Melody Gardot

Melody Joy Gardot (); born February 2, 1985) is an American musician, singer, songwriter, and composer. Widely considered as one of the best jazz vocalists of her generation, she is known for her smoky contralto voice, understated vocal delivery, and a musical style that blends jazz with blues, bossa nova, folk, and pop influences. Gardot first gained attention in the mid-2000s and achieved international recognition with five studio albums: Worrisome Heart (2006), My One and Only Thrill (2009), The Absence (2012), Currency of Man (2015), and Sunset in the Blue (2020).

At the age of 19, Gardot was struck by a car and sustained a serious head injury, an event that proved pivotal in shaping her life and career. During her rehabilitation, music played a critical role in her recovery, leading her to become a strong advocate of music therapy.