Tamia Marilyn Washington Hill, born on May 9, 1975, is a highly acclaimed Canadian singer and songwriter hailing from Windsor, Ontario. Her journey in the world of music began at a young age when she participated in various singing and dancing competitions as a child.
Tamia’s talent did not go unnoticed, and in 1994, she signed a development deal with Warner Bros. Records. It was during this time that the legendary producer Quincy Jones invited her to collaborate on his album “Q’s Jook Joint” (1995).
Their collaboration on tracks like “You Put a Move on My Heart” and “Slow Jams” earned Tamia Grammy Award nominations. Her self-titled debut album, released in 1998, marked the beginning of a successful career. She continued to create a series of hit albums under the Elektra Records label, including “A Nu Day” (2000) and “More” (2004). Several of her songs, such as “So Into You,” “Stranger in My House,” and “Imagination,” as well as collaborations like “Into You,” “Missing You,” and “Spend My Life with You,” graced the top spots on both pop and R&B record charts.
Following her departure from Elektra, Tamia took charge of her career and released most of her projects independently through her own label, Plus One Music Group. She collaborated with record labels like Def Jam Recordings and eOne Music. In 2015, her sixth album, “Love Life,” debuted at number two on Billboard’s Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums, marking her highest-charting album on the chart.
Tamia’s musical achievements are not limited to chart-topping albums and Grammy nominations. She is a six-time Grammy Award nominee and has been recognized with various other awards, including a Soul Train Music Award, a Source Award, and four Juno Awards. Her musical prowess is matched by her personal life, as she has been married to former basketball player Grant Hill since 1999, and they share two daughters.
Beyond her musical and personal endeavors, Tamia is also known for her advocacy work. In 2003, she was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis (MS) and has since become an advocate for the National Multiple Sclerosis Society (NMSS), championing the cause on behalf of others affected by the disease.
Early Life and Musical Roots
Tamia Marilyn Washington was born on May 9, 1975, in Windsor, Ontario. She is the only daughter of Barbara Washington-Peden, a White father, and a Black mother. Raised by her mother, who became a single parent at the age of 17, Tamia was exposed to a diverse range of music from an early age. Her mother’s influence, combined with the music she heard and sang at church, shaped her musical inclinations.
Tamia’s early musical talents were evident as she began performing on stage at her local church when she was just six years old. By the age of 12, she had already participated in several musicals, which helped refine her skills. She pursued formal training, studying piano and voice under the guidance of the renowned Windsor musician, Eugene Davis.
Tamia’s dedication to her craft led her to the Walkerville Centre for Creative Arts program, designed for visual and performing arts students and introduced at Walkerville Collegiate Institute in Windsor. Under the mentorship of Eugene Davis and within this program, she further developed her exceptional musical abilities.
In conclusion, Tamia Washington Hill’s journey from a talented child performer to a celebrated Canadian singer and songwriter is a testament to her passion for music and her unwavering dedication to her craft. Her story continues to inspire, both in the world of music and in her advocacy for those affected by multiple sclerosis.