Gabriella Sarmiento Wilson is more commonly known by her stage name H.E.R. (Having Everything Revealed). She is a Grammy and Academy Award-winning artist who has redefined modern RnB with her soulful voice, reflective lyrics, and masterful musicianship. Wilson’s journey from a child prodigy to one of the most celebrated artists of her generation is a testament to her talent, resilience, and passion for music.
Early Life: A Musical Prodigy
Gabriella Sarmiento Wilson was born in 1997 in Vallejo, California, to a Filipino-American mother and an African-American father. Her upbringing in a multicultural household gave her access to many different musical influences. Her father was a musician who played a significant role in nurturing her passion for music. Gabriella was only two years old when she began to play the piano and guitar, an age when most children could barely even spell their names.
At the age of 10, she was doing covers of songs by Alicia Keys and Aretha Franklin. Her breakthrough came when she appeared on The Today Show and later on Radio Disney’s The Next big Thing. She signed her first record deal with RCA Records at the age of 12 under her birth name Gabriella Wilson.
The Birth of H.E.R.
Though being in the spotlight early showcased Gabriella’s raw talent, her transformation into H.E.R. marked a turning point in her career. She chose anonymity and artistic freedom to reintroduce herself to the music world in 2016 as H.E.R., with the release of her debut EP H.E.R. Volume 1.
The EP became an instant hit, with tracks like Focus and Best Part winning listeners over. Since H.E.R. chose to conceal her identity at first, fans could only focus on her music – which added mystery and intrigue. This anonymity and her emotionally charged, relatable songwriting made her an instant hit with her audience.
A Career of Accolades
The rise of H.E.R. was meteoric. Fans and critics alike admired her ability to mix RnB, soul and contemporary pop. Her accolades over the years include multiple Grammy Awards for Best RnB Album for H.E.R. and Song of the Year for “I Can’t Breathe.”.
H.E.R. won the Academy Award in 2021 for Best Original Song for “Fight for You” featured in the film Judas and the Black Messiah. This helped cement her image as an artist who uses her platform to address social issues.
A Multi-Instrumentalist and Lyricist
H.E.R.’s signature trait is her musicianship. She is a multi-instrumentalist proficient in piano, guitar, drums, and bass, which she often showcases in her live performances. Her ability to weave emotional lyrics with catchy melodies shows her understanding of music as art and a medium for storytelling.
Personal Life and Advocacy
While H.E.R. remains somewhat private about her personal life, she is outspoken about causes she believes in. She speaks out on issues about racial inequality, cultural pride, and female empowerment.
Legacy
Gabriella Sarmiento Wilson’s evolution into H.E.R. has not only solidified her as a powerhouse in the music industry but also as a role model for aspiring artists. Her journey from child prodigy to an internationally celebrated artist demonstrates her commitment to her art and authenticity.