Macy Gray, born Natalie Renée McIntyre, is a renowned American R&B and soul singer-songwriter and actress. Her signature raspy vocal style, reminiscent of Billie Holiday, has become her trademark. Gray's musical career spans several decades, marked by hit songs like "I Try," which garnered her a Grammy Award in 2001. Beyond music, she has ventured into acting, appearing in films such as "Training Day," "Spider-Man," and "For Colored Girls."
September 6, 1967: Birth of Natalie Renée McIntyre (Macy Gray)
Natalie Renée McIntyre, known professionally as Macy Gray, was born on September 6, 1967.
1972: Release of Stevie Wonder's "Talking Book"
Stevie Wonder released the album "Talking Book" in 1972, which Macy Gray later covered in its entirety.
1986: Original Release of "Girls & Boys" (Covered by Gray)
Prince originally released the song "Girls & Boys" in 1986, which Macy Gray later covered.
1997: Macy Gray Returns to Music
In 1997, Jeff Blue convinced Macy Gray to return to music and signed her to a development deal. She began recording new songs based on her life experiences with a new sound and started seeking a record label.
1997: "I Try" featured in Films
In 1997, Macy Gray's song "I Try" was featured in the films "Love Jones" and "Picture Perfect".
1998: Macy Gray Signs with Epic Records
In 1998, Macy Gray secured a record deal with Epic Records and performed on the song "Love Won't Wait" on the Black Eyed Peas' debut album, "Behind the Front".
1999: Release of "On How Life Is" Album
Macy Gray's debut album, "On How Life Is," was released in the summer of 1999 and became a global hit.
August 2001: Grammy Win and National Anthem Incident
In August 2001, Macy Gray won a Grammy Award for "I Try" but was booed at a Pro Football Hall of Fame game for forgetting the lyrics to the national anthem.
2001: Voice Acting in "SSX Tricky"
In 2001, Macy Gray provided the voice for Seeiah Owens in the video game "SSX Tricky".
2002: Appearance in "Spider-Man" and Collaboration with Santana
In 2002, Macy Gray appeared in the film "Spider-Man" and collaborated with Santana on the track "Amoré (Sexo)" for his album "Shaman".
2002: Collaboration on Fela Kuti Tribute Album
In 2002, Macy Gray participated in the Red Hot Organization's tribute album to Fela Kuti, contributing to a remake of "Water No Get Enemy".
2003: Release of "The Trouble with Being Myself"
Macy Gray released her third studio album, "The Trouble with Being Myself," in 2003.
2004: Performance on "Second Time Around"
In 2004, Macy Gray performed a song on the TV show "Second Time Around".
2004: Duet with Zucchero and "8 Mile" Soundtrack
In 2004, Macy Gray recorded a duet with Zucchero called "Like the Sun (From Out of Nowhere)" and her song "Time of My Life" was included in the "8 Mile" soundtrack.
2004: Release of Greatest Hits Collection
Macy Gray's greatest hits collection, "The Very Best of Macy Gray," was released in 2004.
2005: Release of Live Album and Collaboration with Marcus Miller
In 2005, Macy Gray released a live album, "Live in Las Vegas," and was featured on Marcus Miller's album "Silver Rain".
2005: Macy Gray Music Academy Opens
Macy Gray opened the Macy Gray Music Academy in 2005.
2006: Appearance on "Celebrity Poker Showdown"
In 2006, Macy Gray appeared on the eighth season of "Celebrity Poker Showdown".
2007: Barbados Concert Incident
In 2007, Macy Gray was kicked off stage at a concert in Barbados for profanity.
August 2008: Summer Sundae Music Festival
In August 2008, Macy Gray headlined the Summer Sundae music festival in Leicester, England. She performed covers of popular songs like "Da Ya Think I'm Sexy?", "Groove Is in the Heart", and "Creep". Her band notably wore pink Andy Warhol wigs for the performance.
September 28, 2008: Performance at Israeli Consulate
On September 28, 2008, Macy Gray performed the American national anthem at the Israeli consulate of Los Angeles during an Israeli flag-raising ceremony.
2008: Launch of "Nemesis Jaxson" Campaign
In 2008, Macy Gray launched a new campaign under the name "Nemesis Jaxson" with the single "Slap a Bitch".
2009: Dancing with the Stars and "Can't Hold Back" Release
In 2009, Gray briefly competed on season 9 of Dancing with the Stars and collaborated with Kaz James on the song "Can't Hold Back", which was released in Australia. Gray's time on Dancing with the Stars was short-lived, as she was eliminated in the first week.
2009: Contribution to "Confessions of a Shopaholic" Soundtrack
In 2009, Macy Gray recorded the song "Don't Forget Me" for the soundtrack of the film "Confessions of a Shopaholic".
2011: Signing with 429 Records
In 2011, Macy Gray signed a record deal with 429 Records.
February 16, 2012: Performance at Sanremo Festival
On February 16, 2012, Macy Gray performed at the Sanremo Festival in Italy.
March 26, 2012: Release of "Covered" Album
Macy Gray's album of covers, "Covered," was released on March 26, 2012.
2012: Thriller - Live Performance
In 2012, Macy Gray performed Michael Jackson's "Rock with You" for a special performance of the West End musical Thriller – Live, which aired as part of BBC Children in Need Pop Goes the Musical.
October 2014: Release of "The Way" Album and Oprah Interview
In October 2014, Macy Gray released the album "The Way" and discussed her past struggles with drug abuse in an interview with Oprah Winfrey.
2014: Induction into the National Rhythm & Blues Hall of Fame
In 2014, Macy Gray was inducted into the National Rhythm & Blues Hall of Fame in her hometown of Canton, Ohio.
2015: Collaboration with Galactic
Macy Gray was featured on Galactic's song "Into the Deep" in 2015.
September 9, 2016: Release of "Stripped" Album and Collaboration with Ariana Grande
Macy Gray released the album "Stripped" on September 9, 2016. Earlier that year, she was featured on Ariana Grande's song "Leave Me Lonely".
2016: Collaborations and Cover
In 2016, Macy Gray collaborated with Ariana Grande on the song "Leave Me Lonely." The Canadian band Busty and the Bass also released a cover of Gray's hit song "I Try" this year.
September 2018: Release of "Ruby" Album
Macy Gray released her tenth studio album, "Ruby," in September 2018.
2018: Dumplin' Soundtrack Collaboration
Macy Gray collaborated with Dolly Parton on a re-recording of "Two Doors Down" for the Dumplin' soundtrack in 2018.
2020: Collaboration with Busty and the Bass
In 2020, Macy Gray was featured on Busty and the Bass's single "Out Of Love".
2021: The Masked Singer Australia
In 2021, Macy Gray competed as "Atlantis" in the third season of The Masked Singer Australia.
February 20, 2022: National Anthem Performance at NBA All-Star Game
Macy Gray performed "The Star-Spangled Banner" at the NBA All-Star Game on February 20, 2022.
July 2022: Controversial Interview and Response
In July 2022, Gray sparked controversy during an interview with Piers Morgan by stating that a woman is defined by having "boobs and a vagina" and expressing her disagreement with the inclusion of trans women in women's sports. She later clarified her stance, emphasizing that being a woman is a "vibe" and an internal feeling.
2023: The Masked Singer (US)
In 2023, Macy Gray appeared as the "Sea Queen" on the tenth season of The Masked Singer (US), finishing in 4th place.