Cassandra Monique Batie, known professionally as Andra Day, is an American R&B and soul singer, songwriter, and actress.
Known for her powerful voice and compelling performances, Andra’s rise to fame was marked by her breakthrough single, “Rise Up.”
Highlights
- Andra Day has a diverse background with African American and Korean ancestry, which enriches her cultural identity and influences her music.
- Her father, Joseph, who has African American roots, has a strong musical legacy and a successful grill-building business in Las Vegas.
- Her mother, Delia, is of Korean descent and has been a source of inspiration, from working as a church janitor to becoming a children’s book author.
39 years old Andra Day was born in Edmonds, Washington, and is of American nationality.
Her early childhood was spent in Edmonds until age three, when her family relocated to Southern California.
She was raised in Southeast San Diego, where she spent much of her formative years, nurtured by a supportive family that encouraged her passion for music.
Day’s ethnic background is a rich mix of African American and Asian heritage, reflecting the diversity of her family.
Andra Day’s Father, Joseph’s Musical Legacy, and Grill-Building Ventures!
Andra Day’s father, Joseph, is of African American descent, while her mother, Delia, also known as Missy Day, is of Korean ancestry.
Both parents had a significant influence on Day’s musical journey, with their own singing abilities serving as a source of inspiration.
She's not singing the blues tonight. Andra Day wins Best Actress in a Motion Picture, Drama at The #GoldenGlobes. pic.twitter.com/n5GBNMpM4A
— NBC Entertainment (@nbc) March 1, 2021
Day has often spoken about how her mother has a beautiful voice, though she is too shy to share it publicly, and how her father also sings amazingly. She mentioned,
“My mom actually has a beautiful voice, but you’ll never hear it because she’s too shy,” adding that her father, Joseph, sings compellingly as well.
Andra Day
Unfortunately, at 17, Andra’s parents separated and later divorced
However, her father’s presence still continues to be important in her life, and he played a significant role in her upbringing and introduction to music.
She frequently visits her father, who started a backyard grill-building business in Las Vegas in 2015.
Andra Day’s Mother, Delia: From Church Janitor to Children’s Book Author!
Andra Day’s mother has significantly influenced her life. Following her parents’ separation, Andra lived with her mother in San Fernando, California.
Her mother initially supported her by working as a janitor and later as a facilities manager at the First United Methodist Church in Chula Vista.
In addition to her supportive role, Day’s mother has pursued her own creative endeavors, including writing children’s books under the name D. A. Batie.
Her recent book, I Hear the Wind Blow and Wonder showcases her tender approach to children’s literature. Moreover, reacting to that Day has mentioned,
She actually just did one. It’s called I Hear the Wind Blow and Wonder. It’s really cool to see the tenderness of the children in them. Growing up, I ain’t hear no sh*t like this!
Andra Day
However, despite her parents’ separation, Andra maintains a close relationship with both of them.
This was evident when Day won the Golden Globe for Best Actress in a Motion Picture in February, where both of her parents were present, holding her hands and tearing up at the announcement.
Additional Information
- Day’s youngest brother, Jaxon, is also a singer and multi-instrumentalist, whereas her other younger brother restores antique furniture.
- She calls her ender sister, Nadea Guillory, a “gangster” in high school who has now launched three businesses working with children in Seattle.
- Andra Day’s net worth is estimated to be $4 million, and she is gaining acclaim for her talent and hard work in the singing and acting fields.
