole released her self-titled debut album, produced by Matt Pierson. The album features a mix of well-known standards and lesser-known gems, with arrangements by Grammy-winner Alan Broadbent.

Artistry

Cole's musical style is firmly rooted in the Great American Songbook. She is praised for her ability to bring a fresh perspective to classic songs while honoring their original spirit. Her performances are noted for their emotional depth and storytelling, a skill she attributes to her background in theatre. She emphasizes communicating the feelings and narratives within the lyrics, moving beyond just the vocal performance.

Discography

Albums

• Stella Cole (2023)
• Snow! (2024)

Singles

• "Next Christmas" (2022)
• "Flowers" (with Scott Bradlee's Postmodern Jukebox) (2023)
• "Uptown Girl" (with Scott Bradlee's Postmodern Jukebox) (2023)
• "Christmas Dreaming" (2023)
• "Moon River" (2024)
• "P.S. I Love You" (2024)