Tamia Hill, widely known by her mononym Tamia, is a celebrated Canadian R&B vocalist whose career spans over three decades. Renowned for her smooth, soulful mezzo-soprano voice and signature vibrato, she has carved out a distinctive place in contemporary R&B with her timeless ballads and mature lyrical themes.
Born Tamia Marilyn Washington on May 9, 1975, in Windsor, Ontario, Canada, Tamia showed a natural aptitude for music from a young age. She began singing in church choirs and performing at local events, quickly garnering attention for her powerful voice. Her talent led her to win various singing competitions, and by her late teens, she was actively pursuing a music career.
The turning point in Tamia's career came in 1993 when she performed at a Grammy Awards after-party in Los Angeles. Legendary music producer Quincy Jones was in attendance and was immediately captivated by her voice. He promptly signed her to his Qwest Records label.
Tamia's introduction to the music world was through a series of high-profile collaborations. She first gained widespread recognition with her vocal contribution to Quincy Jones's 1995 album *Q's Jook Joint*, specifically on the hit single "You Put a Move on My Heart," which earned her a Grammy nomination. She followed this with another Grammy-nominated collaboration on "Slow Jams" with Jones, Babyface, and Portrait.
Her profile soared further with her contributions to the soundtrack for the 1996 film *Set It Off*, including the popular duet "Missing You" with Brandy, Chaka Khan, and Gladys Knight, and the solo track "So Into You." The latter, a mellow, infectious R&B groove, became a massive hit and remains one of her signature songs.
Her self-titled debut album, *Tamia*, was released in 1998 to critical acclaim. It featured "So Into You" as a single and showcased her versatility with tracks like "Imagination," "Stranger in My House," and "Spend My Life With You," a duet with Eric Benét that became a long-running R&B hit.
Tamia continued her success into the new millennium. Her second album, *A Nu Day*, released in 2000, featured the enduring international hit "Officially Missing You," which solidified her status as a global R&B star. This album further demonstrated her ability to blend contemporary R&B sounds with her classic soulful delivery.
Her third album, *More*, followed in 2004, offering more radio-friendly tracks while maintaining her artistic integrity. It featured production from industry heavyweights and continued her streak of charting singles.
In 1999, Tamia married NBA superstar Grant Hill. Their relationship became one of the most respected and enduring partnerships in the entertainment and sports worlds. They have two daughters, Myla Grace and Lael Rose.
In 2003, Tamia was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis (MS), a chronic, unpredictable disease of the central nervous system. Her public acknowledgment of her diagnosis and her journey of managing the condition while continuing her demanding career has made her an inspiring figure for many. She has spoken openly about her challenges and triumphs, becoming an advocate for MS awareness and research.
Following her major label releases, Tamia embraced greater artistic independence. In 2006, she released *Between Friends* independently, allowing her more creative control. This move proved successful, demonstrating her loyal fanbase and the power of her consistent quality. She continued this independent path with subsequent albums like *Beautiful Surprise* (2012), which earned her another Grammy nomination, and *Love Life* (2015), which debuted at number two on the Billboard R&B Albums chart. Her most recent album, *Passion Like Fire*, was released in 2018.
Tamia's enduring appeal lies in her consistent delivery of mature, heartfelt R&B music. Her voice is characterized by its smooth, sultry tone, impressive range, and a signature soulful vibrato that makes her instantly recognizable. She has navigated the evolving music landscape by staying true to her sound while subtly incorporating contemporary elements.
Often praised for her vocal control, emotional depth, and consistent quality, Tamia remains a respected figure in R&B. Her ability to blend timeless vocal artistry with relatable lyrical themes of love, heartbreak, and resilience has cemented her legacy as one of the most beloved and consistent voices in modern soul music.
