Durand Bernarr Takes Home First Grammy, Readies New Music

Durand Bernarr just took home his first Grammy, but if you thought he was resting on his laurels, think again. The multifaceted crooner, known for his unique blend of R&B, personality, and viral moments, is already back in the lab, proving his own words true: "Not for nothing, I do say [if] you take your eyes off me for two seconds, you miss a lot." This recent win is a testament to over two decades of independent grind, culminating in a moment that brought his parents to the stage and promises even more groundbreaking music ahead.

Bernarr, born Bernarr Durand Ferebee Jr., recently secured the Grammy Award for Best Progressive R&B Album. This significant achievement in February saw him recognized for his distinctive artistry, often drawing comparisons to the dynamic stage presence of Jenifer Lewis and the late Little Richard. The victory was not just a personal triumph but also a shared family moment, with his parents, Bernarr Sr. and Sharolyn Ferebee, joining him on stage to celebrate. This public acknowledgment of his journey struck a deep chord with the artist.

Following the Grammy win, Bernarr wasted no time, heading straight back to the studio. What began as an intention to create a deluxe version of his acclaimed album BLOOM quickly transformed into a much larger project. Originally planning for just five new tracks, the creative sessions exploded with ideas, leading to 28 fresh concepts that will form his next body of work, titled BERNARR.. This new endeavor signals a bold evolution, with Bernarr actively pushing his own artistic boundaries and exploring new sonic territories.

Bernarr's musical foundation was laid early, influenced by both his parents. At just 16, he toured with Earth, Wind & Fire alongside his father, an audio engineer, serving as a production assistant. His mother, a church music director, further cultivated his passion for gospel music. His rise to public attention began in 2007, when he started posting covers on YouTube, captivating audiences with his distinct personality and impressive vocal range. This early online presence led to his official debut in 2009 with the mixtape Alcoholharmony: The Mixt@pe, which included both studio versions of his popular YouTube covers and original content.

The year 2010 saw the release of his second EP, 8ight: The Stepson of Erykah Badu, a collection of Erykah Badu covers and medleys that caught the eye of the neo-soul icon herself. Badu reached out to him via Twitter, and by 2011, Bernarr joined her band Nedda Stella as a background vocalist. During this period, he reportedly made "mental notes about what I would like for my show, what I would like to do, how I would like to conduct myself," absorbing lessons from a master. His holiday-themed debut album, Extra Stankin' Christmas, followed in 2012. By 2019, Billboard recognized him as an "artist to know," and he placed among the top three contestants on the reality singing competition The Next Big Thing.

His momentum continued to build with significant releases and performances. In 2020, he dropped the album DUR&, which featured the hit single "STUCK." with Ari Lennox, officially released on August 28 of that year. Two years later, on September 23, 2022, he unveiled his album Wanderlust, drawing inspiration from Kelis' 2001 album Wanderland. That same year, his participation in the Soul Cypher at the Soul Train Awards further elevated his profile. A standout moment in 2023 was his acclaimed Tiny Desk Concert for NPR Music on March 6. During the 22-minute performance, he paid homage to Bobby Proud from Disney Channel's The Proud Family, appearing in a distinctive white and magenta sequined outfit and a pompadour-styled wig, with his band and backing vocalists also dressed as characters from the beloved show.

Bernarr reflected on his Grammy win, particularly sharing the stage with his parents. "Because my parents are boomers, I was always curious about what part of my career and my legacy they would be able to be a part of physically," he reportedly said. "I don't have kids. So, it's like, what milestone would they be able to experience? For them to not only witness [this], but also be there was a very pivotal moment. I felt like that moment was just a global timeline cleanse." The new project also sees him collaborating with an impressive roster of musical heavyweights, including Raphael Saadiq, James Fauntleroy, Bryan-Michael Cox, Johnt Austin, Troy Taylor, Leven Kali, Bongo ByTheWay, Ryan James Carr, and Kandi Burress. James Fauntleroy, with whom Bernarr connected a year or two after Saadiq, has become a trusted "filter" for his new music. Bernarr explained, "I'll play some songs for him, and if he slams his fists like, 'Damn, why didn't I do that?' It's like, okay, we've gotten somewhere." Troy Taylor, a veteran producer, reportedly praised Bernarr for teaching him new tricks, with Bernarr recalling, "I'm taking Altoids, and I'm reading the nutritional facts and all that stuff and trying to come up with melodies. He's like, 'I've never in my 30 years seen anybody do that.'"

Bernarr has maintained an independent career throughout, a rare feat in the music industry, yet he remains open to seeking support and building on his accomplishments. He noted that "yesterday's price is not today's price," indicating his growing value and readiness for broader collaboration. His prior album, BLOOM, was described as a "love letter to his platonic relationships" and a spotlight on mental health. His publicist and friend, Shean England, reportedly suggested it was "time" for such a "love album." Bernarr reflected on its impact, stating, "Who knew that a project about platonic love and the love that we have with our friends-turned-family would make that kind of impact? Would make that much noise that people would love it?" He also highlighted the need for "those of us who are in therapy and working on ourselves...to be the best...for the people around us" to have a "theme song."

With BERNARR., he consciously avoided the pressure to replicate BLOOM's success, stating, "That was that moment, and I'm not trying to reheat my own nachos." Instead, he focused on fresh storytelling and sonic exploration. He even challenged himself to sing a song he initially disliked, pushing beyond self-imposed limitations, explaining, "It ain't about what I like, it's about what's going to take me to the next level." This experimental approach led to "My Life," produced by Bryan-Michael Cox, Johnt Austin, and Troy Taylor, which he found "most challenging" to sing but ultimately loved, joking that once people hear it, they'll "take this song away from me," comparing it to Mary J. Blige's iconic performance of "I'm Goin' Down."

The upcoming album, BERNARR., originally considered as BLOOMING with a brighter feel, evolved to a title and cover that better encapsulate its diverse content. The cover art itself draws inspiration from R&B legends like Teddy Pendergrass, Luther Vandross, Lionel Richie, and Michael Jackson, positioning Bernarr within that lineage. One track, "10,000 Lifetimes," is a ballad dedicated to his father, which he hopes will resonate across generations, aiming for it to be a song "the kids will go to sing at their talent show." This blend of personal homage, artistic growth, and cultural reverence underscores Bernarr's commitment to creating timeless music that spans eras and appeals to a broad audience, solidifying his unique place in contemporary R&B.