The Humility Of Norah Jones

She Says Her Dominance At The Grammys Made Her Feel Bad

(CBS)  Norah Jones has sold more albums than any other female artist this decade, over 30 million. And she's only 27 years old. But success doesn't drive this low-key, talented singer.

In fact, it makes her uncomfortable—as Katie Couric discovered when she talked to Jones about the 2003 Grammy Awards, when many of us first saw the petite woman behind the unforgettable, seductive voice.

That evening seemed like the coronation of Norah Jones, when at age 23, she swept the awards.

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It was a remarkable night. Her first album of romantic, dreamy ballads earned award after award, including "Best New Artist," "Record of the Year," and "Album of the Year." In all, she won a total of eight Grammys.

She and the album won in every category she was nominated in.

But Jones tells Couric she felt really bad about her sweep. "I felt like I went to somebody else's birthday party and I ate all their cake. Without anybody else getting a piece. That's how I felt.

A year later, her second album went on to sell 10 million copies, proving her success was no fluke.

Last month, 60 Minutes caught her in New York City, performing songs from her just released third album, "Not Too Late." The songs have the signature Norah Jones sound, but unlike her earlier albums, she wrote all the songs and says they’re more honest, more personal and edgier.

"There's a little playfulness but there's also a lot of darker material on this album," Jones says. "And that comes less from me being a dark person than me sort of observing things going on around me and sort of turning them into songs."

Songs like "My Dear Country," which she wrote about two years ago, the day before the election. It’s a political protest song that takes a jab at President Bush.

Asked if she was nervous she'd face a fallout similar to what the Dixie Chicks experienced, Jones tells Couric, "No. It's more of a personal song for me. It's more of, it's just a song about questioning what's going on and frustration. And I think that a lot of people will, would be able to relate to that feeling, especially from the past few years."

Quiet, slow songs are what first made Norah so successful, but some said they could put you to sleep – dubbing her "Snorah Jones."

"One critic wrote, after your first two albums, 'Jones' success is due to not being all that special. You can go to your local jazz club any night and maybe see somebody just as good. All the songs sound the same. There's nothing remotely experimental about them. The songs are, for the most part, fairly pedestrian,'" Couric tells Jones.

"Uh-huh. That's mean. Why would you say that?" asks Jones. "What I was going for in the first two albums I didn't necessarily achieve. Because I was young and because it was my first time out. And the second album was such a 'quickie' sort of 'Let’s just get it over with!' But the kind of music I make, there's a lot of subtlety in it. And I think it takes a couple of listens to actually really get it. 'Pedestrian' is a mean way of saying simple."

"Or accessible," Couric points out.

"Or, they're very accessible," Jones says. "The songs on my new album aren't as accessible. But I'm more proud of them."

[kbgame]

I don't know anything about Ms. Jones or her music (obviously, having lived under a rock for the past several years), but Ms. Couric's on-camera reading of a bad review was uncalled for. What had Ms. Jones done to deserve that? If I take the report for my answer--nothing. Ms. Couric doesn't claim that Ms. Jones touts she's the best in the world or any such hubris. She's opened her heart, that's all. That's what performers do, and the world is a better place for it for the most part.

Is this Ms. Couric's idea of what a tough reporter is supposed to do? In my 30-some years of watching, I've never seen another 60 Minutes correspondent be just plain mean for the mere sake of being mean. One of the old-timers needs to let Ms. Couric know that you do that to the bad guys, not the good guys.

Wow.

[alanost]

I am extremely disappointed in Katie Couric%u2019s treatment of Norah Jones. Not only was Katie mean but she was rude and unprofessional. Given Norah had won eight Grammys I feel quoting such a negative review was absurd. I can only assume the producers convinced Katie she would be part of the 60 minutes club if she got mean and nasty. The only thing it accomplished is making Katie look like a fool. Her simple grin upon hurting Norah%u2019s feelings did not help. I have lost any respect I had for Katie as a journalist. Such a shame. Get ready Katie for you shall reap what you sow.

