Ten-time Grammy winner Norah Jones and 13-time Grammy recipient John Legend have joined forces for “Summertime Blue.”
The jazzy duet, co-produced by Jones and Gregg Wattenberg, captures the ache of a romance that faded before it had the chance to flourish. Sonically, the ballad feels blissful until the lyrics pull you into their somber reality — a total reflection of the song itself: bittersweet memories.
“Summertime, summertimе, summertime, it’s true / I’m still thinking of you / Left you in a daydream / Now you’re washing over me,” Jones and Legend harmonize.
“I’ve been working on a side project with Gregg, and when I found out he also works with John, I got so excited because I’ve always admired him, but we had never crossed paths,” says Jones. “Gregg said we should do a song together, and got the idea brewing, so I jumped at the chance. John welcomed us to his studio in LA, and we had so much fun recording and hanging.”
Legend adds, “Ah, what a perfect way to start the summer! I’m so honored to be part of this beautiful record with Norah. Her voice, soul and musicianship, her graceful presence, are all undeniable. I’ve been a fan for so long. I’m so glad we could finally collaborate.”
The pair visited Vevo Studios in New York to perform their stunning duet live, with Jones on piano and Legend joining her for a velvety vocal delivery.
Should Jones and Legend submit “Summertime Blue” for Grammy consideration, it wouldn’t be surprising to see it earn a nomination. It’s still early, so we shall see.
“Summertime Blue” is Jones’ first single since Visions, which won Best Traditional Pop Vocal Album at the 67th Grammy Awards in February.
As for Legend, the EGOT (Emmy, Grammy, Oscar, Tony) award winner reissued his iconic debut album, Get Lifted, in November to commemorate its 20th anniversary.
Legend, currently on his Get Lifted 20th Anniversary Tour, released his family-friendly album, My Favorite Dream, in August 2024. It earned him nominations for Best Children’s Music Album and Best Arrangement, Instruments and Vocals at the 67th Grammy Awards.
While he didn’t pick up wins in those categories, he did go home with a trophy for Best Arrangement, Instrumental or Acapella for his contribution to Jacob Collier’s “Bridge Over Troubled Water,” along with Tori Kelly.
Stream Norah Jones and John Legend’s new duet “Summertime Blue” and watch their performance below.
