Brandy Norwood facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Brandy
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Brandy performing in 2019
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Brandy Rayana Norwood
February 11, 1979 McComb, Mississippi, U.S.
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| Years active | 1993–present |
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Works
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| Children | 1 |
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| Relatives | Ray J (brother) |
| Awards | Full list |
| Musical career | |
| Origin | Carson, California, U.S. |
| Genres | |
| Instruments | Vocals |
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Brandy Rayana Norwood (born February 11, 1979) is an American singer, songwriter, dancer, model, and actress. She grew up in a musical family in McComb, Mississippi, and later in Carson, California. Brandy started her career singing backup for teen groups.
In 1993, she signed with Atlantic Records and released her first album, Brandy, which sold millions of copies. Brandy became famous for her role in the TV show Moesha. She also starred in the TV movie Cinderella (1997) and the film I Still Know What You Did Last Summer (1998). Her song "The Boy Is Mine" with Monica won a Grammy Award and became a huge hit.
Brandy continued to have success with her albums Full Moon (2002) and Afrodisiac (2004). She was a judge on the first season of America's Got Talent. Later, she released her album Human (2008).
She appeared on Dancing with the Stars and in the reality show Brandy & Ray J: A Family Business. In 2012, she joined the TV series The Game and released her album Two Eleven. Brandy made her Broadway debut in the musical Chicago in 2015. Her recent albums include B7 (2020) and the holiday album Christmas With Brandy (2023).
Brandy has sold over 40 million records worldwide. She has won a Grammy Award and an American Music Award. She is known for her unique voice, which has earned her the nickname "the Vocal Bible."
Contents
Early Life and Career Beginnings
Brandy Rayana Norwood was born on February 11, 1979, in McComb, Mississippi. Her father, Willie Norwood, was a gospel singer. Her mother, Sonja Norwood, managed her career. Brandy is the older sister of entertainer Ray J.
She grew up in a Christian home and started singing in her father's church choir at age two. In 1983, her family moved to Carson, California. Brandy became a big fan of singer Whitney Houston when she was seven. She started entering talent shows at age eleven.
In 1990, Brandy signed with Teaspoon Productions. She worked as a backup singer for the R&B group Immature. In 1993, her parents helped her get a recording contract with Atlantic Recording Corporation. Brandy left high school and was tutored privately to focus on her music career.
Career Highlights
1993–1996: First Album and TV Show
While working on her first album, Brandy got a role in the TV show Thea. She played the daughter of a single mom. The show was popular at first but only lasted one season. Brandy was happy about the cancellation because she wanted to focus on singing.
Her first album, Brandy, came out in 1994. It sold over six million copies around the world. The album had hit songs like "I Wanna Be Down" and "Baby". These songs reached the top of the R&B charts. "Brokenhearted", a duet with Wanya Morris, was also a big hit. The album earned Brandy two Grammy nominations.
In 1995, Brandy opened for Boyz II Men on their tour. She also sang songs for movie soundtracks, including "Sittin' Up in My Room" for Waiting to Exhale. In 1996, she worked with Tamia, Chaka Khan, and Gladys Knight on the song "Missing You".
In 1996, Brandy starred in her own TV show, Moesha. She played Moesha Mitchell, a Los Angeles girl dealing with growing up. The show became very popular and ran for six seasons. Brandy won an NAACP Image Award for her acting. In 1997, Brandy, Ray J, and their parents started The Norwood Kids Foundation. This group helps young people through arts programs.
1997–2001: Never Say Never and Movies
In 1997, Whitney Houston chose Brandy to play Cinderella in a TV movie. The movie Cinderella had a diverse cast, including Jason Alexander, Whoopi Goldberg, and Houston. About 60 million people watched the show, making it a huge success.
Brandy's second album, Never Say Never, came out in 1998. She helped write and produce six songs on the album. This included her first number-one song, "The Boy Is Mine", a duet with Monica. This song became one of the most successful duets by female artists ever. It stayed at number one on the Billboard charts for thirteen weeks. The song won a Grammy Award.
