Gabriella Sarmiento Wilson, most famously known as H.E.R., is rapidly solidifying her status as a musical force. Even industry giants like Paul McCartney and Lionel Richie recognized her trajectory towards legend status after witnessing her induction of Tina Turner into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame. At just 24, this R&B virtuoso, celebrated for her soulful voice and instrumental talent, is garnering critical acclaim and numerous accolades, including eight Grammy nominations for the 64th Annual Grammy Awards. Among these nominations are the prestigious Song of the Year for “Fight for You” and Album of the Year for her official studio debut, “Back of My Mind.”
While “Back of My Mind” is officially her debut album, H.E.R. has previously expressed reservations about this label, considering her earlier projects as cohesive bodies of work. Regardless, this album marks a significant milestone in her artistic journey. “‘Back of My Mind’ is me saying, ‘This is exactly who I am. This is what I want,’” H.E.R. explains, highlighting her growing confidence and artistic certainty. This album represents a deeper exploration of her identity and musical vision, a testament to her evolution as both a person and an artist.
With an impressive 21 Grammy nominations to her name, H.E.R.’s appeal extends beyond mere chart success. She resonates deeply with Grammy voters who value genuine musicianship, lyrical depth, and social consciousness. While she may not have the same level of mainstream pop hits or social media following as some contemporaries, her ability to write compelling songs and master multiple instruments—piano, drums, guitar, and bass—sets her apart. This multifaceted talent is highly respected within the music industry, contributing significantly to her critical acclaim.
Her songwriting prowess is not a solitary endeavor. Collaboration plays a crucial role in shaping H.E.R.’s distinctive sound. Among her key songwriting partners are the dynamic duo Nova Wav, comprised of Brittany “Chi” Coney and Denisia “Blu June” Andrews. Nova Wav, themselves Grammy-nominated for Album of the Year for their contributions to “Back of My Mind,” have lauded H.E.R.’s artistic vision and collaborative spirit. “She has a very wise soul,” says Brittany “Chi” Coney, emphasizing H.E.R.’s decisiveness and clarity of purpose. Denisia “Blu June” Andrews adds, “She’s not afraid to go and try things. She’s not afraid to make mistakes. That’s why she is where she is.” This willingness to experiment and push creative boundaries, fostered in partnership with collaborators like Nova Wav, is integral to H.E.R.’s artistic growth and the richness of her music.
Growing up in Vallejo, California, Gabi Wilson’s musical journey began early. Her father, a construction worker and weekend musician, provided her first musical influences. Witnessing her father’s band performances and eventually joining him on stage in a city renowned for producing musical legends like Sly Stone and E-40, deeply shaped her artistic identity. “There’s a lot of legends that come out of Vallejo,” H.E.R. reflects, acknowledging the Bay Area’s profound impact on her musical foundation and sense of community.
By the age of 14, Gabriella “Gabi” Wilson had already achieved child prodigy status, showcasing her musical gifts on national television and signing with a major record label, guided by her mentor Alicia Keys. Despite early success with her debut single “Something to Prove” in 2014, Wilson intentionally stepped away from the spotlight, later re-emerging as H.E.R. This strategic move allowed her to carefully craft her artistic persona and musical direction.
Since her re-emergence, H.E.R. has meticulously managed her public image, gradually revealing aspects of her personality and past through interviews, award show appearances, and brand partnerships, all while prioritizing her music. This measured approach contrasts with the immediate fame often sought in the music industry, highlighting her focus on long-term artistic integrity and connection with her audience. “When I first started creating, nobody was checking for me,” she recalls, emphasizing the organic growth of her career. Now, navigating external expectations and opinions, she remains committed to her artistic authenticity: “I’m working on getting back to myself and making sure that I don’t give into that pressure, ever.”
H.E.R. draws inspiration from her musical icons, some of whom she has had the honor of sharing the stage with. A memorable instance was performing Stevie Wonder’s “Superstition” alongside the legend himself at the Global Citizen Live benefit concert. The admiration is mutual, with Stevie Wonder expressing interest in collaborating with her. “He wants to create with me,” H.E.R. shares, still in awe of the experience. These interactions with musical heroes underscore her rising stature in the industry and the respect she commands from established artists.
Her poignant protest anthem “I Can’t Breathe,” which won Song of the Year at the 63rd Grammy Awards, and “Fight for You,” from the “Judas and the Black Messiah” soundtrack, further exemplify her songwriting depth and social consciousness. “Fight for You” not only earned her another Grammy nomination but also an Oscar for Best Original Song, bringing her closer to EGOT status. These accolades highlight her ability to craft music that is both artistically compelling and socially relevant.
H.E.R.’s dedication to R&B is evident in “Back of My Mind,” which she describes as a sonic love letter to the genre. For her, making R&B music is a form of giving back and staying connected to her roots. She sees R&B as more than just a genre; it’s a feeling, a message, and a vital part of contemporary music. In a conversation with Erykah Badu, when questioning claims that “R&B is dead,” Badu’s response, “R&B is the people. So how could it be dead?” resonated deeply with H.E.R., reinforcing her commitment to the genre. “R&B will always be my foundation,” she asserts, emphasizing her role in paving the way for future Black and Filipino artists in the genre.
As H.E.R. embarks on a world tour and explores acting opportunities, her visibility continues to expand, living up to the acronym “Having Everything Revealed.” However, she maintains an element of mystery, suggesting that her artistic journey is one of gradual unveiling. “They say the eyes are the window to the soul, and I’ve always said my music is the window to my soul,” H.E.R. concludes, inviting audiences to delve deeper into her artistry as she continues to peel back the layers, revealing more of herself through her music and collaborations.
