How An UNKNOWN Indie Artist Had The Biggest Selling Record Of The Decade | Professor of Rock

Before Adele, another blockbuster music queen was Norah Jones. Here we celebrate the 20th anniversary of her amazing song Don’t Know Why from her multiplatinum record Come Away with Me. An excessive interview that goes through the history of this jazz phenomenon...
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Up next we have an exclusive interview with one of the most elegant voices in music, the lovely Norah Jones. This has new footage celebrating one of the best of the best.. It’s hard to believe that the 20th anniversary of her diamond selling blockbuster album Come Away With Me is a few months away. This album ran the gauntlet, it swept the grammy's, it sold 27 million copies worldwide, and it’s one of my wife’s favorite albums. It’s one of my favorites of that year. Up next Norah tells us the story of the album including the classic standard that kicked open the door, Don’t Know Why. You’ll love Norah’s insight on this, and it will give you even more appreciation for this elegant and majestic music.

[@ProfessorofRock]

Poll: With Norah in mind, who had the silkiest voice in music? A voice that just calms your soul?

[@jackfranco2421]

Though I am not a huge fan, Sade hade a definitve silky voice.

[@alliswede42]

Diana Krall!

[@Elwaves2925]

Norah's definitely up there for silk for silkiest. I can't claim to be fan of hers but Sade has to be there too. I don't know whether I'd call them silky but Jewel and Gabrielle Aplin also have similar qualities in their voices.

[@eleniprovia7667]

Sade and Toni Braxton

[@nbt3663]

Stevie Nicks

[@WriterandPhotographer]

I can't say enough good about Norah Jones. At the beginning of the pandemic, she made regular videos from her home to help out those who were homebound get through the isolation. She is multi-talented and can play several instruments. I don't know how she does it, but she gets better looking with age. Her singing ability is on such a high plane and so melodic; it sets her apart from nearly another other singer. Her personality makes me believe she would be an enjoyable person to hang out with. Thanks for featuring her on the channel.

[@Zzus321]

You were way to late. Nora is Timeless ❤️❤️

[@chee_wai]

You know Norah is actually an angel

[@puppetsnob]

Norah's music has a special place in our marriage. When I my wife and I were dating, we would go to Vietnamese, Thai and other restaurants in LA or in SF -- places that would typically play foreign music -- and suddenly, Norah's music would come up randomly on the radios there. There would be times I'd be alone driving around, maybe my girlfriend was working or we had a fight, and suddenly, there's a Norah song again on the radio. So when I found out Jones was performing in San Diego, I got us tickets. Up on the balcony of the Speckle's Theater, in our seats, I proposed. (Quietly, no big scene. My fiancee froze, very happy but worried about dropping the ring)

[@Zzus321]

I was driving years ago and let Nora Jones CD play over and over again 💜💜💜

[@1718blazer]

Great to see someone who genuinely knows music and is able to talk the trade with artists. It really shows through in your interviews. Guests look very comfortable and open up to you.

[@normnielsen]

Yeah, indeed. The look on Norah's face when he talks about some of the more intricate parts of her songs is wonderful. He's truly an aficionado and shares his passion well with them, and us.

[@steveschow9377]

It must be refreshing for many of these artists to have an interview with someone who knows their music and can speak intelligently about the whole album.

[@buzzsmith8146]

20 years ago?!! Wow. I still play "Don't Know Why" on my piano gig.

[@Zzus321]

Timeless music 🎶🎶🎶🎼🎶😍😍😍

[@Requiemslove]

Oh man, I finally get to ask this of someone. If you got to play "Don't know why" with Norah present and in the room, would you be terrified of messing it up, or would you be absolutely honoured?

[@whichgodofthousandsmeansno5306]

Even her speaking voice is superb. Truly gifted talent.

[@kirbymarchbarcena]

Wow, Nora humbles herself here. What a great person she is.

[@coachhunter1]

Adam, this is absolutely one of your best interviews. One can tell your whole being has absorbed her music, from way back til today. Good job.

