Sara Bareilles

Sara Bareilles – Life, Career, and Memorable Quotes

Discover the compelling life, musical journey, and philosophy of Sara Bareilles. From “Love Song” to Broadway, explore her biography, creative vision, and inspiring quotes.

Introduction

Sara Bareilles (born December 7, 1979) is an American singer, songwriter, musician, and actress whose work bridges pop, soul, and musical theater. She first gained wide recognition with her hit “Love Song,” and has since expanded her reach into Broadway (notably Waitress), television, and acting. With her piano-based style, honest lyrics, and artistic integrity, Bareilles is widely respected as a creative voice in modern music.

Early Life and Family

Sara Beth Bareilles was born in Eureka, California.

• Her father, Paul Bareilles, worked as an insurance adjuster.

• Her mother, Bonnie Jean, worked at a funeral home.

• Sara is the youngest of three daughters; she also has a younger half-sister.

• Her heritage includes Portuguese, German, Swiss-Italian, French, and Italian ancestries.

When Sara was about 12, her parents divorced.

During her youth, she was active in choir, community theater, and school musicals.

Youth, Education & Musical Beginnings

After high school (graduated 1998 from Eureka High), she enrolled at UCLA, majoring in communication studies.

While at UCLA, she sang with the a cappella group Awaken a Cappella. Her performance of an original song, “Gravity,” appeared on their album.

She taught herself to play piano (and other instruments) and began writing her own songs, performing in small venues, bars, and cafés (e.g. Hotel Café in Los Angeles).

In 2003, she released demos (e.g. The First One, The Summer Sessions) and in 2004 she self-produced her first full album, Careful Confessions.

Her early performances opened for artists like Guster and she toured in small venues, gradually building a fanbase.

Career and Achievements

Breakthrough: Little Voice and “Love Song”

Sara signed with Epic Records in 2005.

Her major-label debut, Little Voice (2007), contained her signature hit “Love Song”, which peaked at No. 4 on the Billboard Hot 100 and became certified multi-platinum.

“Love Song” was nominated for Song of the Year and Best Female Pop Vocal Performance at the 51st Grammy Awards.

The song’s success established her as a mainstream artist.

Albums & Artistic Growth

• Her sophomore full album, Kaleidoscope Heart (2010), debuted at No. 1 in the U.S.

• From this era came the single “King of Anything”.

• In 2013, she released The Blessed Unrest, which included “Brave”, another anthem of self-expression.

Throughout her career, she experimented with different sounds, collaborated with other artists, and refined her songwriting and arranging.

Broadway & Theater Work

One of her significant expansions was into musical theater:

• She wrote the music and lyrics for the Broadway musical Waitress, which premiered in 2015.

• She also released an album What’s Inside: Songs from Waitress (2015) which included songs that were used and unused in the show.

• She took on the lead role of Jenna Hunterson in Waitress on Broadway in multiple runs.

• She contributed musically to other stage projects, such as SpongeBob SquarePants (musical) and a revival of Into the Woods, earning further Tony nominations.

Acting & Television

Sara has also pursued acting and television roles:

• In 2018, she portrayed Mary Magdalene in Jesus Christ Superstar Live in Concert, earning critical attention and an Emmy nomination.

• She hosted the 72nd Tony Awards in 2018 (with Josh Groban).

• She starred in the musical comedy TV show Girls5eva (2021 onward) as Dawn Solano.

• She has appeared in various TV series and specials (e.g. Little Voice, 30 Rock).

Awards & Honors

• She has sold millions of albums and singles in the U.S.

• She has won Grammy Awards and earned multiple nominations.

• She has been nominated for Tony Awards and Emmy Awards.

• She has been recognized by the Songwriters Hall of Fame for her contributions to songwriting.

Historical & Cultural Context

Sara Bareilles entered the mainstream music world during a period when singer-songwriters needed to combine pop appeal with authenticity. Her piano-based style and lyrical sincerity resonated with audiences seeking music with emotional depth.

Her transition into musical theater reflects a broader trend of crossover between pop artists and Broadway, bringing new audiences and creative energy into stage productions.

Her influence also lies in how she navigated the music industry—balancing commercial success with artistic integrity and resisting pressures to conform strictly to trends.

Personality, Creative Ethos & Artistic Style

Sara’s artistry is often described as “piano-based pop soul”—a fusion of melody, emotional storytelling, and expressive vocals.

She frequently addresses themes of vulnerability, authenticity, bravery, and self-expression in her lyrics.

In interviews, she has emphasized community, honesty, and showing up as who she is. In a 2025 interview, she stated, “I think community is the medicine”.

She also has spoken publicly about mental health and dealing with anxiety, saying:

“I’m dealing with old demons of anxiety and depression … working to manage that while taking in what’s happening …”

Her songwriting process often begins with honest expression, then refining into universal themes that connect with listeners.

Famous Quotes

Here are some notable quotes by Sara Bareilles:

• “Say what you wanna say and let the words fall out honestly.”

• “Show me how big your brave is.” (from "Brave")

• “I’m dealing with old demons of anxiety and depression and working to manage that while taking in what’s happening …”

• “I think community is the medicine.”

These quotes reflect her emphasis on honesty, courage, vulnerability, and shared human experience.

Lessons from Sara Bareilles’s Journey

1. Authenticity matters
   She built a career by writing songs that reflected her truth, resisting the urge to compromise for commercial formula.

2. Embrace multiple creative paths
   From pop music to theater to acting, she shows that creative identity doesn’t need to be boxed.

3. Vulnerability is strength
   Sharing struggles with mental health and fear strengthens connection with audiences.

4. Community nurtures art
   Her belief that community is “medicine” underscores that music is relational, not solitary.

5. Bravery in expression
   Her signature song “Brave” is not just a hit, but a manifesto about voice, self, and courage.

Conclusion

Sara Bareilles exemplifies the artist who refuses to be limited: her journey from a small town in California to chart-topping hits, to composing and starring in musicals, to acting in television shows, reflects both breadth and depth. She remains grounded in honesty, community, and emotional truth.