History of Raye in Timeline

Rachel Agatha Keen, known as Raye, is a British singer-songwriter who initially gained recognition after signing with Polydor Records. She released several dance singles and EPs under the label. Raye later garnered significant media attention due to her departure from Polydor, reportedly because they wouldn't release her debut album.

October 1997: Birth of Raye

Rachel Agatha Keen, known as Raye, was born in October 1997.

October 1997: Birth and Family Background

Raye was born in Tooting, London, in October 1997, to a Ghanaian-Swiss mother and an English father. She grew up in Croydon and has three younger sisters.

November 2014: Debut EP Release

At 17, in November 2014, Raye independently released her debut EP, "Welcome to the Winter", on SoundCloud.

2015: Signing with Polydor and Early Releases

In 2015, Raye signed with Polydor Records, released the single "Alien", and opened for Years & Years.

August 2016: Release of "Second" EP and Collaborations

Raye's second EP, "Second", was released in August 2016, featuring the single "I, U, Us". She also collaborated with Jonas Blue and Jax Jones.

February 2017: XOYO Performance and Collaborations

In February 2017, Raye performed at XOYO in London and collaborated with Charli XCX and Stormzy.

2017: Sound of 2017

Raye was included on the BBC's Sound of 2017 list.

2018: "Side Tape" EP, Collaborations, and First Headlining Tour

In 2018, Raye released the EP "Side Tape", collaborated with Mabel, and embarked on her first headlining tour.

July 2019: Chart Success and "The Lion King" Soundtrack

In July 2019, Raye achieved her first number one on Billboard's US Dance/Mix Show Airplay chart and co-wrote "Bigger" for "The Lion King: The Gift" soundtrack.

November 2019: New Music Releases

Between August and November 2019, Raye released the single "Love Me Again" and collaborated with David Guetta and Morten on "Make It to Heaven".

2019: BMI London Award

In 2019, Raye received a BMI London Award for her impact on music.

July 2020: Release of "Natalie Don't"

Raye released "Natalie Don't" in July 2020, which preceded her project "Euphoric Sad Songs".

February 2021: Release of "Bed" and Collaboration with Mabel

Raye, Joel Corry, and David Guetta released "Bed" in February 2021, which reached number three in the UK. Raye also co-wrote "Let Them Know" for Mabel.

June 2021: Departure from Polydor Records

In June 2021, Raye released "Call On Me" and announced her departure from Polydor Records due to the label withholding her debut album.

August 2022: Release of "Black Mascara" as Independent Artist

Raye released "Black Mascara" in August 2022 as an independent artist after signing with Human Re Sources.

February 2023: Release of "My 21st Century Blues" and Tours

Raye's debut album, "My 21st Century Blues", was released in February 2023 and reached number two in the UK. She embarked on supporting tours.

October 2023: My 21st Century Symphony (Live at the Royal Albert Hall) Release

In October 2023, Raye released a live album, "My 21st Century Symphony (Live at the Royal Albert Hall)", recorded at the Royal Albert Hall with the Heritage Orchestra and the Flames Collective. This live album featured reinterpretations of songs from her album, "My 21st Century Blues". She also opened for Lewis Capaldi's and SZA's tours in the UK and Europe respectively and Kali Uchis's tour in North America. Raye performed songs from "My 21st Century Blues" on American television shows including "Jimmy Kimmel Live!" and "The Late Show with Stephen Colbert", and performed at Glastonbury Festival 2023. Her collaboration with Cassö and D-Block Europe, "Prada", achieved double platinum certification and topped the UK Dance Singles Chart.

2023: Release of "My 21st Century Blues"

Raye independently released her debut studio album, "My 21st Century Blues", in 2023.

2023: Mercury Prize Shortlisting

Raye's album "My 21st Century Blues" was shortlisted for the Mercury Prize in 2023.

February 2024: Conclusion of "My 21st Century Blues" Tour

Raye concludes her "My 21st Century Blues" tour in February 2024.

April 2024: Saturday Night Live Performance and Brit Awards Medley

In April 2024, Raye performed a medley of her songs at the Brit Awards and appeared as the musical guest on Saturday Night Live, performing "Escapism", "Worth It", and previewing an unreleased song later released as "Genesis".

May 2024: BBC Radio 1's Big Weekend Headline Performance

Raye performed her first headline festival slot at BBC Radio 1's Big Weekend in Luton in May 2024.

August 2024: The Eras Tour Opening Performance

In August 2024, Raye opened for Taylor Swift's the Eras Tour at Wembley Stadium.

2024: Record-Breaking Brit Awards Wins

At the 2024 Brit Awards, Raye won British Artist of the Year, Best New Artist, Songwriter of the Year, Best R&B Act, British Album of the Year (for My 21st Century Blues), and Song of the Year (for "Escapism"), breaking the record for most wins at a single ceremony. She also received three Grammy nominations.

2024: 100 Women and Harper's Bazaar Woman of the Year

In 2024, Raye was included in the BBC's 100 Women list and named Musician of the Year at the Harper's Bazaar Woman of the Year event.

2024: Brit Awards Success and Recognition

In 2024, Raye won six Brit Awards, including British Artist of the Year, and was included on the BBC's 100 Women list. She also received Grammy nominations.