[@Undertaker67203]

I never knew it was possible to actually fall in love with a voice. Not Nora, she was young and out of my league. Her voice though, I was mesmerized and truly in love, with it. Her voice made me feel everything I have ever felt while in love. I hope I have explained this without being creepy.

[@paulrivera5231]

What an amazing talent who is not afraid to say that she didn’t have all the answers. It seems the genesis is a young college student that has a generous soul and just decided to be nice to some people. We should all try to be as nice as possible to others. If you can help someone, then do so. Bravo Nora!!! You lifted our spirits. Thank you!

[@logan_e]

I glad I read your comment, I needed to be reminded by your advice to, "be as nice as possible to people." I used to follow a similar trope for dealing with difficult people but over the years I drifted from it and I've become bitter and angry! It was; "treat this person as though they were an angel, or Jesus. After all, what if they are?" Thanks for reminding me!

[@Krullmatic]

She's so beautiful, sweet and very, very talented! I love her smooth angelic voice! I never paid her much attention. Thanks Prof, for this interview, and turning me on to her. I'm gonna go listen to some more of her discography!

[@paulcasas8777]

You’re interviews are amazing, the variety the amazing artists, I literally can’t grasp with your talent and access to some of musics icons why you’re not on a mainstream channel. But I’m glad you have this access to share with us

[@Zed1984US]

Seen many interviews regarding this album,, this is the best.

[@ProfessorofRock]

Good to hear. Thanks!

[@JasonVincentNani]

100%

[@danielwatkins9658]

Her talent dually noted, Norah is still.so beautiful. I hadn't seen a recent photo of her and her presence in this interview blew me away totally! Thank you Prof, another great interview!

[@catherine6653]

Nice interview. It is always nice to hear the stories behind the songs. The Sesame Street part made me smile. I listen to this album when I need to feel calm,

[@ProfessorofRock]

Thank you Norah Is awesome!

[@aliciafranco5704]

I was in college in a life drawing course when I heard Nora Jones first album. Her voice even calmed the life models lol. An album to remember in '02😛😛😛❤❤❤❤

[@marquisdixon2063]

Great interview of one of my favorite artists

[@jimmysidebottom4744]

My wife loves to shop the thrift stores. Whenever she See's a Norah Jones CD I don't already have she makes sure to get it for me.

[@thetempleofsound]

Truly masterful interview, so heartfelt and well researched! Loved 'Come Away with Me' when it came out, one of the few things I liked that year. Nice to have such an in depth overview of her latest as well. Norah is looking more and more like her father with age. Beautiful.

[@whitebeardskydaddy6756]

Damn it Adam, why'd you pull that out today? The season change is in full swing here, and I'm weepy. Norah's sultry voice is perfect for that, eh? She's a classy lady. Not to mention beautiful. I guess classic music isn't as far back in time as I was thinking.

[@ullyesses-v1984]

Thanks PoR, Nora is so wonderful to listen to and this glimpse of herself was marvelous!

[@staceem]

Amazing interview! Come Away With Me is still in my top 3 favorite albums all these years later. Definitely a big part of my life’s soundtrack.🙂 I even got engaged while listening to that album. Norah is first class in every way.❤

[@alliswede42]

UNT is one of the top jazz schools in the country and has turned out some amazing acts, foremost in my mind being Snarky Puppy. Norah's voice is unique and beautiful and that album transcends singular genres. I always think of my dad with this album because he loved it and it was always on heavy rotation when I came home from college. Her cover of The Nearness of You is sublime. Fantastic interview 🙏

[@ProfessorofRock]

Thank you! She's awesome.

[@robertwalls5794]

UNT also has an excellent jazz radio program with 88.1 fm I've been listening to for 13 years in Ft. Worth.

[@christianworship9223]

I love how University of North Texas and Denton, TX got some love during this interview!

