Norah Jones, the name synonymous with soulful melodies and romantic ballads, has captivated audiences worldwide while often keeping her personal life under wraps. While fans are familiar with her illustrious music career, many are curious about the man who shares her life both on and off stage: Pete Remm. This article delves into the life of Pete Remm, Norah Jones’ husband, exploring his own musical talents, their decade-long marriage, and their shared journey as parents and partners in music.
Pete Remm: The Mysterious Musician from New York City
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Hailing from the vibrant streets of New York City, Pete Remm cultivates an air of mystery, preferring to keep a low public profile despite his deep involvement in the music industry. Unlike many in the limelight, Remm appears to intentionally avoid the pervasive nature of social media, with only a dormant Myspace account hinting at his online presence. This preference for privacy is something Norah Jones herself has acknowledged and respects. In a 2016 interview with Billboard, Jones highlighted Remm’s desire to remain enigmatic, stating, “He likes to stay mysterious, and I’m going to let him stay mysterious. Totally his call.” This deliberate choice to stay out of the spotlight adds to the intrigue surrounding Pete Remm, making fans even more curious about the man behind the music.
Pete Remm’s Musical Prowess: A Multi-Instrumentalist and Songwriter
Pete Remm is far from just being known as Norah Jones’ husband; he is a highly accomplished musician in his own right. His talent spans across a range of instruments, showcasing his versatility and deep musical understanding. As Jones revealed on the Armchair Expert podcast, Remm is proficient in electric guitar, organ, piano, and drums. This multi-instrumental skill set makes him an invaluable collaborator, both in his personal and professional life with Norah Jones.
Their shared passion for music is a cornerstone of their relationship. Jones has fondly mentioned that their favorite moments of musical collaboration happen within the walls of their home. Remm’s contributions to Jones’ albums began notably with Day Breaks in 2016, and he has been a consistent musical presence on her projects ever since. Beyond his work with Jones, Remm’s musical talent has led him to collaborate with other music icons, including Ringo Starr. He lent his piano and organ skills to Starr’s tracks, including the song “You Can’t Fight Lightning,” further cementing his reputation as a sought-after and respected musician in the industry.
The Beginning of Love: Pete Remm and Norah Jones’ Relationship Blossoms
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The romantic journey of Pete Remm and Norah Jones began during a significant period in Jones’ musical career – the recording of her breakup album, Little Broken Hearts, released in 2012. During this time, while Jones was renting a house in Los Angeles, Remm became a frequent visitor, marking the early stages of their relationship. Despite the melancholic themes of the album, Jones recalls this period with fondness, associating it with the joy of new love and companionship amidst the creative process. She shared with the Associated Press in July 2023 that her time in Los Angeles, surrounded by friends and her burgeoning relationship with Remm, contributed to happy memories despite the album’s darker tones.
While the specifics of their first meeting and wedding remain private, Jones mentioned in a 2019 Armchair Expert podcast interview that they had been married for five years at that point, placing their marriage around 2014. This timeline highlights a decade of partnership built on mutual respect, shared passions, and a deep personal connection, away from the prying eyes of the public.
Musical Synergy: Pete Remm and Norah Jones’ Collaborative Spirit
Pete Remm and Norah Jones’ relationship is not just a personal one; it’s a vibrant musical partnership. Remm’s contributions are evident across Jones’ albums starting from Day Breaks in 2016. He is a regular keyboardist in her band and has been seen accompanying Jones on stage, including a notable performance with Mavis Staples in July 2024 where he played the organ. This collaborative spirit extends beyond performance to songwriting as well. Remm co-wrote “I’m On My Way” on Jones’ latest album Visions, and he also penned the song “I’ll Be Gone,” which was performed by Jones and Staples, showcasing his songwriting talents.
Their seamless musical collaboration is a testament to their deep understanding and shared artistic vision, making their professional and personal lives beautifully intertwined.
