Karen Briggs Biography
Karen Briggs is an American violinist who was born in Manhattan to a family of musicians. However, Briggs took up the violin at age 12 and dedicated herself to playing professionally at age 15.
Briggs’ impact on society is significant as she has not only broken barriers but has also inspired many young women to pursue their dreams and succeed in male-dominated industries. As an African American woman, she has broken the glass ceiling and has become a role model for aspiring musicians worldwide.
Her innovative and unique sound has made her a household name, and she has inspired many musicians to explore new musical styles and sounds. Karen Briggs’ music is a blend of classical, jazz, and contemporary music, and her performances are known for their energy, passion, and emotion.
10 Quick Facts About Karen Briggs
- Name: Karen Briggs
- Age: 60 Years (2023)
- Birthday: 12 August
- Zodiac Sign: Leo
- Height: Average
- Nationality: American
- Occupation: Violinist
- Marital Status: Married
- Salary: To be Updated
- Net worth: $5 Million
Karen Briggs Age
Briggs is 60 years old as of 2023, she was born on 12 August 1963, in Manhattan, Manhattan, New York, United States. She celebrates her birthday on 12 August every year and her birth sign is Leo.
Karen Briggs Height
Briggs stands at an average height. She appears to be quite tall in stature in her photos, relative to her surroundings, are anything to go by. However, details regarding her actual height are currently not publicly available. We are keeping tabs and will update this information once it is out.
Karen Briggs Weight
Briggs has a moderate weight. Her weight is publicly not available. We will update this section once the information is available.
Karen Briggs Early Life and Education
Briggs was born on 12 August 1963 in Manhattan, New York City, to Frank Briggs, Jr. and Ruthie Powell. Her father played saxophone and sang in a Doo-wop group, her grandfather played trumpet and piano, and many other members of her family were either musicians or singers. The family lived in Manhattan’s Harlem neighborhood and Englewood, New Jersey before transferring to Portsmouth, Virginia, where Karen grew up.
Briggs started carrying violin lessons at twelve years old, and as a child had a talent for playing violin pieces by ear. She was the head of her class orchestra as a teenager and served at a competition at Woodrow Wilson High School. She also played alongside her father and his colleagues, and at their encouragement, she made the decision at age 15 to become a professional jazz violinist.
After graduating high school in 1981, she went to Norfolk State College where she majored in mass media studies and music education. She was also the first member of her family to attend college.
Karen Briggs Rise to Fame
Briggs is an accomplished violinist who rose to fame through her extraordinary talent and hard work. At the age of 12, Briggs started playing the violin and fast showed a natural aptitude for music. She attended Norfolk State College, where she studied jazz and classical music. After graduation, she moved to Los Angeles and started playing with various bands and musicians, including the jazz fusion group, The Crusaders.
Also, she rose to fame in 199 after she joined the music industry icon Yanni’s orchestra, and her career took off. She became a featured soloist on his albums and tours, and her performances earned her a devoted following around the world. Briggs’ improvisational abilities and technical mastery of the violin earned her the nickname “The Lady in Red” due to her striking appearance on stage.
Briggs continued to collaborate with a range of musicians throughout her career, including Diana Ross, Stanley Clarke, Chaka Khan, and Wynton Marsalis. She also released several albums of her own, showcasing her diverse range of musical styles and influences.
Karen Briggs Parents
Briggs was born in Manhattan, Manhattan, New York, United States as the daughter of Frank Briggs, Jr. (father) who played saxophone and sang in a Doo-wop group, and Ruthie Powell (mother).
Karen Briggs Siblings
Any information about Briggs’s siblings is publicly not available. It is not known if she has children. We will update this section once the information is available.
Karen Briggs Husband
Briggs is a married woman whose husband’s information is publicly not available. The couple did their wedding in 1988. However, information about her husband will be updated once available.
Karen Briggs Children
Any information about Briggs’s children is publicly not available. It is not known if she has children. We will update this section once the information is available.
Karen Briggs Net Worth
Briggs has an estimated net worth of $5 Million dollars as of 2023. This includes her assets, money, and income. Her primary source of income is her career as a Violinist. Through her various sources of income, Briggs has been able to accumulate good fortune but prefers to lead a modest lifestyle.
