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Biography
During her childhood Simpson was encouraged to explore her musical interests by her parents Joyce and Ralph Simpson, the latter a former NBA basketball player. Having learned to play a string of instruments during this time it wasn’t until Simpson picked up the guitar while attending the Savannah College of Art and Design that a passion for music and songwriting came to the fore. Simpson subsequently co-founded the music collective Groovement and the label EarthShare, and released her song on the collectives' debut compilation. The song and following performance on the 1998 Lilith Fair tour caught the attention of Motown Record’ Kedar Massenburg who signed the singer in 1999.
Simpson released her debut album “Acoustic Soul” in March 2001, earning both critical acclaim and commercial success. Led by the singles “Video” and “Brown Skin” the album peaked at No. 10 on the Billboard 200, No. 21 on the Canadian Albums Chart , and No. 55 on the UK Chart. Following a collaboration with guitarist John Mellencamp on his song “Peaceful World”, Simpson contributed vocals to Cassandra Wilson song “Just Another Parade” on her 2002 album “Belly of the Sun”.
Also in 2002 Simpson released her sophomore album “Voyage to India”, which surpassed the success of its predecessor. Aided by the single “Little Things”, the album debuted at No. 6 on the Billboard 200, and went on to win the 2003 Grammy Award for Best R&B Album. The single “Little Things” also won the Grammy for Best Urban/Alternative Performance, highlighting the singer’s songwriting growth and musical maturity.
Simpson’s next full-length release arrived in 2006 with the album “Testimony: Vol. 1, Life & Relationship”. Featuring contributions from Stevie Wonder, Don Henley and the Rascal Flatts, the album became Simpson’s first to top the Billboard 200, and earned the singer three Grammy nominations. Its follow-up 2009’s “Testimony: Vol. 2, Love & Politics”, whilst failing to live up to the success of “Testimony: Vol. 1”, offers the most candid insight into the singer’s thoughts and politics to date. Continuing her run of Billboard Top 10 chart placement, Simpson’s subsequent album “Songversation” peaked at No. 7, featuring the singles “6th Avenue”, “Cocoa Butter”, and “Just Do You”.
Live reviews
India.Arie is an incredible singer and musician, proven not only by her performances but also for her four Grammys! She sings a mix of R&B, folk and even some jazz flavor. Her voice is soulful, smooth and classic. Her lyrics are moving and powerful, especially during her hit "Moved By You." The crowd sits quietly and listens to her haunting words. Your soul truly dances, you feel things you didn't think you were capable of feeling. It is not uncommon to see people in the crowd with tears going down their cheeks during songs like "Break The Shell." You don't feel the presence of those around you, you feel you are one with India.Arie as she sings her heartfelt, emotional songs.
Her concerts are truly a unique experience. While they are fun and entertaining, they also make you think and reflect on your current situation. They make you believe in yourself, your life, your dreams. Not many performers can make their fans leave with a renewed, better since of self. You will leave feeling like a brand new, confident, worthwhile human being. Don't miss seeing this beautiful woman in person! It can truly be a life changing experience!
Georgian singer/songwriter and record producer India.Arie is without a doubt one of the most soulful singers currently working to date. Since she appeared in the early 2000s, India has accumulated twenty one Grammy award nominations and has taken home four awards for her varied, enigmatic and personal body of work.
She had one of the most amazing introductions to the scene after being signed to Motown in her teenage years and opening for Stevie Wonder amongst others. She is an artist who seems to have channeled her past live experiences into her current live show and there is real evidence of India's influences on stage. She has the ability to captivate the entire room with sincere vocal performances of 'I Am Light' and 'The Heart of the Matter'. She switches between composed to down to earth as she addresses the fanbase between her performance. There is no doubt that India.Arie's talents are surpassable as she performs sublime vocal acrobatics on a finale of 'Soulbird Rise' before receiving a well deserved standing ovation.
sean-ward
India Arie has an annointing on her life.......
She has the ability to deliver messages through her songs that move even the most brokenhearted souls. She then takes the broken heart & she teaches it how to heal itself by practicing the discipline of Self Love. She reminds us of how completely Worthy We Each Are.....how we ALL, are made of the same things.....why LOVE should be our forever focus and if we search & follow the sun, we will gracefully get through the challenges in this Life. I was blessed to see her in LA & was so Moved by India Arie, that I promised myself to not let this ONCE IN A LIFETIME EXPERIENCE TO SEE HER AGAIN, pass me by. I will see you in San Diego, India.....this time I will bring my daughter Journey, who is now 19 years old & was raised on your music. Thank you for being a part of our lives India. You have been so very instrumental & we wish you nothing but overwhelming Blessing's and Love.
Jillian
jillipscomb
An absolutely AMAZING Concert by a truly Transcendent Artist! Soul-filled, Personal, Spiritual performance of a number of her songs, both from her "Worthy" Album as well as many, many forever favorites from a number of her wonderful, previous albums. India opened with "I Am Light" and closed with a medley based on "Brown Skin." What a Joy to have been able to do a Meet & Greet with India, who was soooo Gracious and Generous with her heart and time. Fourth row seats, front and center allowed us to truly connect with India and to truly partake in her Songversation! Of course, the Mountain Winery Venue is stunningly beautiful, acoustically exceptional and so tremendously intimate! A truly magical night with a truly magical Songstress and Poet. Thank you India!!
FierceLifeNow
The show was amazing. It was relaxed and very spiritual. She walked the audience through the why and how she was going to do the soul conversations. She encouraged us to listen with our eyes, mind and heart.
I was touched with her tribute to Blue her guitar player that just passed by singing one of he songs they co-wrote. She sang I am ready for love which I used to think was for finding a lover or soulmate, but in that context, I was moved and related it to the heart love that I have for my mother that just passed away in March. It touched my heart and soul and I although my tears came as I miss my mother every day and every moment, I am grateful I got to hear her sing that song in that moment. Thank you India.Arie.
noreen-banks-ware
I'm not sure if I'm more upset at India Arie, or the venue (Ginny's Supper Club.) First off, they said doors opens at 6pm and show starts at 8pm. I got there at 6:30 so that I can have a couple drinks and perhaps sit at the bar before the show but the staff told me it's not opened till 7. I came back at 7 to find a line( still not opened.) We waited on line for an hour 8pm before they began letting people in. Inside I waited up to 9:30 still no show. No one explained if she was running late. No one said nothing. So I left. I did not see her show. So disappointed!! That was $75 down the drain. I love India maybe I'll try her in another venue.
lizj140
Great show from beginning to end. It was really cool how she had a screen displaying messages and quotes of strength, love and encouragement throughout her set. It’s a bonus that she sounds just like her C.D’s and the crowd lost it as she sang Steady Love and the video was playing on the big screen as she was singing . Seeing India.Ari is worth every penny and at a great location at the Mountain Winery In Saratoga, California.
t.hives
The show was late to start but once it got going she put on an amazing show.
The venue allowed children this took away from the close quarters experience. If they are going to allow children there should be an age limit. It is difficult to calm a child under 4 when they are sleepy and to have the mother ask those sitting next to her to move down because she did not buy her a seat was simply rude. They did not but still.
sk-46076099190982832
The show was awesome! India was fire! Her voice is so pure and beautiful! I liked the quotes she incorporated into the show and how she segmented her songs by topic. There was a great mix of old and new songs. A true queen!
kellywilliams526
