Tamia
Encyclopedia
Tamia Hill and known professionally as Tamia, is a four-time Grammy
-nominated Canadian R&B and soul singer, songwriter, record producer, composer, model, entrepreneur and philanthropist
, as well as an occasional actress.
She is best known for her 2000 hit "Stranger In My House" and Fabolous
' 2003 song "Into You
", sampling her 1998 song "So Into You", from her debut album. Tamia is married to NBA player Grant Hill
of the Phoenix Suns
. They have two daughters; Myla Grace and Lael Rose.
, Canada
, she grew up in the inner city, not far from the Detroit border, with her mother and three younger brothers Tiras, Tajhee, and Trajan.
Aside from the music she heard and sang at church, Tamia was exposed to diverse music from an early age by her mother, Barbara. Singing was always her passion. As early as age 6, she was onstage singing gospel at the local church and by age 12 had already been involved in several musicals which continued to help her hone her musical skills. Tamia studied piano and voice with renowned Windsor musician, Eugene Davis, who was also instrumental in encouraging her to pursue her vocal passion. It was not long before the gifted young singer began receiving recognition for her talent. Her mother and Godmother decided that the arts program at Walkerville Collegiate Institute in Windsor would best suit Tamia's musical talent. Along with attending highschool at Walkerville, she made several appearances in local theater and choral concerts before winning Canada's prestigious YTV Vocal Achievement Award in 1993 and the Steve Ross Music Scholarship at the American Academy of Achievement's Annual Salute to Excellence in 1994.
Tamia enjoys a wide range of music, especially ballads. She told Teen, "I don't care about labels-country music, rock music, it's the way it makes me feel that counts". Ebony Man described Tamia as "Naturally witty, comical, talented … and a bundle of energy". She told CNN
's Mark Scheerer "I used to staple two paper plates together and put rice in them to make a tambourine…."
In early 1994, Tamia recorded her first single, "You Put a Move On My Heart", which was produced by Quincy Jones
. The single later appeared on his Q's Jook Joint album. The song itself, went at #12 on the R&B charts
and at #98 on the Billboard Hot 100
, the single was a success on the R&B charts, and showcased Tamia's early hit.
since July 24, 1999. They have two children Myla Grace Hill (2002) and Lael Rose Hill (2007). The singer has been diagnosed with Multiple sclerosis
. In an interview with Smooth magazine, Tamia reported that the disease is seemingly in remission and she has symptoms now and then but they are controlled.
, with production from the likes of Mario Winans
, Jermaine Dupri
, Tim & Bob
, as well as additional help from Quincy Jones
. The album's first single, "You Put a Move On My Heart", was released in December 1995, which was produced by Quincy Jones, off of his Q's Jook Joint album, charted at #98 on the Billboard Hot 100
, but became Tamia's first Top 40 hit on the R&B charts, peaking at #12, showcasing her first Top 40 R&B hit. Another single, "Slow Jams" which was co-written by American singer-songwriter Kenneth "Babyface" Edmonds, features Barry White
, and Babyface himself. The single also appeared on Q's Jook Joint, and appeared at #68 on the Billboard Hot 100
and at #19 on the R&B charts, becoming her second Top 40 R&B hit. In the second quarter of 1996, Tamia collaborated with American soul singer Gladys Knight
, Brandy
, and Chaka Khan
for the single, "Missing You
", which was featured in the 1996 blockbuster film, Set It Off
, and released in August of that year, the single peaked at #10 on the Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs
, and at #25 on the Billboard Hot 100
, becoming her first Top 40 single.
Tamia's debut album was released in Canada
on April 14, 1998, three weeks later it was released in the United Kingdom
on May 11, and in North America
the following day. The album became a critical and commercial success, debuting at number two on the Billboard 200
and at number one on the Billboard R&B Albums Chart
, selling 145,000 copies in first week sales.
. As the cruise liner's musical entertainer, she performed the Diane Warren penned single "Make Tonight Beautiful", which was released as part of the Speed 2: Cruise Control Original Motion Picture Soundtrack
. She has also appeared in other TV sitcoms, including Rock Me Baby
and an episode of Kenan and Kel.
The first single from A Nu Day was "Can't Go for That
" which was written by Missy Elliott
. The single peaked at #84 on the Billboard Hot 100 and number twenty-three on the R&B chart.
The second single from A Nu Day was the hit "Stranger in My House". The single went to number ten on the Billboard Hot 100, number three on the Billboard R&B chart and to number one for 10 weeks on the Billboard Hot Dance chart. "Stranger In My House" still remains Tamia's biggest hit to date.