Never Say Never sold over 16 million copies worldwide. It became Brandy's best-selling album. Critics liked the album, praising its mix of R&B and pop. The album had seven singles, including "Have You Ever?", which also reached number one. Brandy went on the Never Say Never World Tour in 1999 to promote the album.
Brandy made her movie debut in the film I Still Know What You Did Last Summer. She played Karla Wilson. Her performance earned her positive reviews and an MTV Movie Award nomination. In 1999, she starred with Diana Ross in the TV movie Double Platinum. Brandy and Ross were also executive producers for the movie. That same year, Brandy performed at VH-1's Divas Live '99 with stars like Whitney Houston and Tina Turner.
After a break, Brandy returned to music in 2001. She and her brother Ray J recorded a cover of Phil Collins' song "Another Day in Paradise". This song became a big international hit.
2002–2005: Full Moon and Afrodisiac
Brandy's third album, Full Moon, was released in 2002. It featured R&B and pop songs. The album debuted at number two on the Billboard 200 chart. Its first single, "What About Us?", was a top-ten hit worldwide. The title track was also a Top 20 hit.
In 2002, Brandy appeared in the MTV series Diary Presents Brandy: Special Delivery. This show followed her pregnancy and the birth of her daughter, Sy'rai.
Brandy's fourth album, Afrodisiac, came out in 2004. This album received very good reviews from critics. They praised its unique sound, which included influences from producers Timbaland and Kanye West. The album debuted at number three on the Billboard 200.
After eleven years, Brandy left Atlantic Records in 2004. A collection of her best songs, The Best of Brandy, was released in 2005.
2006–2014: Human, Acting, and Two Eleven
In 2006, Brandy appeared in the TV show One on One. She also became a judge on the first season of America's Got Talent. The show was very popular. Brandy did not return for the second season after being involved in a car accident.
Brandy's fifth album, Human, was released in 2008. It was produced by Rodney Jerkins and others. The album debuted at number fifteen on the Billboard 200. The song "Right Here (Departed)" was a hit.
In 2010, Brandy and Ray J starred in the VH1 reality series Brandy and Ray J: A Family Business. The show followed their lives and their family's business. A music album from the show, A Family Business, was released in 2011.
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In fall 2010, Brandy competed on Dancing with the Stars. She placed fourth in the competition. In 2011, Brandy signed a new record deal. She also appeared in the TV shows 90210 and Drop Dead Diva.
In 2011, Brandy joined the cast of the BET comedy series The Game. She played Chardonnay, a bartender. In 2012, she reunited with Monica for the song "It All Belongs to Me". Brandy's own song "Put It Down" with Chris Brown was released later that year. It became a top ten hit on the R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart.
Her sixth album, Two Eleven, was released in October 2012. It returned to her R&B sound. The album reached number three on the Billboard 200.
In 2013, Brandy starred in Tyler Perry's film Temptation: Confessions of a Marriage Counselor. She played Melinda. The film was a moderate success at the box office. In 2014, Brandy released a cover of Coldplay's song "Magic". She also appeared on Love and Hip Hop: Hollywood and The Soul Man. At the 2014 BET Hip Hop Awards, she performed with Queen Latifah, MC Lyte, and Yo-Yo.
2015–2020: Broadway and B7
After finishing The Game, Brandy made her Broadway debut in the musical Chicago in April 2015. She played the lead role of Roxie Hart. She returned to the role several times in 2016 and 2017. In 2015, Brandy re-recorded her vocals for the song "The Girl Is Mine" by 99 Souls. This song became a hit in Europe.
In January 2016, Brandy starred in the BET sitcom Zoe Ever After. She also released the song "Beggin & Pleadin". Brandy started her Slayana World Tour in 2016, but it ended early due to exhaustion.
In November 2016, Brandy received the Lady of Soul Award at the Soul Train Music Awards. In July 2018, Brandy became a regular cast member on the TV series Star. She played Cassie until the show ended in 2019.
In 2019, Brandy received the BMI President's Award. She also sang on Daniel Caesar's song "Love Again". This song earned them a Grammy nomination. In September 2019, she released the song "Freedom Rings" to celebrate 25 years since her first album.
