Jill Scott (born April 4, 1972) is an American soul and R&B singer-songwriter, poet, and actress. In 2007, Scott made her cinematic debut in the films Hounddog (as Big Mama Thornton) and in Tyler Perry’s feature film, Why Did I Get Married? That year, her third studio album, The Real Thing: Words and Sounds Vol. 3, was released on September 25, 2007. She has won three Grammy Awards. She also appeared in the lead role of the BBC/HBO series The No. 1 Ladies’ Detective Agency.
Originally sang the hook on The Roots Grammy winning song “You Got Me.”
Was offered a role in the Broadway play ‘Chicago’, but turned it down.
Attended the Philadelphia High School for Girls
An only child.
Has a cat named Stacey.
Released a book of poetry entitled “The Moments, the Minutes, the Hours” in April 2005.
Originally attended Temple University to become a high school English teacher.
Performed with a Canandian touring cast in the musical ‘Rent.’.
Her stepfather was abusive, so she and her mom went to live with her grandmother.
Slept in the same bed as her grandmother until the age of eighteen.
Recorded 50 songs for her debut album, but included only 18.
She quit teaching after other teachers complained about her method of singing to students to improve their memorization skills.
Founded the Blues Babe Foundation, an organization that provides scholarships to college-bound students in the greater Philadelphia area, in 2002.
Named one of People magazine’s “50 Most Beautiful People” in 2001.
Released her double-platinum debut album, Who Is Jill Scott? Words and Sounds Vol. 1, in 2000.
Was nominated for a Grammy in Best New Artist of 2000, but did not win.
Cites Sarah Vaughan as one of her musical influences. The others are Frankie Beverly and Maze, Minnie Riperton, Donny Hathaway, Anita Baker, Roy Ayers, Stevie Wonder, Prince, and Sade.
Mother’s name is Joyce Scott.
While not a single, the album track “He Loves Me,” dedicated to her then-husband Lyzel became a particularly popular song in her live and televised performances.
Won a 2005 Grammy for Best Urban/Alternative R&B Performance for “Cross My Mind.”.
She remains close to her mother and grandmother, nicknamed “Blue Babe”, and resides in Mt. Laurel, New Jersey.
Prior to her breakthrough in the music industry, Scott worked at a variety of jobs, including a number of retail positions and stints at a construction site and an ice cream parlor.
Is a supporter of gay rights.
Favorite movie is The Wiz (1978).
Invented a new brand of bras for full figured women called “Butterfly” in the spring of 2008.
Announced June 20, 2008 that she is engaged to her drummer, Lil’ John Roberts.
Is expecting her first child with fiancé Lil’ Jon Roberts. The baby is due April 25, 2009.
Announced June 20, 2008 that she is engaged to her drummer, Lil’ John Roberts.
On April 20, 2009 Jill and boyfriend Lil Jon Roberts had a baby boy named Jett Roberts, who arrived 5 days earlier than expected.
Son, Jett Hamilton Roberts, born April 20, 2009. He weighed 7 lbs. 8 oz.
