Guide Note

Macy Gray is a popular Soul singer, producer and actress. She is noted for her trademark raspy voice and a singing style similar to Billie Holiday and Betty Davis.

Fast Facts

1. Real name: Natalie Renee McIntyre
2. Born: September 6, 1967
3. Birthplace: Canton, Ohio
4. Genre(s): R&B;, Neo Soul
5. Years Active: 1998-present
6. Label(s): Epic Records, Geffen Records
7. Grammy Awards: 2

Born in Canton, Ohio, Gray decided to pursue a career in music after being expelled from Western Reserve Academy in Hudson, Ohio. While attending the University of Southern California she agreed to write songs for a friend of hers and a demo session was scheduled for the songs to be recorded by another singer. When her friend did not turn up to record, Gray recorded them herself. Later, after she met writer/producer Joe Solo at her job as a cashier in Beverly Hills, the duo collaborated to record a demo tape for Gray. Despite Gray's dislike of her own voice, her vocals garnered lots of attention around the jazz scene, and Atlantic Records signed her to their label. Atlantic later rejected her demo album. Gray, who was going through the break-up of her marriage and expecting her third child at the time, retreated back to Ohio. During this time, Gray's demo tape was still making the rounds, and in 1998 she landed a record deal with Epic Records.

• 1999: On How Life Is
• 2001: The Id Macy Gray
• 2003: The Trouble with Being Myself
• 2004: The Very Best of Macy Gray
• 2005: Live in Las Vegas Macy Gray
• 2007: Big