India Arie is a four-time Grammy winner and throughout her career, she received 12 nominations.

Photo via Instagram did she know that singing beneath the trees in Atlanta, Georgia would pay off quite like it has. I had the natural inclination, combined with musical training.” Well, it certainly has paid off. She told Relevant Magazine, “As I grew up I was always playing music, it’s all I ever did. Arie’s entire family sings, dances and plays an instrument. It wasn’t just her parents, either, she comes from a deep bloodline of artists. Her mother was a Motown singer who opened for Stevie Wonder and Al Green when she was just a teenager. The soul singer-songwriter was born in Denver, Colorado to equally talented parents Joyce and Ralph Simpson. Here are five reasons to fall in love with India Arie if you haven’t already. When this singer-songwriter releases an album, it gives listeners an insider view of Arie’s opinions and her own personal journeys. She addresses issues regarding race, religion and self-love.

Her songs tackle a variety of issues that speak to the soul. However, it is the rawness and sincerity of her words that keep the fans coming back for more. India Arie is the powerful vocalist behind the empowering early 2000s anthems “Video” and “I am Not My Hair.” Her soulful tone and melodies draw in the crowd.

India arie songs the truth