Karen Briggs Measurements and Facts
Here are some interesting facts and body measurements you should know about Karen Briggs;
Karen Briggs Wiki
- Full Names: Karen Briggs
- Popular As: Violinist
- Gender: Female
- Occupation / Profession: Violinist
- Nationality: American
- Race / Ethnicity: White
- Religion: To be Updated
- Sexual Orientation: Straight
Karen Briggs Birthday
- Age / How Old?: 60 Years (2023)
- Zodiac Sign: Leo
- Date of Birth: 12 August 1963
- Place of Birth: Manhattan, Manhattan, New York, United States
- Birthday: 12 August
Karen Briggs Body Measurements
- Height / How Tall?: Average
- Weight: Moderate
- Eye Color: To be Updated
- Hair Color: To be Updated
- Shoe Size: To be Updated
- Dress Size: To be Updated
- Breast Size: To be Updated
- Waist Size: To be Updated
- Hip Size: To be Updated
Karen Briggs Family and Relationship
- Father (Dad): Frank Briggs, Jr.
- Mother: Ruthie Powell
- Siblings (Brothers and Sisters): To be Updated
- Marital Status: Married
- Spouse/Husband: Not Known
- Dating/Boyfriend: Not Applicable
- Children: To be Updated
Karen Briggs Net Worth and Salary
- Net Worth: $5 Million
- Salary: To be Updated
- Source of Income: Violinist
Karen Briggs Early Career Experiences
Briggs began playing the violin at the age of 12. He partook in her school’s orchestra program and fast rose to become the first violinist. She also played in different local orchestras and chamber groups.
Briggs continued her music education at Norfolk State College, where she studied under Dr. William Lincer, the concertmaster of the Virginia Symphony Orchestra. Lincer acknowledged Briggs’ talent and helped her develop her skills.
Nevertheless, she became the youngest member of the Virginia Symphony Orchestra at the age of 19. She played with the orchestra for several years, which gave her a valuable understanding of playing in a professional setting.
In the mid-1980s, she started cooperating with jazz musicians, including Stanley Clarke, Jean-Luc Ponty, and the jazz fusion group, Vertú. These collaborations allowed Briggs to showcase her unique style of playing and earn credit outside of the classical music world.
In 1993, Briggs was invited to join Yanni’s touring band. She toured with Yanni for over a decade and became a featured soloist in many of his concerts and recordings.
Karen Briggs Violinist
Briggs is an American violinist who is known for her versatile style that combines classical music with jazz, R&B, and hip-hop where she began playing the violin at the age of 12.
Briggs attended the High School of Music and Art in New York City, where she studied classical music. She later went on to attend the Berklee College of Music in Boston, where she studied jazz. After graduating, she began playing in jazz clubs and backing up various R&B and hip-hop artists.
In the 1990s, she became known for her work as a touring musician with the jazz-fusion band, Yanni. She played on several of Yanni’s albums and was featured prominently in his concerts and live recordings. She also recorded with other notable musicians such as Wynton Marsalis, Diana Ross, and Chaka Khan.
Briggs has released several solo albums, including “Amazing Grace” and “Soulchestral Groove,” which showcase her unique blend of classical and contemporary styles. She has also been a featured artist on numerous albums, including the soundtrack for the movie “The Color Purple.”
In addition to her music career, Briggs is a motivational speaker and has given talks on topics such as perseverance, determination, and creativity. She is also involved in various charitable organizations, including the United Nations Development Programme and the American Cancer Society.
Karen Briggs Songs
- Acroyali/Standing in Motion” – Karen Briggs is featured on this Yanni song from the album “Live at the Acropolis,” where her electrifying violin solo became one of the most iconic moments of the concert.
- “Pachelbel’s Canon in D” – Briggs has recorded her own version of the classical piece, showcasing her virtuosity and unique interpretation of the famous melody.
- “Amazing Grace” – This is the title track of one of Karen Briggs’ solo albums, where she puts her own spin on the traditional hymn, infusing it with a contemporary jazz sound.
- “Soulchestral Groove” – The title track of another one of Karen Briggs’ solo albums, which features her improvisational skills and fusion of classical and contemporary styles.
