Tamia
Model · Canadian, American
Known for Tamia Marilyn Washington was born on May 9, 1975, in Windsor, Ontario. Raised as the only daughter of Barbara Washington-Peden alongside three younger brothers, she began singing at a local church at six years old.
About Tamia
Tamia Marilyn Washington was born on May 9, 1975, in Windsor, Ontario. Raised as the only daughter of Barbara Washington-Peden alongside three younger brothers, she began singing at a local church at six years old. By age 12, she had participated in local musicals, later studying piano and voice with musician Eugene Davis. She developed her talents through the Walkerville Centre for Creative Arts program at Walkerville Collegiate Institute and won Canada's YTV Achievement Award for vocal performance in 1993.
In 1994, after performing at a benefit event in Aspen, Colorado, Tamia met Brenda Richie, which led to a management deal with Lionel Richie in Los Angeles. Producer Quincy Jones subsequently featured her on his 1995 album Q's Jook Joint, where she recorded vocals for "You Put a Move on My Heart" and "Slow Jams." Both collaborations earned her Grammy Award nominations. She also received a Grammy nomination for "Missing You," a track recorded for the Set It Off soundtrack in 1996. In 1997, she made her film debut in Speed 2: Cruise Control, performing the single "Make Tonight Beautiful."
Tamia released her self-titled debut album in April 1998, featuring the singles "Imagination" and "So Into You." In 1999, she collaborated with singer Eric Benét on "Spend My Life with You," which reached number one on Billboard's Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart, earned an NAACP Image Award, and received a Grammy nomination. After signing with Elektra Records, she released A Nu Day in 2000, which yielded the top-ten Billboard Hot 100 single "Stranger in My House." Her third studio album, More, followed in April 2004 after being delayed due to a health diagnosis, debuting at number four on the Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums chart.
In 2005, Tamia established her independent label, Plus One Music Group. She released her fourth album, Between Friends, in 2006, written and produced primarily with Shep Crawford. Her fifth album, Beautiful Surprise, was released in 2012 and garnered two Grammy nominations. Partnering with Def Jam Recordings, Tamia released Love Life in June 2015, which debuted at number two on the Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums chart. Her seventh studio album, Passion Like Fire, was released in September 2018.
Over her career, Tamia has earned six Grammy Award nominations, four Juno Award nominations, and the 2019 Soul Music Icon Award at the Black Music Honors. In May 2023, she received an honorary Doctor of Music degree from Morris Brown College. She released the solo single "Forever and a Day" in August 2026. Tamia married former basketball player Grant Hill in July 1999, and the couple has two daughters. Diagnosed with multiple sclerosis in 2003, she serves as an advocate for the National Multiple Sclerosis Society.
Frequently asked about Tamia
What is Tamia known for?
Tamia Marilyn Washington was born on May 9, 1975, in Windsor, Ontario. Raised as the only daughter of Barbara Washington-Peden alongside three younger brothers, she began singing at a local church at six years old.
How old is Tamia and what is their zodiac sign?
Tamia is 51 years old (born 9 May 1975) and is a Taurus.
Where is Tamia from?
Tamia is from Windsor, Canada (born 9 May 1975).
What is Tamia's real name?
Tamia's real (birth) name is Tamia Marilyn Washington.
Is Tamia married or in a relationship?
According to public information, Tamia’s relationship status is listed as Married to Grant Hill.