[@judithgoulding8046]

Have so much respect and love for NJ and her unique style and those smooth velvety vocals! Thank you for interviewing this amazing and beautifully talented gal!

[@steveschow9377]

You didn't mention it in your intro, but she is the daughter of Ravi Shankar who was an important figure in Beatles history. But she has a talent all her own. Beautiful voice and amazing songwriter!

[@tompaulcampbell]

Much better singer than Ravi!

[@JiveDadson]

She might have asked him not to mention Shankar. Shankar was not in her life when she was growing up. She was raised by her single mother.

[@JiveDadson]

The Beatles would have done just fine without him.

[@steveschow9377]

@@JiveDadson True. They we’re already one of the biggest bands in the world when they met Shankar.

[@southerncharity7928]

@@JiveDadson I read he was a really good provider though

[@constipatedinsincity4424]

NORA IS STILL SO BEAUTIFUL TO ME AND I MET HER YEAR'S AGO. SHE IS 1 OF THE SOFEST KINDEST PEOPLE IN THE BUISINESS!

[@ProfessorofRock]

She's awesome. No doubt about it.

[@clydekimsey7503]

@@ProfessorofRock how old are you? I like your videos a lot

[@TrashLefties]

It always reminded me of the Chatlie Brown song, Christmas Time is here again.

[@hbofbyu1]

I remember where I was the first time I heard Nora's voice. Was it like this for everyone? Beautiful.

[@bethshadid2087]

Beautiful woman with a extraordinary voice. Love the "jazzy joint" sound she does even tho it's pop. So many singers with such velvety voices 💗🕊️

[@johnhamilton2588]

I discovered Norah all over again about 7 or 8 years ago with Chasing Pirates, which had a little more of a mainstream sound. What a gorgeous voice.

[@180591]

Great interview Thank you

[@matthewallwood8234]

Thank you for doing this interview with Norah Jones. It allowed her fans to get the back story behind some of her songs and a little insight to how her songs are written. I actually became a fan of her because of her album Feels like Home maybe twelve years ago. In the last six years I’ve listened to her recent albums and they all have been amazing simply because they all grab and hold the attention of music lovers of various genres. I found myself loving country music because of the way she brings it across. And then I heard her live in Forest Hills Queens NY. Great Experience, Great Concert. But all the while I never heard her first album in its entirety until this year. She deserved every award she received. That album is amazing! I’m glad she stayed true to being a musician/ singer of all genres and not conforming to just one.

[@thehouseofcm]

Very in depth interview. Come away with, smashed the doors open but Sunrise makes me happy. Going to check out new one.

[@lostsoulca6449]

Best interview, EVER! She is awesome. What a talent for us all to enjoy. Never thought of her and Texas as remotely compatible!

[@johnparkerreed5712]

Norah has a voice that is like liquid gold! One of my favorite movies Blueberry Nights which she had songs on and she is absolutely beautiful!!

[@paulgrimm6850]

You did a great interview with Norah. I just love her

[@starrr365]

Her entire discography is really excellent & I highly recommend anybody who followed her back in the day check it out! The Fall, Little Broken Hearts and Day Breaks in particular are super underrated gems

[@danieferreira9094]

Great interview! I wasn’t a Nora Jones fan, but after this interview I am!

[@MastaVo]

Glad Norah's still making music, her voice still sounds fantastic.

[@geoffrobinson]

I remember waking up from being asleep and she was performing on Saturday Night Live. My only thought was how beautiful it all was.

[@ProfessorofRock]

And you were so right!

[@filedroid]

The first time I heard Norah sing don't know why I knew it was going to be a classic for all times.

[@ProfessorofRock]

Very cool. Indeed it is.

[@robcinq5956]

Same. Very 1st listen, it was apparent to me

[@aliciafranco5704]

TOTALLY

[@Zzus321]

Best CD Every

[@petermuteba6295]

Professor, Great Interview, Good Job🙂

[@DANWRIGHTITIS]

Fab!! I used to make ALL my guitar students learn to play this .. ! There´s a cool version by Pat Matheny on the Jules Holland show!!