The third and final single from A Nu Day was "Tell Me Who". Although the single missed the Hot 100, it managed to reach #63 on the R&B chart and peaked at #2 on the Billboard Hot Dance chart.
, on April 6, 2004 in the United States. The album debuted at number seventeen on the Billboard 200
and at number four on the Billboard R&B Albums Chart
. The album was certified Gold by the RIAA, for shipping over one million units in North America.
The lead single "Into You
", which is a collaboration with rapper Fabolous
, sampled
the chorus from Tamia's "So Into You", a song from her self-titled debut album. The song soared to #4 on the Hot 100 and to #1 on the Billboard R&B chart.
The second single, called "Officially Missing You
", peaked at #83 on the Billboard Hot 100, and #31 on the R&B chart.
The third single, "Questions", missed the Hot 100, but managed to climb to #40 on the R&B charts.
The fourth and final single, "Still
", peaked at #83 on the R&B chart and #34 on the Billboard Hot Dance chart.
.
On May 15, 2006, Tamia released Between Friends on South Africa
n independent label Gallo Records. It was released in the US on November 14, 2006. The album has three tracks produced by Rodney "Darkchild" Jerkins. The rest are produced by Shep Crawford. The album peaked at number 66 on the Billboard 200 and number nine on the Billboard Top R&B albums chart. Although none of the singles released made the Hot 100, Between Friends has sold more than 350,000 copies in the United States, 120,000 in South Africa, and more than 800,000 worldwide to date.
The first single off Between Friends, "Can't Get Enough", peaked at #26 on Billboard's R&B chart.
The second single, "Me", which was written by Shep Crawford (who wrote "Stranger In My House"), also reached the Top 30 of the R&B chart and peaked at #29.
On October 27, 2007, Tamia re-released her album Between Friends
entitled A Gift Between Friends
. The album also contains a few Christmas songs.
Shortly after the re-release of the album, Tamia released the third single, "Almost", which peaked at #59 on the US R&B chart in early 2008.
. The recorded performance is planned to be released as a live CD album, along with the DVD. Both were slated for release on December 2, 2008, but have been pushed back several times. As of September 2009, it has not been released. The live album, called Live in Washington, DC, will include 3 new tracks. In March 2010, she confirmed on her Twitter
page that the live album would be released later this year.
, Kelly Price
and her have formed a supergroup, The Queen Project. Tamia's longtime collaborator, Shep Crawford, who has also produced Cox's "Nobody's Supposed to Be Here
" and Price's "As We Lay" will be the main collaborator for the project. The women have made it clear that they seek to empower other women with this project. Their collaboration will not be limited to the studio. They also plan to do a number of community service projects. The first single is to be released this fall with an album early 2010.
Tamia has since stated to Kempire Radio that the project has no tentative release date, admitting the project may have been a bit "ambitious" in timing as the members are also promoting their own albums and solo projects but still wish to pursue.
page that she is working on her new album. As of November 8, 2010, Tamia told Kempire Radio she is "seven songs into the album" and will remain true to her signature themes of love:
, The Runners
, Claude Kelly
, Ivan Barias, and others. The album is presently titled Beautiful Surprise due to be released February
2012 with single before end of this year.
Soundtracks
s
Juno Award
s
Official Fansite
Interviews
Grammy Award
A Grammy Award — or Grammy — is an accolade by the National Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences of the United States to recognize outstanding achievement in the music industry...
-nominated Canadian R&B and soul singer, songwriter, record producer, composer, model, entrepreneur and philanthropist
Philanthropist
A philanthropist is someone who engages in philanthropy; that is, someone who donates his or her time, money, and/or reputation to charitable causes...
, as well as an occasional actress.
She is best known for her 2000 hit "Stranger In My House" and Fabolous
Fabolous
John David Jackson , better known by his stage name Fabolous, is an American rapper of African American and Dominican descent. He grew up in the Bedford-Stuyvesant neighborhood of Brooklyn, New York. Part of his early popularity arose from his hit single "Can't Deny It" in 2001, from his debut...
' 2003 song "Into You
Into You
"Into You" is the third single by American rapper Fabolous from his second studio album Street Dreams. It is also on Tamia's album More. It reached #4 on the Billboard Hot 100, becoming the second single from the album to reach the Top 10....
