Tatyana Ali

Tatyana Ali was born in 1979 in Long Island, New York. Her parents were Sonia, a nurse, and Sheriff Ali, a detective. Her mother was from Panama and her father was of mixed Black/Indian descent.

Ali started her musical career at a young age. She appeared in an episode of Sesame Street and at the age of five, won the Star Search television contest twice.

She really came into the spotlight when she was cast for the television show The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air. On the show, Tatyana Ali did several musical numbers, including a rendition of Aretha Franklin's 'Respect' and the song 'Make Up Your Mind.'

Her musical ability was so impressive that Will Smith actually asked her at one point if Tatyana Ali was considering a musical career. Despite her abilities, Ali focused on her acting career, until the show ended in 1996.

Tatyana Ali's debut album, Kiss The Sky, came out in 1998. The album had a hit single with 'Daydreamin'' which reached #6 on the Hot 100 and 'Everytime' which reached #73 on the R&B charts.

Her album did especially well in the UK where it had three top 20 hits. In the UK, 'Daydreamin',' 'Boy You Knock Me Out,' and 'Everytime' all reached the top 20.

Despite her work as a singer and actree, Tatyana Ali went to Harvard University and got a degree in anthropology in 2002.

Since then, Ali has done work in a variety of movies including Glory Road. She's working on a new album, titled, The Light, which is being done independently.