[jjazmine4]

I have always been a great fan of Katie in the morning. But I was very disappointed in your interview with Norah Jones. Reading that negative comment from a critic (Katie what was the name of the critic you quote? ) in your interview and asking for Norah Jones' response. Pretty, mean, cruel and unnecessary. Norah's response was perfect "That's mean, why would you say that?" Yeah, Katie why would you say that, it seems you need to make some kind of controversey about a talented musician. What's up with that. And in your past fluff interview with Condalisa Rice, where you didn't even bother to ask the most important question, "Why was she shopping and going plays in New York when people were dying in New Orleans?". Now, that is a question a real journalist would ask. Not pick on a talented, gentle, kind, humble artist like Norah Jones.

[arnol_]

I loved seeing Norah, and would prefer it was Scott Pelley interviewing her (I think he's now the best there) but if it had to be Katie Couric, I was still grateful. I don't why she had to quote some idiot putting down her work. And that Dixie Chickified questioning it was pretty dumb.

[atbrown2]

I think that the point is being missed concerning what the Dixie Chicks did. It is not that they spoke out against the president - it is that they were on foreign soil and voiced disapproval of the Commander in Chief at a time in which war was imminent. Not long after 9/11.
Katy Couric's quip about Nora Jones' song about her feeling about this administration causing her to be "Dixie Chickified" to me was like comparing apples to oranges. ..

[atbrown2]

I think that the point is being missed concerning what the Dixie Chicks did. It is not that they spoke out against the president - it is that they were on foreign soil and voiced disapproval of the Commander in Chief at a time in which war was imminent. Not long after 9/11.
Katy Couric's quip about Nora Jones' song about her feeling about this administration causing her to be "Dixie Chickified" to me was like comparing apples to oranges. ..

[one_american]

Although her music talent is gifted, it's clear that what makes Norah Jones "special" to Katie Couric is...she took a jab a President Bush.

That was also apparently what was "special" about the Dixie Chicks at the Grammies. Liberals certainly watch out for their flock of sheep.

And isn't that just like the phony liberals and Hollywood.

Norah Jones would be well advised not to become a sock puppet of the liberal left loonies, and stick to creating great music.

Alienating half the American population is certainly not good for sales.

Loved the interview with Norah Jones. Great Job Katie. Norah's voice has a wonderful soulful style....love listening to her sing. The interview gave a well rounded look at Norah and her unpretentious lifestyle.

[cjwells2]

I agree with above comments that suggest Katie Couric should stick to Evening News. Her interview with Norah Jones failed to reveal what is special about Norah and her music. Katie's questions were just not adequate for an indepth interview. 60 Minutes itself has longevity because the interviewers over the years have been top notch, asking all the right questions.

cjwells2

[mistero06]

Katie Couric is worse than a train wreck.
The woman has no journalistic comprehension.
I had a hard time watching the segment because I was so turned off by Ms. Couric's lack of interviewing skills. Ms. Couric even attempted to put words in Ms. Jones's mouth. Sickening. It was less a piece about Norah Jones as it was a Katie Couric interview and Ms. Couric is proving more and more that she does not fit the CBS level of intellectual or journalistic excellence.

[tishtheo]

Norah was amazing Katie was a train wreck. She is no Ed Bradley. He had conversations with artists and Katie borders on antagonizing them. He was curious about the art Katie judges the art and artist... PLEASE find someone else to interview your artists, someone who can let us make up our own minds and absorb the conversation. I want an interviewer who'smore interested in the interview and not interested in being a part of the subject. Katie spoiled the interview, she was a distraction.

I want someone who appreciates and respects the beauty of different kinds of art withouth giving us their opinion.

More Norah and artists please...less Katie. She should stick to Nightly News.

[jetauma]

Norah, Norah, Norah...so much talent in one little person. And...just as nice and humble as she is pretty, charming, and talented. No wonder I have so little of these. Afterall, there's only so much to go around. She got my share and that of most other pretenders...screaming, behaving like arrogant brats, thinking themselves so special...yet unable to hold candle to her simple ease.
I guess it's fair to say I am an admirer.
The wonder is...what lies in store as she matures?

[cntrygrllst]

This is an incredible young woman. I have yet to hear anything she has done I don't really enjoy.

[olebd]

I like cake Norah! You can send me a piece if you have too much. We can sing a duet together!