H.E.R.

June 27, 2024

Fast Facts
Background
Career Timeline
Why We Love
Surprising Facts
FAQs

Gabriella Sarmiento Wilson, or H.E.R., was born on June 27, 1997, in Vallejo, California, the United States, to a Filipino mother and an Afro-American father. She was brought up in the San Francisco Bay Area. She is currently a reference in contemporary R&B, with several successful hits, such as ‘Best Part,’ ‘Could’ve Been,’ and ‘Slide.’ She is the winner of four Grammy Awards and has received a total of 13 nominations. She received an Academy Award at 23 and is now an R&B chart-topper.

Fast Facts

Full Name:

Gabriella Sarmiento Wilson

Nickname:

Gabi

Birth date:

June 27, 1997

Age:

Zodiac Sign:

Cancer

Height:

5' 4"

Relationship Status:

Single

Net Worth:

$2.3 million

Background

Born on June 27, 1997, in Vallejo, California, U.S., Gabriella Sarmiento Wilson, also known as H.E.R., grew up in the San Francisco Bay Area. Her mother is Filipino, while her father is of African-American ethnicity. She was initially presented to the public as a prodigy after she performed an Alicia Keys’ number on the piano on “The Today Show,” before competing in Radio Disney’s singing contest, “The Next BIG Thing,” at the age of 12. When she was 14, she signed a contract with Sony and released a debut song, ‘Something to Prove,’ under her real name.

She made a comeback in 2016 with a completely novel persona and a fascinating name — H.E.R, which is an acronym for Having Everything Revealed. She released her debut E.P., “H.E.R” (Vol. 1.), with the support of names, such as Issa Rae, Kylie, Kendall Jenner, and Keys. While the National Public Radio (N.P.R.) listed her debut E.P. in its ‘Five Essential R&B Albums You Slept On,’ “Rolling Stone” magazine included H.E.R. in its 2017 list of ‘10 Artists You Need to Know.’

Her first album was released on October 20, 2017, and comprised every song she had released by the time. The record won Best R&B Album and received four other nominations at the 61st Grammy Awards. In 2021, H.E.R. took home an Oscar award for Best Original Song at the 93rd ceremony of the movie, “Judas And The Black Messiah.” Today, she is considered one of the most acclaimed R&B artists.

Career timeline

2007

She Becomes a Prodigy

She performs Keys' song on the piano for “The Today Show” at the age of 10.

2009

Her Next BIG Thing

Her song, ‘My Music,’ features on Radio Disney’s show “The Next BIG Thing.”

2011

Her First Single

She signs a deal with Sony's R.C.A. Records and releases her number, ’Something to Prove,’ under her real name.

2016

She Becomes H.E.R.

She releases her first eponymous E.P., “H.E.R. (Vol. 1),” under her new professional name.

2017

Her Multiple Nominations

Followed by her second E.P., her first compilation album "H.E.R." wins Best R&B Album and receives four other nominations at the 61stt Grammy Awards.

2021

Her First Album

She releases her debut full-length album.

Why We Love H.E.R.

She is vocal
She says, “I want women to really feel how honest and vulnerable I am and to understand that they are not alone and that these are all human emotions.” She speaks up and takes a stand for women, which is commendable.
She loves her roots
Her exclusive loungewear collection was inspired by the places where she grew up as a person and artist: Vallejo, California; and Brooklyn, New York. She takes pride in her multicultural roots.
She is humane
Her song, ‘I Can't Breathe,’ is a reference to George Floyd's final words, and was released during the Black Lives Matter protests of 2020. We love that she stands up for what is right and contributes to giving a voice to those who cannot speak.

5 Surprising Facts

She is great with instruments
H.E.R. can play the piano, drums, electric and acoustic guitar, and bass.
She is a Prince fan
When she was a child, she would wake up every morning to her father blasting Prince on T.V.
Keys’ advice
Keys told her that when it came to music, all one needed was three chords.
She wanted to be anonymous
H.E.R. wanted her music to be the only focus of her career.
Rihanna is a stan
The video Rihanna posted with ‘Focus’ playing in the background has over five million views.