Tionne 'T - Boz' Watkins

Tionne Tenese Watkins (born 26 April 1970) in Des Moines, Iowa, is an American singer, songwriter, actress, author, and executive producer better known by her stage name T-Boz.

Rising to prominence as a founding member of the group TLC, she became one of the most successful female artists of the 1990s. Watkins is recognised for her distinctive low-register contralto vocals and her contributions to the New Jack Swing and R&B genres. Over the course of her career, she has received four Grammy Awards and has been involved in the sale of over 65 million records worldwide.

Early Life

Watkins was born to James and Gayle Watkins and is of African American, Native American, and Irish descent. At the age of seven, she was diagnosed with sickle cell anaemia, a chronic condition that necessitated frequent hospitalisations throughout her childhood and influenced her later advocacy work. When she was nine years old, her family relocated from Iowa to Atlanta, Georgia. This move placed her in a burgeoning musical hub where she eventually began participating in local auditions, leading to her discovery by Crystal Jones and her subsequent involvement in the formation of the musical trio that would become TLC.

Career

Watkins’ professional journey began in earnest in 1991 when TLC signed with LaFace Records under the direction of L.A. Reid and Perri 'Pebbles' Reid. Alongside Rozonda 'Chilli' Thomas and Lisa 'Left Eye' Lopes, Watkins released several multi-platinum albums, including Oooooooh... On the TLC Tip, CrazySexyCool, and FanMail. Her career extends beyond the group to solo musical contributions such as 'Touch Myself' for the Fled soundtrack and 'My Getaway' for Rugrats in Paris: The Movie. Watkins has also established herself in film and television, starring in the 1998 film Belly and serving as an executive producer for the movie ATL. Her television credits include a recurring role on the daytime soap opera Days of Our Lives and the reality series Totally T-Boz, which documented her efforts to balance her health, family, and a solo career.

Personal Life

Watkins was married to rapper Mack 10 from 2000 to 2004, and they share a daughter, Chase Anela Rolison. Her personal life has been marked by significant health challenges, including a three-year battle with a brain tumour diagnosed in 2006, which was successfully removed at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center. A dedicated philanthropist, she has served as a spokesperson for the Sickle Cell Disease Association of America, using her platform to raise awareness and funding for the disorder. Her professional legacy is defined by her resilience and her role in shaping the aesthetic and sound of modern R&B, as well as her published work, including a book of poetry titled Thoughts.

Current Activities

Watkins remains an active figure in the entertainment industry and continues to perform select dates as part of TLC. Following the group's 2025/2026 tour circuit, she has transitioned towards focused media projects and health advocacy. In early 2026, she appeared in the docuseries #Uncensored and attended the iHeartRadio Music Awards. She continues to operate as a national co-chair for Health Care Voter, advocating for affordable medical access. Managed by her own production and representation teams, Watkins is currently engaged in several high-profile projects, including the development of new media content and continued public speaking engagements regarding health equity.