[@Rossturnerphoto]

I love Come Away with Me. It's been one of my favorite albums since it's release. I love that Norah has continued to release great music over the years, and I look forward to catching up with her latest album.

[@stephenhanft1226]

She is a very talented musician and an excellent singer. She is one of the very few artists I can name who has been recording really good music during the 21st Century. The Grammy Awards got it right by recognizing this and rewarding her that year for her fine work.

[@michaelcrawford5083]

Yep, I struggle to name artist from 1990 - present

[@stephenhanft1226]

@@michaelcrawford5083 It just shows that there are people who are still making quality music. Unfortunately, since 1990, they are far more difficult to find.

[@jamesnasium]

Great interview with an awesome singer! She seemed very warm and personable compared to others you've interviewed.

[@williamjackson6705]

My first encounter with Norah was actually on a Jazz album, Charlie Hunter`s " Songs From The Analog Playground ". She did great versions of Roxie Music`s " More Than This " & Nick Drake`s " Day is Done ".

[@billrooney3109]

Actually never took the time to listen to Norah beyond the radio, but you’ve motivated me to do so. Thx!

[@tammybutler44]

Not long after "Come Away With Me" came out, I had to have an MRI done. I was allowed to bring a CD to listen to while I was inside tube. This is the one I listened to for almost 40 minutes. The MRI was a breeze! Such an awesome album from such a beautiful and talented lady! Love you Nora!

[@Angus.Maclean]

So glad you talked about the newer material as well. Must be tough to continually “promote” a record from 20 years ago.

[@musclecarmitch908]

Awesome interview Professor! Norah's a really great singer! Always loved,"I don't know why ". Hard to believe its Turning 20 years old! Still seems new and fresh to me! Thanks for sharing!

[@ProfessorofRock]

Thanks for listening

[@constances273]

When Come Away With Me came out I loved her sound and bought multiple copies of the CD to give as Christmas gifts. She won everything at the Grammys for that album and deservedly so. She’s beautiful and her style is beautiful. I still listen to Nora and look forward to more Nora. Thanks Professor, this was a sweet interview!

[@ProfessorofRock]

Very cool! THANKS FOR SHARING.

[@hughwalker5628]

Love the t-shirt! Brings back a few memories of vinyl 45s!

[@hughwalker5628]

@@vandalayindustries3057 ...and?

[@gtmuse329A]

Such a unique and lovely voice and also such a true musician and artist!

[@Zzus321]

Timeless ❤️🙂🙂

[@tomlacko606]

Great to see that she appears to be as sweet a person as her voice is. Another great interview, Professor! Thank you.

[@randyhiiip]

This dudes brain is on fire, wordsmith flowing so elegant and confident

[@gailtuska4830]

I love Norah Jones beautiful music. I also think she’s a lovely woman.

[@jimmymelendez1836]

I can't believe this was 20 years old. Oh my! It's such a great song. That and Come Away With Me.

[@fatcat236]

Come away with me album.. It was recommended to me at a record store that time. Glad i picked up the cd.

[@chuckhutton5087]

Daryl Hall did a session of his webisode series “Live from Daryl’s House” featuring Norah. Outstanding.

[@knightchamberlain4073]

You do such a great job, Professor! I sure hope an opportunity presents itself to where my wife and I could meet you in person. It would be an honor and privilege! Rock on!!

[@tommyorr6325]

Thanks for this - I also love Norah and the album Come Away With Me. My favorite song is One Flight Down - I think the lyrics are quite profound and I have trouble listening to the song without crying a bit….. Thanks Professor Of Rock, I love watching your vids! 😁☮️❤️🎶♾

[@ProfessorofRock]

Great song. Thanks!

