Friday 1st March, 2024 (London, UK) On the heels of winning the GRAMMY for Best Jazz Performance, the three-time GRAMMY winning artist (Best New Artist and Best Jazz Vocal Album winner at last year’s GRAMMYs) Samara Joy debuts “Why I’m Here.”
The incredibly triumphant and rousing track from the upcoming Netflix film Shirley further establishes Samara as a voice to be reckoned with, not just in the world of jazz but effortlessly across genres. Written by Samara and fellow recent GRAMMY winner PJ Morton, the original one-off single plays over Shirley’s end title credits. Listen to the emotionally stirring track here.
Starring Oscar winner Regina King, Shirley tells the story of the first Black congresswoman and political icon Shirley Chisholm, and her trailblazing run for president of the U.S. It chronicles her audacious, boundary-breaking 1972 presidential campaign. The film was written and directed by Oscar winner John Ridley and premieres on Netflix on 22nd March. The trailer can be seen here.
On the significance of writing and recording “Why I’m Here,” Samara says “For me, this song was a representation of how Shirley Chisholm’s commitment to pursuing her purpose has affected us all, whether we realise it or not. Regina King’s portrayal of Chisholm only cements the importance of being persistent in the face of adversity and remembering why we all are here: to help one another.”
On collaborating with Samara, five-time GRAMMY winner PJ Morton adds “It’s an honor to put music to such an important and inspiring story. And then to do it with one of my favorite new voices today just made it even more special.”
Currently Samara continues her whirlwind of tour dates around the globe, in addition to various stateside dates she will visit countries that include the UK, Ireland, France, Austria, Switzerland, and more. Her recent GRAMMY win for Best Jazz Performance for “Tight,” adds on to her impressive win streak that includes the coveted Best New Artist award and Best Jazz Vocal Album for Linger Awhile in 2023.