Public Confirmation: A Friend Unveils the Secret
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Interestingly, the public confirmation of Pete Remm’s identity as Norah Jones’ husband wasn’t directly from the couple, but rather through a casual name-drop by fellow musician Valerie June. In a 2016 NPR interview, June spoke about her collaboration with Jones, mentioning, “First of all, [Norah] was kind enough to lend Pete Remm and his masterful B3 and keys to play on almost every song. He brought some magic!” June further added, “Then, they gave us the key to their place to let us go over and record some of my vocals while they were on the road.”
This unintentional reveal by Valerie June in 2016 was the first time Pete Remm was publicly identified as Norah Jones’ husband. While Jones had previously spoken about her husband and children, she had intentionally kept his name private. This revelation offered fans a glimpse into her personal life, confirming the long-suspected relationship between Norah Jones and Pete Remm.
Family Life: Balancing Music and Parenthood
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Pete Remm and Norah Jones are not only partners in music and marriage but also in parenthood. They have two children: a son born in February 2014 and a daughter welcomed in July 2016. While they maintain privacy regarding their children’s names and faces, Jones has shared heartwarming anecdotes about raising them in a musical household.
In a 2022 interview with PEOPLE, Jones mentioned how their children have broadened their musical horizons. “We listen to pop radio together, which is hilarious because my husband and I have never been … we never listened to that as adults necessarily,” she shared. She also expressed joy that her children enjoy her music, creating a shared family experience around their musical heritage.
One particularly endearing story Jones shared on the Armchair Expert podcast highlighted Pete Remm’s close bond with their son. During a school costume party, their son chose to dress up as his father, wearing Pete’s clothes that were comically oversized. “He’s a real daddy’s boy,” Jones affectionately noted, illustrating the warm family dynamic they cherish.
Touring as a Family: On the Road with Pete Remm and the Kids
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Balancing demanding music careers with family life is a challenge many touring musicians face, but Pete Remm and Norah Jones have found a way to integrate both seamlessly. They often bring their children on tour with them, turning it into a family affair. Jones shared an Instagram post in October 2015 of her son exploring a theater during a sound check, captioning it “First show! #ontheroadagain,” showcasing their commitment to including their family in their professional journeys.
Pete Remm has also been instrumental in shaping Jones’ approach to her career, particularly after becoming parents. He suggested releasing singles instead of full albums to ease the pressure of extensive album cycles and lengthy tours. Jones acknowledged this on Dax Shepard’s podcast in April 2019, stating, “My husband had this idea… I don’t want to do a whole album cycle and take my kids on the road for a year… I don’t need to, right? And that’s great. I’m lucky.” This reflects their collaborative approach to navigating their careers and family life, prioritizing both their artistic pursuits and family well-being.
“And Then There Was You”: A Song Inspired by Pete Remm
Pete Remm’s influence extends beyond musical collaboration and career decisions; he is also a source of inspiration for Norah Jones’ songwriting. In a 2016 Rolling Stone interview, Jones revealed that her song “And Then There Was You” from the album Day Breaks was inspired by her feelings for Remm. When asked about songs on the album that were influenced by motherhood, Jones pointed to this track, with its romantic lyrics like, “Until I found you, my dear, I thought love was a shame, so I threw it away. And then there was you.”
Jones explained that while the initial inspiration was Remm, the song’s completion came after the birth of their son, deepening its emotional resonance. Adding another layer to their musical partnership, Remm contributed to the song by playing the organ and electric guitar and assisting with its composition. “And Then There Was You” stands as a beautiful testament to their love and partnership, immortalized in Jones’ soulful music.
Pete Remm, though preferring to remain behind the scenes, is clearly a central figure in Norah Jones’ life, both personally and professionally. His musical talents, supportive partnership, and shared family life with Jones paint a picture of a deeply fulfilling and harmonious relationship. While he may be “mysterious” to the public eye, his impact on Norah Jones’ life and music is undeniably significant, making him an intriguing and important part of her story.