", sampling her 1998 song "So Into You", from her debut album. Tamia is married to NBA player Grant Hill
Grant Hill
Grant Hill is the name of:* Grant Hill, American basketball player* Grant Hill , Canadian politician* Grant Hill, San Diego, California, an urban neighboorhood in central San Diego...
of the Phoenix Suns
Phoenix Suns
The Phoenix Suns are a professional basketball team based in Phoenix, Arizona. They are members of the Pacific Division of the Western Conference in the National Basketball Association and the only team in their division not to be based in California. Their home arena since 1992 has been the US...
. They have two daughters; Myla Grace and Lael Rose.
Early life
Born as Tamia Marilyn Washington in Windsor, OntarioWindsor, Ontario
Windsor is the southernmost city in Canada and is located in Southwestern Ontario at the western end of the heavily populated Quebec City – Windsor Corridor. It is within Essex County, Ontario, although administratively separated from the county government. Separated by the Detroit River, Windsor...
, Canada
Canada
Canada is a North American country consisting of ten provinces and three territories. Located in the northern part of the continent, it extends from the Atlantic Ocean in the east to the Pacific Ocean in the west, and northward into the Arctic Ocean...
, she grew up in the inner city, not far from the Detroit border, with her mother and three younger brothers Tiras, Tajhee, and Trajan.
Aside from the music she heard and sang at church, Tamia was exposed to diverse music from an early age by her mother, Barbara. Singing was always her passion. As early as age 6, she was onstage singing gospel at the local church and by age 12 had already been involved in several musicals which continued to help her hone her musical skills. Tamia studied piano and voice with renowned Windsor musician, Eugene Davis, who was also instrumental in encouraging her to pursue her vocal passion. It was not long before the gifted young singer began receiving recognition for her talent. Her mother and Godmother decided that the arts program at Walkerville Collegiate Institute in Windsor would best suit Tamia's musical talent. Along with attending highschool at Walkerville, she made several appearances in local theater and choral concerts before winning Canada's prestigious YTV Vocal Achievement Award in 1993 and the Steve Ross Music Scholarship at the American Academy of Achievement's Annual Salute to Excellence in 1994.
"I was always happy growing up, but I realize now there are some things missing because of my situation. Now that I have a child, I know the importance of having a father in the household."
Tamia enjoys a wide range of music, especially ballads. She told Teen, "I don't care about labels-country music, rock music, it's the way it makes me feel that counts". Ebony Man described Tamia as "Naturally witty, comical, talented … and a bundle of energy". She told CNN
CNN
Cable News Network is a U.S. cable news channel founded in 1980 by Ted Turner. Upon its launch, CNN was the first channel to provide 24-hour television news coverage, and the first all-news television channel in the United States...
's Mark Scheerer "I used to staple two paper plates together and put rice in them to make a tambourine…."
In early 1994, Tamia recorded her first single, "You Put a Move On My Heart", which was produced by Quincy Jones
Quincy Jones
Quincy Delightt Jones, Jr. is an American record producer and musician. A conductor, musical arranger, film composer, television producer, and trumpeter. His career spans five decades in the entertainment industry and a record 79 Grammy Award nominations, 27 Grammys, including a Grammy Legend...
. The single later appeared on his Q's Jook Joint album. The song itself, went at #12 on the R&B charts
Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs
Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs, is a chart released weekly by Billboard in the United States.The chart, initiated in 1942, is used to track the success of popular music songs in urban, or primarily African American, venues. Dominated over the years at various times by jazz, rhythm and blues, doo-wop, soul,...
and at #98 on the Billboard Hot 100
Billboard Hot 100
The Billboard Hot 100 is the United States music industry standard singles popularity chart issued weekly by Billboard magazine. Chart rankings are based on radio play and sales; the tracking-week for sales begins on Monday and ends on Sunday, while the radio play tracking-week runs from Wednesday...
, the single was a success on the R&B charts, and showcased Tamia's early hit.
Personal life
Tamia has been married to NBA player Grant HillGrant Hill
Grant Hill is the name of:* Grant Hill, American basketball player* Grant Hill , Canadian politician* Grant Hill, San Diego, California, an urban neighboorhood in central San Diego...
since July 24, 1999. They have two children Myla Grace Hill (2002) and Lael Rose Hill (2007). The singer has been diagnosed with Multiple sclerosis
Multiple sclerosis
Multiple sclerosis is an inflammatory disease in which the fatty myelin sheaths around the axons of the brain and spinal cord are damaged, leading to demyelination and scarring as well as a broad spectrum of signs and symptoms...
. In an interview with Smooth magazine, Tamia reported that the disease is seemingly in remission and she has symptoms now and then but they are controlled.
