Jack Savoretti

Of Italian and English extraction, former poet turned acoustic singer and songwriter Jack Savoretti got his start in the business by word of mouth, literally. His hairdresser just happened to be friends with the very music executive who had signed and promoted Natalie Imbruglia. A conversation between that rep — Anne Barrett — and said stylist led to an in-office audition for Savoretti, who blew Barrett away, and she signed him on the spot. His first single, "Without," was released in late 2006. A minor hit on Radio 2, it was enough to attract the attention of Corinne Bailey Rae, who asked Savoretti to join her on her European tour that year. Savoretti's first full-length offering, Between the Minds, was released in 2007, and would be a Top 100 charter in the U.K. that year. His first headlining tour — of cafes — kicked off in early 2008 and was followed by the re-release of his debut album, this time featuring a bonus disc of acoustic versions.