Dianne came from a very musical family. Her father, who died when she was two years old, was also a singer. Her mother, Vada Swanson, played trumpet. A cousin, George Duke is a well known piano and keyboard player and producer.
Dianne and her sister Sharon were raised by their grandmother in Denver, Colorado. As a child Dianne took piano lessons and sang at every opportunity. When she was 11 years old her interest in music was enhanced by an inspiring teacher who thought that music was the best way to bring students together. Dianne discovered a love of music and that she wanted to be a singer.
Her uncle, Charles Burell, a bass player with the Denver Symphony Orchestra, introduced her to the music of jazz singers, from Ella Fitzgerald to Billie Holiday. She was especially impressed by Sarah Vaughan.
1974
At the age of sixteen she was singing at the George Washington Highschool in Denver, in a highschool bigband. That same year the band played at a music festival (Convention of the National Association of Jazz Educators). Her Band won first place and it was there she met the trumpeter Clark Terry, who after discovering her became her mentor.
1975
A year later she began studying music at the University of Denver, before she moving in 1976 to Los Angeles. In L.A. her interest in Latin-American music grew, and she began experimenting with different kinds of vocal music and finally decided to pursue a career as a singer. She met Eduardo del Barrio, and she toured with his group "Caldera" and sang in Billy Child's jazz band "Night Flights". Later she tour with Sergio Mendes.
From 1983 until 1986 she toured with Harry Belafonte as a lead singer. This period saw her first experiences with world music. In 1987 she became the first vocalist to sign with Blue Note records. She moved back to Denver from Los Angeles in 1992. She sang at the closing ceremony of the 2002 Winter Olympic Games in Salt Lake City.
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Grammy Awards
She has currently won 3 Grammy Awards for "Best Jazz Vocal Performance" for her albums
2001 In the Moment
2002 The Calling
2003 A Little Moonlight
2006 Good Night, And Good Luck (Soundtrack)
She is the only singer to have won this Grammy in three consecutive years.
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Discography
1977 - Welcome to My Love
1987 - Better Days
1988 - I Remember
1990 - Never Too Far
1991 - Dianne Reeves (same as Better Days)
1993 - Art & Survival
1994 - Quiet After the Storm
1996 - The Grand Encounter
1996 - Palo Alto Sessions
1997 - That Day
1997 - New Morning (live)
1999 - Bridges... produced by George Duke.
2000 - In The Moment (live)
2001 - The Calling: Celebrating Sarah Vaughan
2002 - Best of Dianne Reeves
2003 - A Little Moonlight
2004 - Christmas Time is Here
2005 - Good Night, And Good Luck (Soundtrack)
Mi Vida
Dianne Reeves Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Mi sangre de la herida
No me hagas sufrir mas
Mi vida, bala perdida,
por la gran via,
charquito de arrabal,
no quiero que te vayas,
cada dia mas y mas.
mi vida lucerito sin vela
mi vida charquita d'agua turbia burbuja de jabon
mi ultimo refugio mi ultima ilusion no quiero que te vayas cada dia mas y mas
mi vida lucerito sin vela
mi sangre de la herida
no me hagas sufrir mas
mi vida
The lyrics of Dianne Reeves's song "Mi Vida" convey a sense of desperation and longing for a loved one. The opening line "Mi vida, lucerito sin vela" can be interpreted to mean "My life, like a little light without a candle" - a metaphor for feeling lost and alone without the presence of the person they are addressing. The next line, "Mi sangre de la herida" translates to "my blood from the wound" - perhaps referencing the pain and hurt that has been caused by the separation or distance between them.
The lyrics continue, pleading with this person to not make them suffer any longer: "No me hagas sufrir mas." The following lines mention different images and symbols that represent their relationship: "Mi vida, bala perdida por la gran via, charquito de arrabal" - a stray bullet on a big avenue, a little puddle in a poor neighborhood. Despite these possibly negative associations, the singer does not want the person to leave or to grow further apart: "no quiero que te vayas, no quiero que te alejes, cada dia mas y mas."
The final stanza adds another layer of imagery - the singer compares their relationship to a "burble of soap" and a "last refuge". The repeated line "mi vida, lucerito sin vela" anchors the sentiment of the whole song - without this person, the singer feels lost and vulnerable. The closing line "no me hagas sufrir mas, mi vida" is a final plea, a declaration of love, and a possible ultimatum all in one.
Line by Line Meaning
Mi vida, lucerito sin vela
My life, a small shining light without a candle. It is a symbol of hope and comfort despite darkness and uncertainty.
Mi sangre de la herida
My blood from the wound. It represents my pain and suffering that has been endured.
No me hagas sufrir mas
Do not make me suffer anymore. I have already experienced enough pain and turmoil.
Mi vida, bala perdida, por la gran via
My life, a stray bullet on the main road. It symbolizes the unpredictability and danger of life.
Charquito de arrabal
A puddle in the outskirts of the city. It represents a modest and humble existence.
No quiero que te vayas, no quiero que te alejes, cada dia mas y mas
I do not want you to leave, I do not want you to go away. I want you closer to me every day, every moment.
Mi vida charquita d'agua turbia burbuja de jabon
My life, a murky water puddle with a soap bubble. It symbolizes the fragility and beauty of life and how it can be disrupted by even the smallest of influences.
Mi último refugio, mi última ilusión
My last refuge, my ultimate hope. It represents the safety and hope that comes from love and companionship.
Writer(s): Dianne E. Reeves
Contributed by Isaac F. Suggest a correction in the comments below.