Melody Gardot
Melody Gardot performing at the Newport Jazz Festival in August 2008
Background information
Born	Melody Joy Gardot (1985-02-02) February 2, 1985 (age 41) New Jersey, United States
Origin	Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States
Genres	Jazz blues bossa nova folk pop
Occupations	Musician singer songwriter composer
Instruments	Vocals guitar piano
Works	Worrisome Heart My One and Only Thrill The Absence Currency of Man
Years active	2004–present
Labels	Verve Decca
Website	www.melodygardot.com
Musical career
Genres	Jazz blues bossa nova folk pop
Instruments	Vocals guitar piano
Labels	Verve Decca

Melody Joy Gardot (/ˈmɛlədiɡɑːrˈdoʊ/); born February 2, 1985) is an American musician, singer, songwriter, and composer. Widely considered as one of the best jazz vocalists of her generation, she is known for her smoky contralto voice, understated vocal delivery, and a musical style that blends jazz with blues, bossa nova, folk, and pop influences. Gardot first gained attention in the mid-2000s and achieved international recognition with five studio albums: Worrisome Heart (2006), My One and Only Thrill (2009), The Absence (2012), Currency of Man (2015), and Sunset in the Blue (2020).

At the age of 19, Gardot was struck by a car and sustained a serious head injury, an event that proved pivotal in shaping her life and career. During her rehabilitation, music played a critical role in her recovery, leading her to become a strong advocate of music therapy.^[1] She has since visited hospitals and universities to discuss the therapeutic benefits of music in neurological and physical rehabilitation. In 2012, Gardot lent her name to a music therapy program in New Jersey.^[2]

Gardot often performs seated and wearing dark sunglasses to reduce sensory stimulation related to the lingering effects of her injuries. Throughout her career, she has toured extensively across Asia, Europe, and North America, collaborating with jazz ensembles and orchestras. Her work is frequently noted for its cinematic atmosphere, lyrical intimacy, and the revival of classic jazz aesthetics within a contemporary framework.