Guide Note

Canadian R&B singer-songwriter Tamia was discovered by Grammy Award-winning musician and record producer Quincy Jones in 1994. She recorded "You Put a Move on My Heart" on Jones' Q's Jook Joint album, as well as a duet with Babyface called "Slow Jams." Both songs earned Grammy Award nominations and were pivotal in launching Tamia's solo career. A recording with Brandy (singer), Gladys Knight and Chaka Khan in 1995 was also nominated for a Grammy.

Fast Facts

1. Genre: R&B
2. Full name: Tamia Marilyn Washington Hill
3. Born: May 9, 1975
4. Birthplace: Windsor, Ontario, Canada
5. Spouse: NBA basketball player Grant Hill since 1999
6. Children: Myla Grace and Lael Rose
7. Active: 1994-present
8. Labels: Elektra Records, Image Entertainment
9. Awards: Four Grammy nominations¹
10. Diagnosed with Multiple sclerosis in 2003

Tamia studied music and acting from a young age and performed publicly as a singer in Ontario while still a teenager. She gained some recognition by winning the YTV Vocal Achievement Award in 1993 and the Steve Ross Music Scholarship the following year, but her big break came when she met Quincy Jones at party for Luther Vandross. She released her first solo album, Tamia in 1998. Her latest album, Between Friends was released independently in 2006 and re-released with additional songs in 2007.

"What it [multiple sclerosis] changed about me is that it put everything into perspective. I feel very fortunate and blessed that I have a job that I love to do. And I have such a great family and they support me in what I do. My parents both worked in factory and they both hated their jobs and I got to see that. So, I feel very blessed."²

"Honestly, I think that your kids are your legacy. No matter how great a singer I become, if people said, 'Yes, she was a great singer but she was a bad mom,' I would be heartbroken. I would rather be remembered as a good mom, someone who tried to keep the balance, especially when it comes to family."³