Judith Hill

Judith Glory Hill (born 06 May 1984), Los Angeles, California. Specialising as a singer-songwriter and multi-instrumentalist, her work is noted for its technical versatility across R&B, funk, jazz, and gospel, as well as her extensive contributions as a backing and featured vocalist for several high-profile recording artists.

Early Life

Hill was born into a musical household; her mother, Michiko Hill, is a pianist from Tokyo, and her father, Robert Lee "Pee Wee" Hill, is an African-American bassist. The two met in a funk group during the 1970s, providing Hill with a multicultural and multi-genre musical foundation. A 2002 YoungArts alumnus, she later earned a degree in music composition from Biola University. In 2007, she relocated to France to perform with Michel Polnareff, an experience that preceded her return to the United States to establish her own career as a songwriter. Her upbringing in Los Angeles and her diverse heritage allowed her to become fluent in French and Spanish, as well as proficient in singing and speaking both English and Japanese.

Career

Hill gained international attention in 2009 as Michael Jackson's duet partner for the This Is It residency. In 2013, she competed on the fourth season of The Voice, where a studio version of her performance reached the top 10 on iTunes. Her trajectory is further documented in the film 20 Feet from Stardom, which debuted at the 2013 Sundance Film Festival and opened in US theater locations on 14 June 2013. The movie won the 2014 Oscar and Critics' Choice Award for documentary feature, and Hill won a Black Reel Award for Outstanding Original Song for "Desperation". The project also won the 2015 Grammy Award for Best Music Film, with the award presented to the featured artists and production crew. Her solo discography includes Back in Time (2015), produced by Prince, Baby, I'm Hollywood! (2021), and Letters from a Black Widow (2024). Additionally, her association with Gordon Goodwin’s Big Phat Band on "Party Rockers" earned a 2015 Grammy Award nomination for Best Arrangement, Instrumental and Vocals.

Personal Life

Hill remains deeply connected to her family's musical roots, frequently collaborating with her parents on various recording and touring projects. Her personal and professional history was significantly shaped by her close relationship with Prince, with whom she was romantically involved during the final years of his life. This partnership extended into a profound creative mentorship, as Prince produced her debut album and acted as a primary advisor on her independent career path. Her professional legacy is defined by her transition from a sought-after backing vocalist to a solo artist who maintains creative autonomy over her production and songwriting. She continues to reside in Los Angeles, serving as a prominent figure in the city's soul and funk scenes.

Current Activities

The artist is currently engaged in an extensive 2026 touring itinerary in support of the album Letters from a Black Widow, with confirmed appearances at several European and North American jazz festivals. Following her recent performance with The Revolution for the 40th anniversary of Purple Rain, she is engaged in several collaborative projects involving archival Prince material and new studio sessions. Her schedule for the current year includes a series of headlining dates at various theater venues and music conservatories where she conducts masterclasses in composition.