H.E.R – Something to Prove
| Stage Name: | H.E.R |
| Real Name: | Gabriella Sarmiento Wilson |
| Occupation: | Musician |
| Date Of Birth/Age: | 27th June, 1997 (27 years old) |
| State of Origin: | Vallejo, California |
| Gender: | Male |
| Nationality: | American |
| Marital Status: | Not Married |
| Education: | |
| Known for: | Something to Prove |
Early Life and Family
Gabriella Sarmiento Wilson, known by her stage name H.E.R. (Having Everything Revealed), was born on June 27, 1997, in Vallejo, California. Raised in the culturally diverse San Francisco Bay Area, she is the daughter of a Filipino American mother and an African American father. Growing up in such a melting pot of cultures influenced her music and identity.
Career Beginnings
At the tender age of ten, Wilson, performing as Gabi Wilson, showcased her musical prowess by playing an Alicia Keys song on the piano on the Today Show. Her talent was further highlighted when she covered Aretha Franklin’s “Freeway of Love” at the iconic Apollo Theater in 2007. Wilson’s acting career also commenced at the age of 9, starring in the Nickelodeon television film School Gyrls. Managed by Will Smith’s Overbrook Entertainment, she made appearances on Maury, Good Morning America, and The View. By age 12, she competed on Radio Disney’s The Next BIG Thing, solidifying her early presence in the entertainment industry.
Debut Album
In 2011, at the age of 14, Wilson signed a record deal with Sony’s RCA Records via J Records. Her debut single, “Something to Prove,” was released under her real name. The journey to stardom had officially begun.
Breakthrough and I Used to Know Her
Rebranding herself as H.E.R. in 2016, Wilson released her debut EP, H.E.R. Vol. 1, in September 2016. With support from industry heavyweights like Usher, Tyrese, and Alicia Keys, she gained widespread recognition. The mystery surrounding her identity added intrigue, and her slow-burning R&B style caught the attention of Rihanna, Issa Rae, and Taraji P. Henson.
Her follow-up EP, H.E.R. Vol. 2, released in June 2017, included the single “Say It Again.” The compilation album, simply titled H.E.R., released in October 2017, garnered widespread acclaim and earned her Best R&B Album at the 61st Grammy Awards.
In 2018, she embarked on the I Used to Know H.E.R. Tour, supporting her EP series. The second compilation album, I Used to Know Her, dropped in August 2019, solidifying her position as an R&B sensation.
Back of My Mind and Recent Achievements
In 2020, H.E.R. showcased her versatility by performing Prince’s “Nothing Compares 2 U” at the 72nd Primetime Emmy Awards. The following year, during the pre-game festivities for Super Bowl LV, she performed “America the Beautiful,” showcasing her vocal and instrumental prowess.
Her debut studio album, Back of My Mind, released in June 2021, marked a new chapter in her career. The album received critical acclaim and commercial success, establishing H.E.R. as a force to be reckoned with in the music industry.
In 2021, her powerful single “I Can’t Breathe,” inspired by the George Floyd protests, won the Grammy Award for Song of the Year. Additionally, her contribution to the film Judas and the Black Messiah with the song “Fight for You” earned her an Academy Award for Best Original Song.
Beyond Music: Acting and Media Appearances
H.E.R. expanded her artistic horizons by making her feature film debut in the 2023 adaptation of The Color Purple, playing the role of Squeak. She further showcased her acting skills in the 2021 movie Yes Day and lent her voice to the Netflix animated series We the People.
Recognizing her multifaceted talent, the Apple Music Awards honored her as Songwriter of the Year in 2021. Her media appearances include singing the National Anthem at Game 1 of the 2023 World Series and surprising fans with a performance on Saturday Night Live in October 2023.
Musical Style and Influences
H.E.R.’s musical style predominantly consists of R&B ballads that explore emotional highs and lows, resonating with listeners post-breakup. Influenced by Filipino ballad singers like Sharon Cuneta and Jay R., she openly credits the iconic Prince as one of her biggest inspirations.
Addressing the mystery surrounding her identity, H.E.R. emphasizes that it serves as a metaphor for her emotional journey during the creation of her projects. She aims to be a voice for women facing challenges and emphasizes the importance of raw emotion in her music.
Discography and Tours
H.E.R.’s discography includes her studio album “Back of My Mind” (2021) and compilation albums “H.E.R.” (2017) and “I Used to Know Her” (2019). Her impactful tours include the Lights on Tour (2017), I Used to Know Her Tour (2018), and the Back of My Mind Tour (2021). Notable supporting tours include those with Bryson Tiller, Chris Brown, Childish Gambino, and Coldplay.
H.E.R Awards and Nominations
H.E.R., the accomplished American singer and songwriter, has amassed an impressive collection of awards and nominations throughout her illustrious career. A distinguished recipient of Academy, Emmy, and Grammy Awards, H.E.R.’s talents have been celebrated in major international ceremonies, solidifying her status as a prominent figure in the music industry.
Her debut compilation, titled “H.E.R.” in 2017, marked the beginning of her award-winning journey. This critically acclaimed album not only secured the Grammy Award for Best R&B Album but also earned her the coveted Soul Train Music Award for Album of the Year. The lead single, “Best Part,” a collaboration with Daniel Caesar, further highlighted her prowess by winning the Grammy Award for Best R&B Performance.
The release of her second collection, “I Used to Know Her” in 2019, brought her first BET Awards, courtesy of the single “Hard Place.” Simultaneously, she received recognition as Outstanding Female Artist at the NAACP Image Awards.
In 2020, H.E.R. released the powerful single “I Can’t Breathe,” which not only won the Grammy Award for Song of the Year but also earned her the Ashford and Simpson Songwriter of the Year Award at the Soul Train Music Awards. The associated video received accolades, clinching the Video For Good Award at both the MTV Europe Music Awards and MTV Video Music Awards.
Her first studio album, “Back of My Mind,” released in 2021, garnered critical acclaim and secured nominations at prestigious events such as the Grammy Awards, Soul Train Awards, and NAACP Image Awards. The singles “Damage,” “Come Through,” and “Slide” contributed to the album’s success.
H.E.R. showcased her versatility by writing, composing, and producing the soundtrack “Fight for You” for the film “Judas and the Black Messiah” in 2020. This achievement resulted in an Academy Award for Best Original Song and a Grammy Award for Best Traditional R&B Performance. Her involvement in the animated series “We the People” earned her a Children’s and Family Emmy Award for Outstanding Short Form Program.
In 2022, she made significant contributions to Mary J. Blige’s album “Good Morning Gorgeous,” earning her three Grammy nominations. Additionally, her film debut in the 2023 adaptation of “The Color Purple” led to a Critics’ Choice Movie Award nomination and a Celebration of Cinema and Television Honor with the film cast.
As of 2024, H.E.R. continues to receive acclaim, with pending awards such as the Astra Film and Creative Awards for Best Cast Ensemble in “The Color Purple.” With over 12 million dollars in net worth, H.E.R. remains a powerhouse in the music industry, showcasing her exceptional talent and dedication to her craft.
Net Worth
H.E.R., the talented American singer and songwriter, has achieved remarkable success in her career, amassing a net worth of over 12 million dollars. Through her chart-topping albums, numerous accolades, and contributions to award-winning soundtracks, she has not only captured the hearts of fans worldwide but also made a significant impact on the music industry. You can find her on Instagram.