Brandy's seventh album, B7, was released in July 2020. It was her first album as an independent artist. Brandy co-wrote and co-produced most of the album. The album received positive reviews and was nominated for Album of the Year at the 2020 Soul Train Awards.
In August 2020, Brandy and Monica had a popular Verzuz battle online. Millions of people watched it live.
2021–2024: Queens and Christmas with Brandy
In March 2021, John Legend chose Brandy as a mentor on the TV show The Voice. She also worked with Disney on the song "Starting Now". In August 2021, Brandy joined the cast of the TV series Queens. She played one-fourth of a veteran hip-hop group. She recorded new songs for the series.
In March 2022, Brandy released "Nothing Without You" with her daughter Sy'Rai. This song was for the movie Cheaper by the Dozen. In April, Mariah Carey released a new version of her song "The Roof" featuring Brandy.
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In November 2023, Brandy released her eighth album, Christmas with Brandy. It included new songs and classic Christmas tunes. This album marked her return to Motown Records. Its release happened at the same time as her Netflix Christmas movie Best. Christmas. Ever!. On November 23, 2023, Brandy performed at the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade.
On February 4, 2024, Brandy performed at the 66th Annual Grammy Awards. In June 2024, she made a cameo in Ariana Grande's music video for "The Boy Is Mine". She also appeared on a remix of the song with Ariana Grande and Monica. In July 2024, Brandy returned as Cinderella in the Disney+ movie Descendants: The Rise of Red. She also starred in the psychological horror film The Front Room in September 2024.
2025-present: Memoir and Tour
On January 8, 2025, it was announced that Brandy will release her memoir on October 7, 2025. This book will share her full story. In February 2025, British artists AJ Tracey and Jorja Smith released the song "Crush," which samples Brandy's 2002 song "Love Wouldn't Count Me Out." In May 2025, Brandy was announced to return as Cinderella in Descendants: Wicked Wonderland, the fifth movie in the Descendants series.
In June 2025, it was announced that Brandy will go on a co-headlining tour with Monica. The "Boy Is Mine Tour" will start in October 2025 and end in December 2025.
Artistry
Voice and Style
Brandy's voice is often described as soft, raspy, and husky. Music critics say her voice has a unique mix of warmth and sharp edges. She is known for her long, flowing vocal riffs. Brandy also uses many layers of her voice to create rich, complex sounds. This skill has earned her the nickname "the Vocal Bible." In 2023, Rolling Stone magazine ranked Brandy among the 200 Greatest Singers of All Time.
Her first album had a "street-oriented" R&B sound, with elements of hip hop and pop-soul. She sang about love and other topics like friendship and faith. On her second album, Never Say Never, she moved towards a more grown-up sound. Her third album, Full Moon, explored mixing R&B with futuristic sounds. Her voice also became deeper and warmer.
For her fourth album, Afrodisiac, Brandy tried a more experimental sound. This album used unique sounds and sampling methods. Her fifth album, Human, discussed themes of love and honesty. Her sixth album, Two Eleven, returned to her R&B roots, blending her 1990s sound with modern hip-hop.
Influences
Brandy has always said that Whitney Houston is her biggest musical inspiration. She called Houston her "idol" and wanted to sing and perform like her. Houston later became a personal friend and mentor to Brandy.
Brandy also credits her father, Willie Norwood, for teaching her how to sing. She learned gospel songs with him in church. She also found inspiration from singers like Kim Burrell, Enya, and Sade.
Other artists who have influenced Brandy include Michael Jackson, Mariah Carey, Boyz II Men, Stevie Wonder, Aretha Franklin, Coldplay, Janet Jackson, and her brother Ray J.
In her acting career, Brandy has been inspired by Lucille Ball, Jenifer Lewis, and Kim Fields.
Legacy and Impact
Since her debut in 1994, Brandy has sold over 40 million records worldwide. Her song "The Boy Is Mine" was ranked among the top duets of all time by Billboard. In the 1990s, Billboard also listed her among the top pop artists of the decade.