[@Requiemslove]

I used to see that as my favourite on the album, too. But honestly there are far too many standouts for me to see "One flight down" as the favourite. It's edged out by "Don't know why", as well as "Come Away with me", Cold cold heart", "I've got to see you again", and probably "Nightingale" if I'm being honest. On the bonus track [I have the limited edition version] the live version of "Ruler of my heart" with the dirty dozen brass band, is just incredible, and "I'll be your baby tonight" is too sweet for me to not have it in front of "One flight down". Still, 8th in total, from a collection of 18 songs, 17 of which I would probably take with me to the grave, is not bad going. The only one I'd leave behind, is "Feeling the same way". Never really cared for that one. It's not "bad" so to speak, but whenever I hear it, it sounds like Norah's just going through the motions. And everything else is too strong, for it.

[@billcunningham8485]

I love Norah Jones. Have loved her work since her first album. Her songs are to this day the soundtrack of my life. I have several wide ranging mixes which Norah has several tracks on. Fun for me when my wife pokes her head out into the garage, a Norah Jones song playing as I am working on my project car and my wife and I will, sing a few bars of What am I to You along with Norah. Her Live from Home series on KZbin was a welcome and beautiful distraction for me during the Covid lockdown. Fun interview.

[@buffaloditka]

I remember hearing “Don’t Know Why” for the first time on the radio and was just blown away by the track that I had to buy the album at the first opportunity I had

[@donklesa6040]

One slow night in retail we had a customer come in with some questions about equipment and cooking. After a fun conversation and no sale of any consequence, he said wait a minute and ran out to his car. He came back in and gave us a copy of Come away, which had just hit the charts. Best night ever.

[@ProfessorofRock]

Very cool. Thanks for sharing.

[@L67guy]

Her cover of black hole sun the day after Chris Cornell passed is fabulous, such great touch so gentle and smooth totally reshaped the song and brought the lyrics to the forefront

[@Zzus321]

Unbelievable rendition 😍🎶🎼🎶🎼

[@robertdiehl1281]

Couldn’t believe what I was hearing when her first songs came out. Sultry jazzy sophisticated and even a country vibe goin on. So very different. Ear candy dude at its finest. Happy for her success.

[@MrTeff999]

Love that T-shirt !

[@daviddaniels4075]

Sunrise is a great video. One of my favorites.

[@calvee1100]

I was just thinking the other day about what songs that are 20 years old can still hold up. I grew up listening to 70s and 80s music and most of that music, in my opinion, is better than todays music. However, Don’t Know Why is one of the few songs from the 2000s that will be a classic forever. Great interview!

[@scottrichardson1014]

We saw Nora Live at The Fox theater in Atlanta back in the day . By the end of the night I think the entire theater was madly in love with her . One gentleman in the balcony stated calling out in the breaks between songs “ Marry Me Nora !! “ over and over. She even acknowledged him at some point with an adorable laugh and some comment that I don’t recall now. The night was just beautiful. Her voice, if possible , seemed even better live.

[@Photologistic]

I love her solo (or on a few there is an accomplishment on guitar) KZbin vids she did during Covid lockdown.

[@likecrazyhorse]

I got to see her open for Medeski, Martin & Wood just before her album blew up. I was so happy to hear her on the radio

[@Barney7535]

First time I heard Don't Know Why I was blown away. Didn't buy the album when it was released but decided to add it to my music collection about a year ago after listening to said song on the radio over a year ago. One of the best albums I've heard

[@larryhall2805]

I thought so! I picked up the Patsy Cline vibe as well. Thanks for the affirmation!

[@jillwklausen]

What a delightful young lady. Thanks, professor.

[@maureenbennett1933]

Love that shirt!

[@mattpotter8725]

Wow, what an amazing interview with an amazing artist who for many of us entered our lives and then seemed to disappear without a trace from the mainstream, which I found very odd. She obviously went her own way, maybe more country/jazz which didn't get the attention it deserved. When thinking about Norah it makes me think about other artists that had a similar vibe at the time - Katie Mellua and Jamie Cullum, maybe you could bring those artists back into people's minds as well? Thanks for this though, it was an amazing interview and you're right, that album is one that should be remembered for a long, long time.

