Brandy

Actress and Rhythm and Blues artist Brandy was born Brandy Rayana Norwood on February 11, 1979 in McComb, Mississippi. The young artist knew from the age of four that she wanted to be a singer. Brandy made her first single when she was only eleven.

Brandy released her debut self titled album in 1994 when she was 16. Even though the album was very successful and spawned a number of hit singles it would be four years before Brandy's fans would have the opportunity to hear any new material from the artist.

Instead Brandy turned her attention toward acting. Brandy was born in Mississippi but her and her sister Ray J were raised in California among the sunshine and stars. Brandy's acting career has included both the small and large screen. Brandy has been a part of two television sitcoms "Thea" and "Moesha". She played the part of Cinderella in the Disney made for television film "Cinderella" - only the second African American artist to do so. Among her film roles was a part in "I Know What You Did Last Summer", role that was originally written for a Caucasian performer until Brandy auditioned for the part and the role was re-written.

Brandy released her second album in 1998 and over the next six years she would release two more albums. All four of Brandy's albums have reached gold album status which means 500,000 copies sold. Her first three albums also reached platinum statues which is one million copies sold. These records are for US sales only. Her self titled album "Brandy" went on to sell four million copies reaching four times platinum status and "Never Never" was certified five times platinum. Brandy also has five singles to be certified gold with 100,000 copies sold and four singles to be certified platinum with 500,000 copies sold.

Among her other accomplishments and achievements Brandy has won one Grammy Award, one Image Award, and an MTV Movie Award. She has also been nominated for four Image Awards, three Kid's Choice Awards, an MTV Movie Award (in addition to the one she won), a Teen Choice Award, four Young Artist Awards, and one Young Star Award.

Besides acting in movies Brandy has had songs appear on the soundtracks of "Step It Off" and "Waiting to Exhale".

In 1996 Brandy was escorted to the prom by a young basketball player by the name of Kobe Bryant. She has a daughter Sy'ria who was born in 2002.

With all her success Brandy has not escaped controversy. According to Brandy she married Robert Smith but the alleged husband claims that the two were never married. And in 2006 Brandy rear ended another car on a California highway causing a four car pile up and the death of one of the motorists. It has since been ruled that Brandy had no fault in the incident an no charges would be filed, but the husband of the woman who died - who is being listed as causing the accident and having traces of marijuana in her blood - has filed a civil suit against the singer.

Brandy is a teen star who has continued her success into adulthood entertaining fans with her music and acting.