Tamia and other collaborations (1995–1997)
In early to mid 1995, Tamia, who has five-octave vocal range, began recording her eponymous debut albumTamia (album)
-Album:-Singles:"—" denotes releases that did not chart.-Personnel:Information taken from Allmusic.*arranging – John Clayton, Keith Crouch, Rod Temperton*assistant engineering – Stephanie Gylden, Kevin Lively, Nick Marshall...
, with production from the likes of Mario Winans
Mario Winans
Mario Winans is an American R&B singer, songwriter, music producer, and multi-instrumentalist. Born Mario Brown, he is the son of gospel recording artist Vickie Winans and her first husband, Bishop Ronald Brown. He is also the stepson of his mother's second husband, gospel singer, Pastor Marvin...
, Jermaine Dupri
Jermaine Dupri
Jermaine Dupri Mauldin , known as Jermaine Dupri or JD, is an American record producer, songwriter and rapper.- Early life and career :...
, Tim & Bob
Tim & Bob
Tim & Bob aka Funktwons, are Grammy Award-winning songwriting musicians and a Hip-hop/R&B pop production duo. Tim & Bob have discovered and or worked on some of the biggest artists in the music industry and has helped develop the Atlanta music scene as it is widely known for today...
, as well as additional help from Quincy Jones
Quincy Jones
Quincy Delightt Jones, Jr. is an American record producer and musician. A conductor, musical arranger, film composer, television producer, and trumpeter. His career spans five decades in the entertainment industry and a record 79 Grammy Award nominations, 27 Grammys, including a Grammy Legend...
. The album's first single, "You Put a Move On My Heart", was released in December 1995, which was produced by Quincy Jones, off of his Q's Jook Joint album, charted at #98 on the Billboard Hot 100
Billboard Hot 100
The Billboard Hot 100 is the United States music industry standard singles popularity chart issued weekly by Billboard magazine. Chart rankings are based on radio play and sales; the tracking-week for sales begins on Monday and ends on Sunday, while the radio play tracking-week runs from Wednesday...
, but became Tamia's first Top 40 hit on the R&B charts, peaking at #12, showcasing her first Top 40 R&B hit. Another single, "Slow Jams" which was co-written by American singer-songwriter Kenneth "Babyface" Edmonds, features Barry White
Barry White
Barry White, born Barry Eugene Carter , was an American composer and singer-songwriter.A five-time Grammy Award-winner known for his distinctive bass voice and romantic image, White's greatest success came in the 1970s as a solo singer and with the Love Unlimited Orchestra, crafting many enduring...
, and Babyface himself. The single also appeared on Q's Jook Joint, and appeared at #68 on the Billboard Hot 100
Billboard Hot 100
The Billboard Hot 100 is the United States music industry standard singles popularity chart issued weekly by Billboard magazine. Chart rankings are based on radio play and sales; the tracking-week for sales begins on Monday and ends on Sunday, while the radio play tracking-week runs from Wednesday...
and at #19 on the R&B charts, becoming her second Top 40 R&B hit. In the second quarter of 1996, Tamia collaborated with American soul singer Gladys Knight
Gladys Knight
Gladys Maria Knight , known as the "Empress of Soul", is an American singer-songwriter, actress, businesswoman, humanitarian, and author...
, Brandy
Brandy Norwood
Brandy Rayana Norwood , known professionally as Brandy, is an American singer-songwriter, producer, actress, and dancer. In 2009, she introduced her rap alter-ego Bran'Nu....
, and Chaka Khan
Chaka Khan
Chaka Khan , frequently known as the Queen of Funk, is a 10-time Grammy Award winning American singer-songwriter who gained fame in the 1970s as the frontwoman and focal point of the funk band Rufus. While still a member of the group in 1978, Khan embarked on a successful solo career...
for the single, "Missing You
Missing You (1996 song)
"Missing You" is a song by Brandy, Gladys Knight, Chaka Khan, and Tamia, recorded for the soundtrack of the 1996 motion picture Set It Off. Written andy produced by Gordon Chambers and Barry Eastmond, it was released as a single in August 1996 . The collaboration peaked at number 2 in New Zealand...
", which was featured in the 1996 blockbuster film, Set It Off
Set It Off
Set It Off is a 1996 action and crime film directed by F. Gary Gray, and stars Jada Pinkett, Queen Latifah, Vivica A. Fox and Kimberly Elise , as four close friends in Los Angeles, California who decide to plan and execute a bank robbery...
