Laufey Lín Jónsdóttir, known mononymously as Laufey, has taken the jazz world by storm, captivating audiences globally with her unique blend of jazz tradition and contemporary sensibilities. Her meteoric rise has sparked considerable interest in every facet of her life, and one of the most frequently asked questions by burgeoning fans is: How Old Is Laufey?
Born on April 23, 1999, Laufey’s age as of late 2023 is 24 years old. This young age is particularly striking when considering the magnitude of her accomplishments. In just a few short years after graduating from Berklee College of Music in 2021, Laufey has achieved what many artists aspire to over decades. Her second studio album, Bewitched, released in September 2023, marked the biggest debut for a jazz album on Spotify, breaking records and solidifying her position as a leading figure in contemporary jazz. This achievement is even more impressive considering her age, highlighting her exceptional talent and dedication from a young age.
Laufey performing, showcasing her talent as a young jazz artist and Berklee alumna.
Laufey’s journey into music began remarkably early. Growing up in Reykjavik and Washington, D.C., with a Chinese mother and Icelandic father, she was immersed in a musical environment. Her mother, a violinist, and her grandfather, a violin teacher, instilled in her a deep appreciation for classical music. Laufey began studying piano and violin at a very young age, demonstrating prodigious talent from the outset. By the age of 15, she was already performing cello solos with the Iceland Symphony Orchestra and gaining national recognition on Iceland Got Talent. While she humorously recalls finishing in second place on the show, this experience marked an early milestone in her burgeoning career.
Despite her classical training, Laufey harbored a deep love for jazz vocalists like Billie Holiday, Ella Fitzgerald, and Chet Baker. This passion led her to Berklee College of Music, where she received a prestigious Presidential Scholarship in 2018. At Berklee, Laufey skillfully merged her classical foundation with her jazz inclinations, forging a distinctive artistic identity. It was during her time at Berklee, just before the campus closure in spring 2020, that a 19-year-old Laufey penned and recorded her debut song, “Street by Street.” This intimate song, born from heartbreak and a desire for self-reclamation, resonated deeply with listeners. Its release in the early days of the pandemic propelled her to international recognition, topping charts in Iceland and setting her on the path to stardom.
Laufey’s success is not just about breaking records; it’s about bridging generational gaps in music. As a young artist, she is consciously bringing the timeless appeal of jazz and classical music to a new, younger audience. Her goal, as she articulates, is to present these “older styles of music to a new audience and frame it as something that’s new and relevant and cool.” Her Grammy nomination for Best Traditional Pop Vocal Album further validates her ability to connect with audiences while honoring musical traditions.
At just 24 years old, Laufey has already amassed over 1 billion streams across platforms, a testament to her widespread appeal. Her ability to navigate such rapid success with grace and maturity is remarkable. Her music, characterized by sophisticated arrangements, playful melodies, and lyrics that explore the nuances of young love with a knowing wisdom, resonates with authenticity. Whether collaborating with the Philharmonia Orchestra of London or performing intimate jazz pieces, Laufey’s work bears the unmistakable mark of a genuine artist. Her age is not just a number; it’s a testament to the extraordinary journey of a young musician who is redefining jazz for a new generation.
