Philly's Jazmine Sullivan: Grammy nods and getting her groove back
Search the name Jazmine Sullivan online, and you're likely to find the name of another powerful vocalist-slash-songwriter: Adele. There are Twitter pleas for collaborations between the two, year-end lists including them both, and perhaps, more often, think pieces that end in questions about why Sullivan doesn't get as much appreciation as her peer from across the pond.
Search the name Jazmine Sullivan online, and you're likely to find the name of another powerful vocalist-slash-songwriter: Adele. There are Twitter pleas for collaborations between the two, year-end lists including them both, and perhaps, more often, think pieces that end in questions about why Sullivan doesn't get as much appreciation as her peer from across the pond.
Theories vary, but many point the finger at race - an undervaluing of R&B by black artists, and the overvaluing of white singers, from Sam Smith to Justin Timberlake. Sullivan is aware of the discussions, on and off the Web, but she doesn't spend too much time thinking about it.
"I guess I'm glad that people are recognizing me in some way, and kind of see there's a little injustice in how black soul artists are received," the Philadelphia-born singer said in a recent interview. "At the same time, I try not to focus so much on the negativity."
The Recording Academy nominated Sullivan's 2015 release, Reality Show, for three Grammys, including best R&B album. Her single "Let It Burn" earned nods for best R&B song and best traditional R&B performance, where her competition includes Faith Evan's "He Is," a song Sullivan co-wrote.
"I work really hard on my music," said Sullivan, who has earned 11 Grammy nominations - but no awards- since releasing her 2008 debut. "They acknowledge the effort, and hopefully I'll take it home one day."
The Grammy Awards will air live on CBS3, 8-11 p.m. Feb. 15, from the Staples Center in Los Angeles.