The Two Husbands: Corinne Bailey Rae’s Journey Through Tragedy And Her Creative Partnership With Steve Brown

Corinne Bailey Rae’s personal life and music career are defined by two profound relationships: the tragic loss of her first husband and the enduring, creative partnership with her current husband, producer Steve Brown. As of late 2024 and early 2025, the Grammy-winning singer is riding a new wave of critical acclaim following the release of her 2023 album, *Black Rainbows*, a project deeply intertwined with her life in Leeds and her collaborative work with Brown. This article delves into the full story, from the devastating loss that shaped her second album, *The Sea*, to the quiet joy and artistic synergy she has found in her second marriage.

The latest updates on Corinne Bailey Rae's life confirm she remains happily married to Steve Brown, a long-time friend and musical collaborator who has been instrumental in her work since her debut. They reside in Leeds, England, with their two young daughters, maintaining a private family life while continuing to push artistic boundaries together. This deep dive explores the biography of both men who have profoundly influenced the soul and R&B singer's journey.

Complete Biography of Corinne Bailey Rae's Husbands: Jason Rae and Steve Brown

Corinne Bailey Rae has been married twice, with both relationships being deeply rooted in the world of jazz and music. Her life is often framed by the "before and after" of her first husband's passing, a period of immense grief that eventually led her to find love again with a trusted friend and colleague.

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Corinne Bailey Rae (Wife)

• Full Name: Corinne Jacqueline Bailey
• Born: February 26, 1979 (Age 45 as of late 2024)
• Birthplace: Leeds, West Yorkshire, England
• Occupation: Singer-songwriter, Musician
• Notable Works: "Put Your Records On," "Like a Star," *Corinne Bailey Rae* (Debut Album), *The Sea*, *Black Rainbows*
• Awards: Two Grammy Awards (Best New Artist nomination, Best R&B Performance)
• Current Residence: Leeds, England

First Husband: Jason Rae

• Full Name: Jason Rae
• Born: 1976
• Died: March 22, 2008 (Age 31)
• Occupation: Saxophonist, Musician
• Relationship Timeline: Married in 2001; tragically passed away in 2008.
• Cause of Death: Accidental overdose of methadone and alcohol.

Current Husband: Steve Brown

• Full Name: Steven Brown
• Occupation: Producer, Songwriter, Musician (Keyboardist, Bassist, Percussionist, Engineer)
• Career Highlights: Co-founder of Limefield Studio; Producer on Corinne Bailey Rae's albums, including *The Sea* and the latest, *Black Rainbows*.
• Relationship Timeline: Long-time friend and collaborator; Married Corinne Bailey Rae in 2013.
• Children: Two daughters (names kept private).
• Residence: Leeds, England.

The Tragic Loss of Jason Rae and the Creative Aftermath

The world of music was stunned in March 2008 when Corinne Bailey Rae's first husband, Jason Rae, a talented jazz saxophonist, was found dead at their home in Leeds.

Jason Rae's death was ruled an accidental overdose, caused by a combination of methadone and alcohol.

The sudden and devastating loss of her husband at the age of 31 forced the singer to retreat from the spotlight, leaving her "rudderless" and dividing her life into a "before and after."

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This period of intense grief and media scrutiny became the emotional core of her critically acclaimed second album, *The Sea* (2010).

Songs on the album, such as the haunting track "Are You Here," were a direct and raw channel for her sorrow, transforming her personal tragedy into profound art and earning her a nomination for the Mercury Prize.

The album's success cemented her reputation as an artist capable of turning deep emotional pain into beautiful, resonant soul music.

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Finding New Love: The Enduring Partnership with Steve Brown

After years of healing, Corinne Bailey Rae found love again with a familiar face: Steve Brown.

Brown was not a new acquaintance but a long-time friend, producer, and fellow jazz musician who had worked with her since the early days of her career, including on her massively successful debut album, *Corinne Bailey Rae* (2006), which featured hit singles like "Put Your Records On" and "Like a Star."

The couple married in 2013 in a quiet ceremony, marking a new chapter of happiness and stability.

Their relationship is a rare blend of personal intimacy and professional collaboration, as Brown is a versatile musician—a keyboardist, bassist, and engineer—and co-founder of Limefield Studio in Manchester.

He co-produced her third album, *Venus* (2016), and, more recently, her highly conceptual fourth album, *Black Rainbows* (2023).

Corinne has noted that she and Brown have different musical ideas, which, surprisingly, helps them to challenge each other and make their work in the studio successful.

The couple now shares two daughters, and they live together in Leeds, where they focus on raising their family and creating music.

The Latest Creative Synergy: *Black Rainbows* (2023/2024)

The latest update on Corinne Bailey Rae’s career is the release of her fourth studio album, *Black Rainbows*, on September 15, 2023.

This album is a departure from her signature R&B and soul sound, inspired by her visits to the Stony Island Arts Bank in Chicago, and is a testament to her and Steve Brown's creative evolution.

Brown served as a producer on the album, further solidifying their status as a powerful creative duo.

The album features tracks like "New York Transit Queen" and has been the focus of her 2024 and 2025 touring schedule, showcasing a new, more experimental side of the artist.

The stability of her marriage to Steve Brown has allowed her to explore these new artistic territories, moving from a period of "surviving" after Jason Rae's death to "enjoying being alive."

This phase of her career highlights a beautiful balance: a dedicated family life in Leeds, a strong collaborative partner in her husband, and a renewed artistic drive that continues to captivate audiences worldwide.

The entities woven throughout her life—from the painful memory of Jason Rae and the emotional depth of *The Sea*, to the collaborative joy with Steve Brown on *Black Rainbows*—all contribute to the rich, complex narrative of one of the UK's most beloved soul singers.