[@ProfessorofRock]

It is a head scratcher..

[@Raittway]

Hello Adam. The Foo Fighters asked Norah Jones to sing on one of their songs "Virginia Moon". I can't find the story now but it goes something like this...someone involved with Dave Grohl and the Foos had a huge crush on Norah. He filled the studio room (where she would record her vocals) with roses to impress her. I read about it after their album "In Your Honor" was released. Thank you for another outstanding video.

[@petermuteba6295]

The person who had a crush on her was Nick Raskulinecz. He produced the Foos, Rush, Duff McKagan, and a countless of musicians!!!

[@lonniemorrison2987]

Loved her in the movie Blueberry Nights. And the song...

[@senenjosecestipona]

...I'm always listen the album when it's raining...I thought was the best time to play it...love Norah 😎

[@paulgrimm6850]

All that beauty and talent

[@deadhorse7246]

I really love her music, but am I the only one that noticed the John Denver and the Muppets Christmas album in the background?

[@savageishbu]

I loved her collaborations with Peeping Tom and with Lonely Island

[@redgrain3914]

This album was playing the first time I got high, 2003, watching the sunrise over the snowy fields of Western New York. Would recommend 👍

[@joeymorvant161]

Oh, yeah! Norah Jones! Love her! When "Don't Know Why" was on radio currently, it was literally like nothing else on the airwaves. She helped me expand my musical palette, which is in constant evolution, I'm happy to report! I've also always found her to be cute as a button, and with her coming off as so humble and grateful and willing to give others the credit they deserve, it just makes her all the more beautiful. Yes, Prof, she is indeed amazing.

[@ianrobinson4200]

I never thought much about it at the time, but looking back it did really shake things up to have an artist like her be so successful when the charts were being ruled by mainly teen pop and rap. I think I like her later stuff better than Come Away With Me, but still she's a great talent

[@mightyV444]

And that record player looks a lot like my own very first one, back in the late 70's! 😀

[@scottburton9701]

Norah Jones is a talented singer-"Don't Know Why" is a certifiable classic!

[@garytrew2766]

Many times I remember thinking that Norah Jones was going to be the biggest , and longest enduring pop stars of the day. Thanks brother Prof for doing an interview with her, very interesting. 🙄✌️🤘🤙😎 Brother Gary

[@nathanmaxwell2188]

"Come away with me" takes me to another place. Nothing sounds like it

[@ShortDarknLovely]

I have that album and... she went to my alma mater. I graduated a year before her :)

[@dnoland77]

Wish you would have asked her about my favorite song off her debut, Turn Me On. Such a silky, sexy, soothing tune. I had long turned off the radio by the time this album was released but I remember watching the Grammy's back when older acts like The Police would perform. Well I was blown away with Norah and have been a fan ever since.

[@norton750commando]

One album that kind of flew under the radar was her collaboration with Billie Joe Armstrong of Green Day doing an album of Everly Brothers covers, called "Foreverly". Not something that you would expect, and it was actually a lot better than one would expect, much due to her voice (and his wasn't bad either).

[@scottburton9701]

Fun fact:Norah Jones is the daughter of legendary sitarist Ravi Shankar.

[@knowwhere3220]

And Ringo Starr's Goddaughter!

[@NKBobcat]

Her voice is unmistakeable and as beautiful as she is.

[@nonec5246]

The hit song "Don't Know Why" reminds me of that Charlie Brown Christmas song. Perhaps it inspired this song that has lyrics.

[@terkish]

Saw Norah Jones show years ago. She did a very memorable cover of The Kinks' Strangers.

[@ProfessorofRock]

She is really quite amazing live. Very romantic evening with a significant other...

[@RolandDeschain1]

What an enchanting woman.

[@pedroengler223]

Great interview of an incredible musician. Tip for the early risers, don’t use her music as your wake up alarm.