Heather Headley, a talented R&B vocalist, was born in Trinidad in the mid-’70s. Raised in a musical environment as the daughter of a pastor, she embraced music and performance art from a young age. Heather began playing concert piano at just four years old and delved into the diverse sounds of her culture, including calypso, soca, and reggae, which later inspired her to pursue a professional singing career. Upon moving to the United States with her family at 15, Heather smoothly assimilated into American culture, immersing herself in its music and complexities. She excelled academically, graduating with honors from high school and furthering her studies in communications and musical theater at Northwestern University.
In 1997, Heather Headley made her mark by portraying Nala in the Broadway production of The Lion King. Her exceptional performance caught the attention of Disney, leading her to audition for the renowned Elton John/Tim Rice musical Aida. Securing the role of the Nubian princess Aida, Heather’s portrayal was mesmerizing and earned her a prestigious Tony Award in 1998. Transitioning from stage to studio, she released her debut solo album, ‘This Is Who I Am,’ in fall 2002 under a deal with RCA. Following the success of her second album ‘In My Mind’ in January 2006, which reached the Top Ten of the Billboard 200, Heather continued to showcase her talent with a contemporary gospel-themed album ‘Audience of One’ three years later. This album featured a blend of original songs and covers, including interpretations of tracks by the Commodores and Fred Hammond, solidifying Heather Headley’s versatility and musical prowess. ~ MacKenzie Wilson