Born in Toronto to Jamaican immigrants and raised Pentecostal in the Jane and Finch neighbourhood, Jully Black’s story is rooted in faith, culture, and resilience. Exposed to music at an early age, her undeniable talent led to her discovery by Warner-Chappell Music at just 19 years old.
She later joined the Hip Hop collective The Circle alongside artists such as Kardinal Offishall and Tara Chase, a formative moment that would shape her sound and presence in Canada’s music scene.
Earning the title “Canada’s Queen of R&B,” Jully Black has released four studio albums and collaborated with global artists including Nas, Destiny’s Child, and the Black Eyed Peas. Her contributions to music earned her a Juno Award in 1997, followed by numerous nominations throughout her career, cementing her as one of Canada’s most respected vocalists.
But Jully’s influence extends far beyond music.
In 2008, she hosted the Canadian Radio Music Awards and later became a celebrity reporter for CTV’s entertainment program Etalk. In 2021, her decades-long impact was recognized with an induction into Canada’s Walk of Fame, a defining milestone in her legacy.
In 2023, Jully Black made national and international headlines during her performance of the Canadian national anthem at the NBA All-Star Game. By changing the lyrics to “our home on native land,” she sparked powerful conversations about truth, reconciliation, and Indigenous recognition, a moment that led to her being honoured by the Assembly of First Nations.
Her artistry also shines on stage and screen. From Da Kink in my Hair (both stage and television) to the critically acclaimed stage production of Caroline, Or Change, Jully has proven her range as a performer. Her theatrical work earned her both the Toronto Theater Critics Award for Best Lead Performance and the Dora Mavor Moore Award.
Beyond performance, Jully Black is a committed social activist. In 2018, she launched 100 Strong and Sexy, a wellness membership program focused on women’s physical and mental health. In 2022, she founded the Jully Black Family Foundation in honour of her late mother, Agatha Gordon, supporting the education of young women in Ontario.
Jully Black represents more than musical excellence; she embodies courage, culture, and community leadership. Her voice has not only shaped Canadian sound but continues to influence national conversations around identity, equity, and empowerment.
Her legacy is still being written boldly.
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