For someone so young (25) Samara Joy has already accomplished what many take a lifetime to achieve by winning five Grammys and garnering international fame. But how did she do it in such a short amount of time?

Joy was first introduced to jazz as a junior in high school, when she was invited to sit in on a jazz band practice one day. She decided to join and soon won Best Vocalist at the Essentially Ellington Festival, which seeks to highlight up-and-coming jazz musicians.

Her studies took her to Purchase College where her music professors knew they had something special. They encouraged her to compete in the Sarah Vaughan International Jazz Vocal Competition, which she won. One of the judges, Christian McBride, had one question after hearing her sing. “Who’s grandma is in that young body?”

There were actually quite a few family members. Samara Joy’s last name is McLendon and she is part of a long line of McLendon singers. Her father toured with gospel singer Andraé Crouch. Her grandparents founded the gospel group The Savettes.

Samara grew up singing in a family of singers. But, still, how does she channel such depths? That was my question when listening to her sophomore album, Linger Awhile. I couldn’t square the voice with the cherubic figure on the cover. The person singing had to be seasoned veteran with all the heartbreak and pain that comes with reaching a certain. Right?

McBride made an insightful observation when interviewed by 60 Minutes. He said many jazz musicians have the technical skills, but the greats have something that gets you right here. He then pointed to his heart.

I once read that the reason Frank Sinatra was so successful was his ability to make you think he was singing directly to you. Listening to Joy’s “Guess Who I Saw Today,” I felt like I was in the room, hearing an intimate conversation. I could see the martinis, the downtown shopping, the cozy French cafe, all from an urbane, mature voice, measured even though the singer had no reason to be.