India.Arie was born in Denver, Colorado on October 3, 1975. When she was 13, Arie moved with her mother and siblings to Atlanta, Georgia after her parents divorced. There she began to play the guitar,the saxophone, baritone clarinet, french horn, and trumpet. Arie attended Savannah College of Arts and Design where she studied jewelry design but she gave designing up to focus her attention on music. She collaborated with other local artists in Atlanta, eventually forming a music group called ‘Groovement’. The group was very successful, but in 1999, Arie was discovered by and signed a deal with Motown records.  There at the age of 24 she began her career as a solo artist.

She is famous for writing songs about female empowerment and dismissing the societal standards of beauty. Arie’s debut album, Acoustic Soul, was released in 2001 and earned her seven Grammy nominations.

India Arie is an award-winning singer, songwriter, actress, and record producer. She has sold over 10 million records worldwide.