, and released in August of that year, the single peaked at #10 on the Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs
Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs
Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs, is a chart released weekly by Billboard in the United States.The chart, initiated in 1942, is used to track the success of popular music songs in urban, or primarily African American, venues. Dominated over the years at various times by jazz, rhythm and blues, doo-wop, soul,...
, and at #25 on the Billboard Hot 100
Billboard Hot 100
The Billboard Hot 100 is the United States music industry standard singles popularity chart issued weekly by Billboard magazine. Chart rankings are based on radio play and sales; the tracking-week for sales begins on Monday and ends on Sunday, while the radio play tracking-week runs from Wednesday...
, becoming her first Top 40 single.
Tamia's debut album was released in Canada
Canada
Canada is a North American country consisting of ten provinces and three territories. Located in the northern part of the continent, it extends from the Atlantic Ocean in the east to the Pacific Ocean in the west, and northward into the Arctic Ocean...
on April 14, 1998, three weeks later it was released in the United Kingdom
United Kingdom
The United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern IrelandIn the United Kingdom and Dependencies, other languages have been officially recognised as legitimate autochthonous languages under the European Charter for Regional or Minority Languages...
on May 11, and in North America
North America
North America is a continent wholly within the Northern Hemisphere and almost wholly within the Western Hemisphere. It is also considered a northern subcontinent of the Americas...
the following day. The album became a critical and commercial success, debuting at number two on the Billboard 200
Billboard 200
The Billboard 200 is a ranking of the 200 highest-selling music albums and EPs in the United States, published weekly by Billboard magazine. It is frequently used to convey the popularity of an artist or groups of artists...
and at number one on the Billboard R&B Albums Chart
Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums
Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums is a chart published by Billboard magazine that ranks R&B and hip hop albums based on sales compiled by Nielsen SoundScan. The name of the chart was changed from Top R&B Albums in 1999...
, selling 145,000 copies in first week sales.
Acting
In June 1997, Tamia made her film debut as Sheri Silver in the action-thriller Speed 2: Cruise ControlSpeed 2: Cruise Control
Speed 2: Cruise Control is a 1997 action–thriller film, and a sequel to Speed . The film was produced and directed by Jan de Bont, and written by Randall McCormick and Jeff Nathanson, based on a story by de Bont and McCormick. Sandra Bullock stars in the film, reprising her role from Speed,...
. As the cruise liner's musical entertainer, she performed the Diane Warren penned single "Make Tonight Beautiful", which was released as part of the Speed 2: Cruise Control Original Motion Picture Soundtrack
Speed 2: Cruise Control Original Motion Picture Soundtrack
The Speed 2: Cruise Control Original Motion Picture Soundtrack is the soundtrack album to the 1997 action thriller film Speed 2: Cruise Control. The album was released in May 1997, almost one month prior to the release of the film...
. She has also appeared in other TV sitcoms, including Rock Me Baby
Rock Me Baby
Rock Me Baby is an American television series set in Denver, Colorado. It is a comedy / drama that debuted on September 15, 2003 on UPN. Rock Me Baby stars actor and comedian Dan Cortese as Jimmy Cox, co-host of a popular Denver radio show with his best friend, Carl, played by Carl Anthony Payne II...
and an episode of Kenan and Kel.
A Nu Day (2000–2001)
On October 24, 2000, Tamia released her second album, A Nu Day. The album debuted at number forty-six on the Billboard 200 and number eight on the Top R&b/Hip-Hop Albums Chart. On June 4, 2001, A Nu Day, was certified gold by the RIAA. A Nu Day is Tamia's best selling album to date.The first single from A Nu Day was "Can't Go for That
Can't Go for That
"Can't Go for That" is a song by Tamia, released as a single in 2000. The single was remixed by Jonathan Peters. The album version was written by Missy Elliott and includes an interpolation of "I Can't Go For That " by Hall & Oates....
" which was written by Missy Elliott
Missy Elliott
Melissa Arnette "Missy" Elliott , is an American rapper, singer-songwriter, record producer, and actressA five-time Grammy Award winner, Elliott, with record sales of over seven million in the United States, is the only female rapper to have five albums certified platinum by the RIAA, including one...
. The single peaked at #84 on the Billboard Hot 100 and number twenty-three on the R&B chart.
The second single from A Nu Day was the hit "Stranger in My House". The single went to number ten on the Billboard Hot 100, number three on the Billboard R&B chart and to number one for 10 weeks on the Billboard Hot Dance chart. "Stranger In My House" still remains Tamia's biggest hit to date.
The third and final single from A Nu Day was "Tell Me Who". Although the single missed the Hot 100, it managed to reach #63 on the R&B chart and peaked at #2 on the Billboard Hot Dance chart.
