Jully Black

Exhibitions & Theatrical, Music

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About

Jullyann Inderia Gordon Black, born on November 8, 1977, is a Canadian singer and songwriter who has long been dubbed "Canada's Queen of R&B." Born to Jamaican immigrants as the youngest of nine children, she grew up in the North York district in the neighbourhood of Jane and Finch in Toronto, Ontario. Her powerful voice and commanding stage presence have made her one of Canada's most celebrated vocalists—CBC Music chose her as one of "The 25 Greatest Canadian Singers Ever."

At age 19, Black was discovered by Warner/Chappell Music, who immediately signed her, and shortly after, she was courted by Universal Music Canada. Over her remarkable career, she has released four studio albums and two remix EPs, showcasing her versatility across R&B, soul, and pop. As both a performer and songwriter, she has collaborated and written for numerous artists, including Nas, Saukrates, Choclair, Kardinal Offishall, Destiny's Child, and Sean Paul, demonstrating her influence across the hip-hop and R&B landscape.

Jully Black has taken home Juno and Gemini Awards and was hand-selected to sing for the Queen of England, showcasing her status as a national treasure. In 2021, she was inducted into Canada's Walk of Fame, cementing her legacy in Canadian music history. In 2023, Black made headlines when she sang the Canadian national anthem at the 2023 NBA All-Star Game and changed the lyrics from "our home and native land" to "our home on native land" as a tribute to Indigenous peoples, a meaningful gesture for which she was later honoured by the Assembly of First Nations, demonstrating her commitment to social justice and reconciliation.