Brandy's unique vocal style has greatly influenced R&B, pop, and gospel music. Many artists, including Jessie J, JoJo, Britney Spears, Sam Smith, Frank Ocean, Ariana Grande, Rihanna, and Chris Brown, have said she influenced their music. Other singers like Whitney Houston, Mariah Carey, and Jennifer Hudson have praised her vocals.
Her album Full Moon is often called a "template" for vocal arrangements by other artists. Producers like Sean Garrett and singers like Luke James have called it a "bible" for modern R&B vocals.
Her album Afrodisiac is seen as an important album that helped shape the alternative R&B style. Artists like Solange Knowles and Miguel have mentioned its influence.
Brandy has also made a big impact in film and television. She was the first African American actress to play Cinderella in a major production. Her role inspired many Black actors, including Keke Palmer. Her TV show Moesha was one of the longest-running Black sitcoms. On Broadway, she and co-star Lana Gordan made history as the first Black co-leads in Chicago the Musical in 2017.
Other Ventures
Brandy has worked with many brands throughout her career. In 1999, she became a CoverGirl model. She also represented Candie's and DKNY. In the late 1990s, she was signed with Wilhelmina Agency, a top modeling agency.
In 1999, Mattel released the Brandy Doll, which became a popular toy. In 2005, Brandy became a spokesperson for Ultima, a company for hair products.
Helping Others
In 1996, Brandy and her brother Ray J started the Norwood Kids Foundation. This foundation uses performing arts to help young people become confident and responsible. In 1999, Brandy became the first international youth spokesperson for UNICEF. She also supports the Make A Wish Foundation and RAINN.
In 2000, Brandy donated money to 2000 WATTS, a community center started by Tyrese Gibson. In 2008, she worked with Skechers for their "Nothing Compares to Family" campaign. In 2010, Brandy joined Get Schooled, a group that encourages students to attend school. In 2014, she teamed up with "text4baby" to share health information with new moms. She also became an honorary co-chairman for the Unstoppable Foundation. In 2018, she appeared in a public service announcement for the American Heart Association.
Personal Life
Relationships
Brandy attended Hollywood High School and later had a private tutor. In 1996, she briefly dated basketball player Kobe Bryant. She also dated Boyz II Men singer Wanya Morris.
In 2001, Brandy became involved with producer Robert "Big Bert" Smith. They had a daughter, Sy'rai Iman Smith. They later separated.
Brandy was engaged to NBA player Quentin Richardson in 2004, but they ended their engagement in 2005. She briefly dated rapper Flo Rida in 2010. In 2012, she became engaged to music executive Ryan Press, but they broke up in 2014.
Brandy has spoken about overcoming personal challenges and emotional ups and downs. She has shared that she uses therapy, prayer, journaling, and meditation to help her.
Discography
- Studio albums
- Brandy (1994)
- Never Say Never (1998)
- Full Moon (2002)
- Afrodisiac (2004)
- Human (2008)
- Two Eleven (2012)
- B7 (2020)
- Christmas with Brandy (2023)
Tours
Headlining
- Never Say Never World Tour (1999)
- UK Tour Afrodisiac (2005)
- Human World Tour (2009)
- Two Eleven World Tour (2013)
- Slayana World Tour (2016)
Opening act
- II World Tour (1995)
Co-headlining
- Brandy & Joe: UK Tour (2019) (with Joe)
- The Boy Is Mine Tour (2025) (with Monica)
Filmography
Film and Television
Stage
Broadway
- Chicago (April–August 2015; August 2017)
Regional
- Chicago (2016) (the Hollywood Pantages Theatre in Los Angeles)
- Chicago (2017) (the Kennedy Center in Washington, D.C.)
Images for kids
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Brandy performing in 2019
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Norwood at the Essence Awards in 1997
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Norwood performing during Afrodisiac's album release party in New York City in July 2004.
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Norwood on the set of A Family Business in 2011
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Norwood in 2019
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Norwood at Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade in 2023
See also
In Spanish: Brandy Norwood para niños
