Perri has an older brother that has played guitar for various bands, which led directly to her interest in music. The Philadelphia native taught herself to play guitar at the age of sixteen, and later piano after her brother moved out because she missed hearing music being played in the house.
She moved to Los Angeles when she was 21 to pursue her music career, which scared her immensely and likely led to her lyrics in ‘Sad Song’ when she says, “I wonder what my mom and dad would say if I told them that I cry each day. It’s hard enough to live so far away.”
Christina Perri originally released ‘Distance’ in Lovestrong, her debut album. This version with Jason Mraz was later released in the deluxe version of the album.
Christina Perri generated attention by devoting herself to making videos for YouTube.