Brandy

Brandy Rayana Norwood, known simply as Brandy, was born on February 11, 1979, in McComb, Mississippi. Raised in Carson, California, she was immersed in music from an early age, singing in church choirs under the influence of her father, Willie Norwood, a gospel singer and choir director. Her professional music career took off at just 15 when she signed with Atlantic Records in 1993, releasing her self-titled debut album, Brandy, in 1994. The album sold over six million copies worldwide, propelling her into stardom.

Brandy’s success wasn’t confined to music alone. From 1996 to 2001, she starred in the hit UPN sitcom Moesha, earning critical acclaim for her portrayal of the titular character. In 1997, she made history by becoming the first Black actress to play a Disney princess in the made-for-TV film Cinderella.

Her musical career continued to flourish with her 1998 duet with Monica, “The Boy Is Mine,” which won a Grammy and became one of the best-selling female duets of all time. Other standout albums like Never Say Never (1998) and Full Moon (2002) cemented her status in the music industry.

Brandy’s achievements extend beyond music and television, and in 2025, she will release a memoir that offers a deeper look into her life, from her humble beginnings in Mississippi to becoming an icon in entertainment.