Legendary singer-songwriter and performer Lauryn Hill has been described as one of the few female artists of her time, whose impact on popular music has been far-reaching. Born in Harlem, New York, Lauryn Hill grew up listening to jazz and ballet, later studying classical piano and classical guitar. It was this late turn that she discovered her true vocation when she was hired by Will King to perform with the Fugees. Her influential contribution to the group which launched Lauryn Hill’s illustrious career can be considered as her greatest achievement.
Lauryn Hill made her first record deal with the Fugees in 1969, following an impressive performance in a duet with Smokey Robinson on Their Last Party. Her performance helped pave the way for the recording of jazz and ballet numbers that she would feature alongside her husband, vocalist and musician Will King. The Fugees later signed with Reprise Records, and Hill released her first solo album with them, I’m a Lauryn Hill, in 1970. Although her second album, Viva Lauryn, was not a hit, it did help establish Hill as a talented artist in her own right, who would continue to make recordings for other artists including the Dap-A-Rays and Aretha Franklin. Additionally, Hill charted several chart-topping singles, including “This Time”, “Mystery Train”, and “Give Me the Reason”.
After a lengthy courtship with artist and friend King, Hill decided it was time to release her first CD as a solo artist, and so she went back to Lauryn Hill and asked to be the featured artist on his next album. King agreed, wanting to honor Hill’s considerable contributions to his musical career, and he wanted her to sing on the album. Ultimately, Hill was able to sing on this album called Miseducation, her first effort featuring her original style of voice, which is hard to reproduce even today. Miseducation did not do very well commercially and did not receive a great deal of praise from critics or fellow artists. Lauryn Hill then decided to focus her efforts on her singing career, working with various groups and artists including Mary J. Blige, Pat Boone, and Don Williams.
Lauryn Hill Measurements
| Figure Measurements | 32-24-34 in (81-61-86 cm) |
| Body Size | 32 inches (81 cm) |
| Bra Size | |
| Waist Size | 24 inches (61 cm) |
| Hips Size | 34 inches (86 cm) |
| Shoe Size | 8(US) |
| Height | 5′ 3½”/1.61 m |
| Weight | 53 kg/ 117 lbs |
Lauryn finally returned to Lauryn Hill’s music in the late sixties, with her first album called My Life, which was focused on romantic ballads. This album did receive positive reviews from critics, but failed to gain any notice from radio stations. Lauryn also appeared in several movies during the decade, including Romance, Charm School, and Ordinary Family. While these films failed to capture the audiences that Miseducation had, they still have fond memories of Lauryn Hill among many individuals. In addition to Miseducation, Hill also enjoyed success with albums focusing on spiritual themes, such as I Remember You, and Wonderful Tonight.
In the late sixties, another album by Lauryn was released, this time titled It’s Like Crazy. This album was focused on more guitar-based songs, and was Lauryn’s last release before she began working with groups like R&B singers and musicians. One of the songs on this album, “Give Me The Reason,” became an enormous hit for Lauryn, who became famous in the public eye after appearing on such popular television shows as The Dick Cavett Show and Maysles Brothers Band.
Lauryn Hill began a five-year stretch of non-music related releases, in which she appeared in several movies and television shows. After several years of producing and performing, Lauryn eventually formed her own band, called Lauryn Hill and the Lauryn Hill Band. Throughout the years, the Lauryn Hill Band has sold millions of records, and in 2021, was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.