More (2003–2004)
Tamia released her third studio album, MoreMore (Tamia album)
More is the third album by Canadian R&B singer-songwriter Tamia, released on April 6, 2004 in North America by Elektra Records. The album debuted number 17 on the US Billboard 200, selling 58,000 copies in its first week sales, and debuting at number two on the R&B/Hip-Hop Albums Chart...
, on April 6, 2004 in the United States. The album debuted at number seventeen on the Billboard 200
Billboard 200
The Billboard 200 is a ranking of the 200 highest-selling music albums and EPs in the United States, published weekly by Billboard magazine. It is frequently used to convey the popularity of an artist or groups of artists...
and at number four on the Billboard R&B Albums Chart
Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums
Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums is a chart published by Billboard magazine that ranks R&B and hip hop albums based on sales compiled by Nielsen SoundScan. The name of the chart was changed from Top R&B Albums in 1999...
. The album was certified Gold by the RIAA, for shipping over one million units in North America.
The lead single "Into You
Into You
"Into You" is the third single by American rapper Fabolous from his second studio album Street Dreams. It is also on Tamia's album More. It reached #4 on the Billboard Hot 100, becoming the second single from the album to reach the Top 10....
", which is a collaboration with rapper Fabolous
Fabolous
John David Jackson , better known by his stage name Fabolous, is an American rapper of African American and Dominican descent. He grew up in the Bedford-Stuyvesant neighborhood of Brooklyn, New York. Part of his early popularity arose from his hit single "Can't Deny It" in 2001, from his debut...
, sampled
Sampling (music)
In music, sampling is the act of taking a portion, or sample, of one sound recording and reusing it as an instrument or a different sound recording of a song or piece. Sampling was originally developed by experimental musicians working with musique concrète and electroacoustic music, who physically...
the chorus from Tamia's "So Into You", a song from her self-titled debut album. The song soared to #4 on the Hot 100 and to #1 on the Billboard R&B chart.
The second single, called "Officially Missing You
Officially Missing You
"Officially Missing You" is a song by R&B recording artist Tamia from her third studio album, More . The song earned Tamia a Grammy nomination for Best Female R&B Vocal Performance.-Song information:...
", peaked at #83 on the Billboard Hot 100, and #31 on the R&B chart.
The third single, "Questions", missed the Hot 100, but managed to climb to #40 on the R&B charts.
The fourth and final single, "Still
Still (Tamia song)
"Still" is a song released as the fourth single from Tamia's third studio album More. The maxi CD single includes 10 dance remixes of the title song, as well as remixes of Tamia's hot airplay singles: "Tell Me Who" and "Stranger in My House"....
", peaked at #83 on the R&B chart and #34 on the Billboard Hot Dance chart.
Split from Elektra Records and Between Friends
In 2005, Tamia split from Elektra RecordsElektra Records
Elektra Records is an American record label owned by Warner Music Group. In 2004, it was consolidated into WMG's Atlantic Records Group. After five years of dormancy, the label was revived by Atlantic in 2009....
.
On May 15, 2006, Tamia released Between Friends on South Africa
South Africa
The Republic of South Africa is a country in southern Africa. Located at the southern tip of Africa, it is divided into nine provinces, with of coastline on the Atlantic and Indian oceans...
n independent label Gallo Records. It was released in the US on November 14, 2006. The album has three tracks produced by Rodney "Darkchild" Jerkins. The rest are produced by Shep Crawford. The album peaked at number 66 on the Billboard 200 and number nine on the Billboard Top R&B albums chart. Although none of the singles released made the Hot 100, Between Friends has sold more than 350,000 copies in the United States, 120,000 in South Africa, and more than 800,000 worldwide to date.
The first single off Between Friends, "Can't Get Enough", peaked at #26 on Billboard's R&B chart.
The second single, "Me", which was written by Shep Crawford (who wrote "Stranger In My House"), also reached the Top 30 of the R&B chart and peaked at #29.
On October 27, 2007, Tamia re-released her album Between Friends
Between Friends (album)
Between Friends is the fourth studio album by Canadian singer Tamia, first released by Gallo Records in South Africa on May 12, 2006 . The album was released on November 14, 2006 in the United States and on November 20, 2006 in the United Kingdom on Image Entertainment...
entitled A Gift Between Friends
Between Friends (album)
Between Friends is the fourth studio album by Canadian singer Tamia, first released by Gallo Records in South Africa on May 12, 2006 . The album was released on November 14, 2006 in the United States and on November 20, 2006 in the United Kingdom on Image Entertainment...
