Christina Perri is a singer-songwriter, guitarist and pianist from Philadelphia, United States. She grows up in Bensalem, Pennsylvania, and attends Archbishop Ryan High School. She teaches herself guitar at 16 by watching a videotape of Shannon Hoon of Blind Melon performing on VH1. Her older brother, Nick Perri, plays guitar with Shinedown and other artists.

Career

Perri moves to Los Angeles on her 21st birthday. She marries later that year, then begins producing music videos. After divorcing 18 months later, she moves back to Philadelphia toward the end of 2009 and writes her first song, “Jar of Hearts.” She then returns to Los Angeles, works as a waitress at the Melrose Cafe during the day, and records music at night.

“Jar of Hearts” brings her early recognition in 2010 after it is used on So You Think You Can Dance. The song is performed by Billy Bell and Kathryn McCormick, and after the broadcast it sells strongly, enters the Billboard Hot 100 and reaches the top 20. The track also appears on Billboard’s Hot Digital Songs chart, and its video reaches the VH1 top 20 music video countdown. Perri performs it on The Early Show and later on So You Think You Can Dance itself.

Perri signs with Atlantic Records in July 2010. Her five-song EP The Ocean Way Sessions is recorded live and released in November 2010. Her debut album, Lovestrong, follows in 2011 and includes the lead single “Arms.”

Style and work

Her listed genres are pop and singer-songwriter, and she is also associated with indie and rock. The name Perri & Frost also appears as a member credit.