Heather Headley
Heather Headley is a Trinidadian-American singer, songwriter, actress, and record producer renowned for her powerful voice and Tony Award-winning Broadway performances. Born on October 5, 1974, in San Fernando, Trinidad, she moved to Fort Wayne, Indiana, at age 15 and began performing in her father's church.
Headley grew up in a musical family, singing in church from a young age, which shaped her gospel-influenced style. She attended Northwestern University to study theater but dropped out to pursue professional opportunities, starting with the ensemble in the Toronto production of Ragtime.
In 1997, she originated the role of Nala in The Lion King on Broadway, earning critical acclaim. She followed with the lead in Aida (1999), winning the 2000 Tony Award for Best Actress in a Musical and a Drama Desk Award. Later roles included The Bodyguard in London's West End (2012-2013) and The Color Purple revival (2016).
Headley debuted with This Is Who I Am (2002), featuring hits like "He Is" and earning Grammy nominations for Best New Artist and Best Female R&B Vocal Performance. Her 2006 album In My Mind went gold with the No. 1 R&B/dance hit "In My Mind," and she won a 2010 Grammy for Best Contemporary R&B Gospel Album for Audience of One. Later releases include Only One In The World (2012) and Broadway My Way (2018).
She recurred as Dr. Jamison on She's Gotta Have It (2017-2019) and Gwen Garrett on Chicago Med (2018). Headley starred as Helen Decatur in Netflix's Sweet Magnolias (2020-present) and portrayed Clara Ward in the Aretha Franklin biopic Respect (2021). She also voiced a role in The Lion Guard.
A devout evangelical Christian, Headley lives in the Chicago area with her husband, Brian Musso, a music executive, and their three sons. She remains active in theater, concerts, and family life as of 2026.
In My Mind
Written-By – Drew Ramsey 4:06
2 Am I Worth It
Written-By – J. Smith, J. Campbell, W. Campbell 3:21
3 Wait A Minute
Written-By – Jazz Nixon, Tamara Savage 3:31
4 I Didn't Mean To
Written-By – A. Butler, K. Phillip, S. Smith, S. Johnson 3:54
5 How Many Ways
Written-By – A. Palmer, C. Solo, H. Headley, K. Ellie, L. Daniels, Sky, S. Marsden 3:18
6 Back When It Was
Written-By – C. Love, L. Nix, J. Smith, L. Jefferson 4:27
7 What's Not Being Said
Written-By – James Q. Wright, James Harris, III, Terry Lewis 4:35
8 Losing You
Written-By – Heather Headley 3:47
9 Rain
Written-By – H. Headley, M. Gregory, O. Burrell, A. Kelly, V. Nobles 3:12
10 The Letter
Written-By [Uncredited] – Marcus Allen 4:16
11 Me Time
Written-By – Babyface, Gregg Pagani 3:48
12 Change
Written-By – E. Dawkins, H. Headley, W. Campbell 3:18
Label: RCA – 82876 64492-2
Format: CD, Album
Country: US
Released: 2006
Genre: Hip Hop, Funk, Soul, Pop
Style: Neo Soul, Contemporary R&B
In My Mind is the second studio album by Trinidadian-American singer Heather Headley, released by RCA Records on January 31, 2006. A follow-up to her Grammy-nominated debut This Is Who I Am, the album is a contemporary R&B and soul record that functions as a "soulful, sonically charged diary" exploring the major themes of relationships, confidence, family, and self-improvement.
A team of notable producers including Jimmy Jam & Terry Lewis, Lil' Jon, Ne-Yo (who co-wrote and produced the title track), and Babyface contributed to the album's sound.
In My Mind is characterized by Headley's powerful, "gargantuan voice" and a mature R&B sound. Critics noted that Headley sounds more assured on this album, delivering an elegant and musical set of arrangements. The songs are often described as relatable and confessional, covering emotional ground from love and cheating to breakups and self-realization.
While some reviews found the album to be a generic "adult" R&B diva album, the strength of Headley's vocals and the emotional depth she injects into the songs were widely praised. The album incorporates a variety of musical styles, including lush piano ballads, dancehall/reggae-infused tracks, and a closing gospel-lite song, showcasing her versatility.
The title track and lead single, a piano ballad co-written by Ne-Yo, which became a significant hit, peaking at number seventy-five on the Billboard Hot 100.
The album successfully built on Headley's debut and was considered to have passed the "sophomore jinx" with flying colors by many fans and critics. The dual-disc version of the album also includes behind-the-scenes footage for an immersive experience.