. The album also contains a few Christmas songs.
Shortly after the re-release of the album, Tamia released the third single, "Almost", which peaked at #59 on the US R&B chart in early 2008.
Live album
On her 2008 Summer Soul Concert Series tour, Tamia recorded her Sunday 10 August 2008 performance at the Lincoln Theatre (Washington, D.C.)Lincoln Theatre (Washington, D.C.)
Lincoln Theatre is a theater in Washington, D.C. located at 1215 U Street, next to Ben's Chili Bowl. The theater, located on "Washington's Black Broadway", served the city's African American community when segregation kept them out of other venues. The Lincoln Theatre included a movie house and...
. The recorded performance is planned to be released as a live CD album, along with the DVD. Both were slated for release on December 2, 2008, but have been pushed back several times. As of September 2009, it has not been released. The live album, called Live in Washington, DC, will include 3 new tracks. In March 2010, she confirmed on her Twitter
Twitter
Twitter is an online social networking and microblogging service that enables its users to send and read text-based posts of up to 140 characters, informally known as "tweets".Twitter was created in March 2006 by Jack Dorsey and launched that July...
page that the live album would be released later this year.
The Queen Project
It was announced in September 2009 that Deborah CoxDeborah Cox
Deborah Cox is a Canadian R&B singer-songwriter and actress. Her 1998 song "Nobody's Supposed to Be Here" held the record for longest-running number one single on Billboard's Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Singles & Tracks chart , a record held for nearly eight years. She has achieved ten number-one hits on...
, Kelly Price
Kelly Price
Kelly Price is an American R&B and soul singer, formerly on the Def Soul label.-Life and music career:Kelly Cherelle Price was born in Queens, New York. She was first discovered by Mariah Carey in February 1992 and subsequently introduced to Sony Columbia's then CEO Tommy Mottola...
and her have formed a supergroup, The Queen Project. Tamia's longtime collaborator, Shep Crawford, who has also produced Cox's "Nobody's Supposed to Be Here
Nobody's Supposed to Be Here
"Nobody's Supposed to Be Here" is a single written by Montell Jordan and Anthony "Shep" Crawford. Canadian R&B singer Deborah Cox released the song in 1998 from her second album One Wish.-Chart performance:...
" and Price's "As We Lay" will be the main collaborator for the project. The women have made it clear that they seek to empower other women with this project. Their collaboration will not be limited to the studio. They also plan to do a number of community service projects. The first single is to be released this fall with an album early 2010.
Tamia has since stated to Kempire Radio that the project has no tentative release date, admitting the project may have been a bit "ambitious" in timing as the members are also promoting their own albums and solo projects but still wish to pursue.
Greatest Hits
Tamia released her greatest hits in South Africa on 2 November 2009. It includes a bonus DVD.New album 2011
In March 2010, Tamia confirmed on her official TwitterTwitter
Twitter is an online social networking and microblogging service that enables its users to send and read text-based posts of up to 140 characters, informally known as "tweets".Twitter was created in March 2006 by Jack Dorsey and launched that July...
page that she is working on her new album. As of November 8, 2010, Tamia told Kempire Radio she is "seven songs into the album" and will remain true to her signature themes of love:
"I'm on a roll. Obviously, I love my ballads so they'll be there, too."The album will feature writing and production from Rodney "Darkchild" Jerkins in addition to Chuck Harmony
Chuck Harmony
Charles T. Harmon better known as Chuck Harmony is an American music producer, musician and songwriter, based in Los Angeles, California, USA.-Early life:Harmon was born and raised in East St. Louis, Illinois...
, The Runners
The Runners
The Runners is a hip hop production duo from Orlando, Florida, consisting of Andrew "Dru Brett" Harr and Jermaine "Mayne Zayne" Jackson. They came together to form the team in 2000, but they have known each other since they were in kindergarten. They are best known for producing the hit singles "Go...
, Claude Kelly
Claude Kelly
Claude Kelly is an American singer-songwriter. He has a prolific discography, well known for writing for artists such as Britney Spears, Christina Aguilera, Toni Braxton, Whitney Houston, Jordin Sparks, Kelly Clarkson, Jay Sean, Adam Lambert, Jessie J and Charice.-Career:He began playing the piano...
, Ivan Barias, and others. The album is presently titled Beautiful Surprise due to be released February
February
February is the second month of the year in the Julian and Gregorian calendars. It is the shortest month and the only month with fewer than 30 days. The month has 28 days in common years and 29 days in leap years...
