(Cover) - EN Showbiz - Esperanza Spalding was determined to make it as a recording artist despite her poor background.

The little-known jazz bassist-and-singer took home the Best New Artist award at the Grammys in February, despite 16-year-old Justin Bieber being favourite to scoop the gong at the prestigious music ceremony.

Esperanza has always worked to earn a living, so says making music as a career is a dream come true.

I grew up poor. So making a living wasnt an issue. Making a living is actually very simple. Figure out how to live with what you have. I always did music and art; was making it with nothing my whole life, she said in an interview with Vibe magazine.

The 26-year-old star says there are perks to being a successful recording artist. However she is never extravagant with her purchases, preferring to use her cash to boost her music.

Having a nice house in a nice neighbourhood is a perk of my success, but I can survive on very little. The glamour and extravagance is within your art, she added. (C) Cover Media