Judith Hill

Gutsy and nuanced as a vocalist, Judith Hill is an accomplished songwriter, arranger, and multi-instrumentalist—and one of the few musicians who can cite Elton John, Spike Lee, Prince, and Michael Jackson among those who have sought out her talent. One of the highest-profile background singers of her generation, she got her start in the early 2000s and established a solo career in the next decade built on a discography of increasingly refined and creative albums that include the Prince-produced Back in Time (2015), Golden Child (2018), Baby, I’m Hollywood! (2021), and her recent album, Letters from a Black Widow (2024). 

Letters from a Black Widow delves into her struggles after the deaths of Michael Jackson and Prince, two iconic artists who selected Hill for collaborations. After Jackson’s sudden passing in June 2009, Hill sang lead on a number at Jackson’s memorial service, putting her on the worldwide map. Her rise to fame is explored in 20 Feet from Stardom, the Oscar-winning documentary film narrated by Morgan Freeman. Hill also wrote a stirring soundtrack to Spike Lee’s 2012 film, Red Hook Summer. Her diverse recording and performing credits include Gerard Way, Prince, Robbie Williams, Stevie Wonder, Rod Stewart, Johnny Mathis, Perry Farrell, Josh Groban, Barry Manilow, Gregg Allman, and Hozier. She sessioned with artists ranging from jazz guitarist George Benson to electronic music pioneer Mike Oldfield; cowrote Iggy Azalea’s Jennifer Hudson collaboration, “Trouble”; and collaborated with Eric Clapton as a featured vocalist on his 2023 single, “How Could We Know.” The daughter of musicians Michiko Hill and Pee Wee Hill, Judith Hill earned a degree in music composition from Biola University, near her native Los Angeles.

“Achingly personal lyrics paired with muscular funk, soul and blues, and backed by her shredding, soaring guitar.” (The New York Times)

“Judith Hill is paying tribute to the sacrifice and fight of the powerful women who raised her.” (Rolling Stone)

More information about Judith Hill can be found on her website (opens in a new tab).

The views expressed by performers during this event are their own and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of the Cleveland Museum of Art.