Jill Scott

A very popular R&B singer with a wide range, Jill Scott also sings soul, hip-hop and jazz in addition to working as an actress. She was born in 1972, growing up in Philadelphia. Scott attended Temple University while working two jobs, studying secondary education, but she eventually decided not to become a teacher and she dropped out of school. Instead, she initially performed as a spoken-word artist, reading her own poetry in public. After being discovered by Ahmir “?uestlove” Thompson, the drummer in the roots, she was recorded, having a pop hit in 1999 with “You Got Me.” As a songwriter, she collaborated with Eric Benet, Will Smith and Common, and toured Canada in a production of the Broadway musical Rent.

In 2000 she recorded her debut album, Who Is Jill Scott? Words And Sounds, Vol. 1, which sold over two million copies and included a hit with “A Long Walk.” Subsequent recordings include her popular performances of “Cross My Mind,” “Hate on Me” and “My Love.” In addition, Jill Scott has published a volume of her poems, guested on “God Bless the Child” from the George Benson/Al Jarreau album, contributed to several soundtracks, and branched out as an actress, portraying Big Mama Thornton in the film Hounddog, appearing in Why Did I Get Married and starring in the BBC production The No. 1 Ladies’ Detective Agency.