- “Said Enough” – This song by American R&B group 702 features Karen Briggs’ violin playing prominently in the instrumental interludes.
- “He Ain’t Heavy, He’s My Brother” – Karen Briggs is featured on this version of the classic song by The Hollies, recorded for a charity album to benefit victims of Hurricane Katrina.
Karen Briggs Accomplishments
- Briggs has worked with many acclaimed musicians, including Yanni, Diana Ross, Wynton Marsalis, Kenny G, and many others. Her collaborations have allowed her to showcase her unique style of playing and gain recognition across a range of genres.
- She has released several solo albums, including “Soulchestral Groove” and “Amazing Grace.” These albums showcase her versatility and range as a musician, incorporating elements of jazz, classical, and other genres.
- Also, she has served at many high-profile events, including the Academy Awards, the Grammy Awards, and the Essence Music Festival. She has also performed for notable figures such as Nelson Mandela, Oprah Winfrey, and Bill Clinton.
- Briggs has obtained several awards and honors throughout her career, including the NAACP Image Award, the Sammy Davis Jr. Award for Entertainer of the Year, and the Virginia Governor’s Award for the Arts.
- Briggs is a strong advocate for music education and has worked to promote music programs in schools. She has also worked with the Sphinx Organization, a non-profit organization that supports the development of young classical musicians of color.
Karen Briggs Future Aspirations and Goals
Briggs has established herself as a highly sought-after musician, and it is likely that she will continue to perform and collaborate with other artists across a range of genres.
She has released several solo albums, and it is possible that she may have plans to create new music and release more albums in the future.
Karen Briggs Legacy
Briggs’s legacy is seen for her unique style of playing, which blends elements of classical, jazz, and other genres. Her virtuosic playing and innovative use of techniques such as harmonics and double stops have inspired other musicians and helped to expand the possibilities of the violin as a solo instrument.
Briggs has been a strong advocate for music education and has performed to elevate the importance of music programs in schools. Her efforts have helped to ensure that young people have access to music education and chances to develop their musical talents.
Briggs’ talent and success have inspired many young musicians, particularly those from underrepresented communities. Her achievements have shown that with commitment and hard work, it is possible to achieve success as a musician regardless of one’s background or circumstances.
Karen Briggs Anecdotes
Briggs’ love for the violin started when she was in church and heard the sound of the violin. She was so moved by the sound that she was determined to learn to play the instrument.
Briggs was the youngest member of the Virginia Symphony Orchestra when she joined at the age of 19. She had to get special permission from her parents to join the orchestra because she was still a student at Norfolk State University.
Her partnership with Yanni started when he heard her playing the violin at a jazz club in Santa Monica, California. Impressed by her playing, Yanni invited Briggs to join his band and tour with him.
During a performance in Mexico, Briggs’ violin was stolen. Undeterred, she borrowed a violin from a local musician and continued with the performance, impressing the audience with her skill and professionalism.
Briggs has a signature move during her performances where she plays the violin while moving her head and body in a way that matches the rhythm of the music. This unique style has become one of her trademarks and has helped to set her apart from other violinists.
Karen Briggs Quotes
Karen Briggs Hobbies and interests:
- Hobbies: Music
- Passions: Involvement in community outreach programs
- Interests: Dance
Frequently Asked Questions About Karen Briggs
Karen Briggs is an American violinist who was born in Manhattan to a family of musicians. However, Briggs took up the violin at age 12 and dedicated herself to playing professionally at age 15.
Briggs is an American national born on 12 August 1963, in Manhattan, Manhattan, New York, United States.
Briggs stands at an average height, she has not shared her height with the public. Her height will be listed once we have it from a credible source.
Briggs is a married woman whose husband’s information is publicly not available.
Briggs has an approximate net worth of $5 Million. This amount has been accrued from her leading roles in the entertainment industry.
Details about Briggs’s salary are not yet disclosed. However, information about how much she makes will be updated as soon as it is available.
Briggs is a resident of Los Angeles, California, USA, we shall upload pictures of her house as soon as we have them.
Briggs is alive and in good health. There have been no reports of her being sick or having any health-related issues.
Briggs is currently touring across 1 country and has 12 upcoming concerts.
Karen Briggs Contacts
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