R&B vocalist Heather Headley was born to pastors in Trinidad in the mid-1970s. At an early age, she was surrounded by music and performance art. She started playing concert piano by the age of four, later immersing herself in her the eclectic music of her culture: calypso, soka and reggae. This foundation would later motivate Headley to sing professionally. Upon arriving in the States with her family at age 15, Headley quickly adapted to America's ways. 

She soaked up American music and worked with its complexities. She graduated with honors from high school, and later studied Communications and Music Theater at Northwestern University. In 1997, she was cast as Nala in the Broadway production of The Lion King. She was so impressive, Disney called on her shortly thereafter to audition for the Elton John/Tim Rice musical "Aida." Headley accepted; her role as the Nubian princess Aida was captivating, and it earned her a Tony Award in 1998. Three years later, Headley moved from the stage to the studio to record her first album as a solo artist. She scored a deal with RCA and issued her debut, This Is Who I Am in fall 2002.

Credit: vh1.com