2012 with single before end of this year.
Albums
- 1998: TamiaTamia (album)-Album:-Singles:"—" denotes releases that did not chart.-Personnel:Information taken from Allmusic.*arranging – John Clayton, Keith Crouch, Rod Temperton*assistant engineering – Stephanie Gylden, Kevin Lively, Nick Marshall...
- 2000: A Nu DayA Nu DayA Nu Day is Tamia's second solo album. It was released on October 10, 2000. This is Tamia's most commercially successful album to date, selling over 668,000 copies to date. It debuted and peaked at #46 on the Billboard 200 album chart...
- 2004: MoreMore (Tamia album)More is the third album by Canadian R&B singer-songwriter Tamia, released on April 6, 2004 in North America by Elektra Records. The album debuted number 17 on the US Billboard 200, selling 58,000 copies in its first week sales, and debuting at number two on the R&B/Hip-Hop Albums Chart...
- 2006: Between FriendsBetween Friends (album)Between Friends is the fourth studio album by Canadian singer Tamia, first released by Gallo Records in South Africa on May 12, 2006 . The album was released on November 14, 2006 in the United States and on November 20, 2006 in the United Kingdom on Image Entertainment...
- 2009: Greatest Hits
- 2012: Beautiful Surprise
Soundtracks
- 1996: The AssociateThe Associate (soundtrack)The Associate is the original motion picture soundtrack of the self-titled movie from 1996, starring Whoopi Goldberg, the winner of a Grammy, seven Emmy Awards, two Golden Globes, a Tony, as well as an Oscar....
(on "Keep Hope Alive") - 1997: Speed 2: Cruise Control (on "Make Tonight Beautiful")
Tours
- 2004, Verizon Ladies First TourVerizon Ladies First Tour-Additional notes:*Elliot and Keys did not perform during the concert at Reliant Stadium. Destiny's Child member Michelle Williams replaced Tamia as the opening act.*Keys did not perform during the concert at the American Airlines Center....
- 2005, South AfricaSouth AfricaThe Republic of South Africa is a country in southern Africa. Located at the southern tip of Africa, it is divided into nine provinces, with of coastline on the Atlantic and Indian oceans...
Tour - 2005, Ladies In Soul Concert
- 2006 - 2007, Between FriendsBetween Friends (album)Between Friends is the fourth studio album by Canadian singer Tamia, first released by Gallo Records in South Africa on May 12, 2006 . The album was released on November 14, 2006 in the United States and on November 20, 2006 in the United Kingdom on Image Entertainment...
Tour - 2008, Summer Soul Concert Series Tour
- 2008 September, JohannesburgJohannesburgJohannesburg also known as Jozi, Jo'burg or Egoli, is the largest city in South Africa, by population. Johannesburg is the provincial capital of Gauteng, the wealthiest province in South Africa, having the largest economy of any metropolitan region in Sub-Saharan Africa...
Arts Alive, South AfricaSouth AfricaThe Republic of South Africa is a country in southern Africa. Located at the southern tip of Africa, it is divided into nine provinces, with of coastline on the Atlantic and Indian oceans... - 2009, Summer Soul Concert Series Tour
- 2009, The Queen Project
Awards and nominations
Grammy AwardGrammy Award
A Grammy Award — or Grammy — is an accolade by the National Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences of the United States to recognize outstanding achievement in the music industry...
s
- 1997, Best New R&B Female Artist(Nominated)
- 1997, Best Female R&B Vocal Performance: "You Put a Move On My Heart" (Nominated)
- 1997, Best R&B Performance by a Duo or Group: "Slow Jams" (Nominated)
- 1997, Best Pop Collaboration w/ Vocals: "Missing You" (Nominated)
- 2000, Best R&B Performance by a Duo or Group: "Spend My Life with You" (Nominated)
Juno Award
Juno Award
The Juno Awards are presented annually to Canadian musical artists and bands to acknowledge their artistic and technical achievements in all aspects of music...
s
- 1999, Best New Solo Artist (Nominated)
- 1999, Best R&B/Soul Recording: "Tamia" (Nominated)
- 2001, Best R&B/Soul Recording: "A Nu Day" (Nominated)
- 2005, R&B/Soul Recording of the Year: "More" (Nominated)
- 2007, R&B/Soul Recording of the Year: "Between Friends" (Nominated)
See also
- List of number-one dance hits (United States)
- List of artists who reached number one on the U.S. Dance chart
- List of people with multiple sclerosis
External links
OfficialOfficial Fansite
Interviews