Vanessa Williams is a triple threat: fashion designer, actress and musician. She’s also the first African-American recipient of the Miss America title. The beauty Queen has had her ups and downs, but she proves that if you’re the best, you’ll always be back on top!

Vanessa’s first public musical performance was when she performed during the talent section for the Miss America pageant, and as they say: the rest is history.

Vanessa had a hit on her hands with “Love Is.” Featuring Brian McKnight (a producer of some of her songs,) Love Is was featured on the soundtrack to Beverly Hills 90210.

Vanessa’s version of Colors Of The Wind is TIMELESS. She was chosen to sing the song for the Pocahontas soundtrack, and will always be lit and GOOD!

The Right Stuff (1988):

Favorites: Dreamin’, Be A Man, The Right Stuff, Darlin’ I, Whatever Happens, If You Really Love Him, (He’s Got) The Look, Security, Am I Too Much?

Vanessa proved the best revenge is success when she released her debut album. The album is mainly full of dance-pop influenced bops, early elements of New Jack Swing & quiet storm jams like Dreamin’.

The Comfort Zone (1991):

Favorites: Running Back To You, The Comfort Zone, Still In Love, Work To Do, Save The Best for Last, What Will I Tell My Heart, Just For Tonight, You Gotta Go, Strangers Eyes, One Reason, Freedom Dance (Get Free!)

The Comfort Zone was an ALBUM! It was a huge commercial success for Vanessa, with bops from beginning to end. With production from Brian McKnight, Mark Stevens, Reggie Stewart and more, The Comfort Zone is one of the most important albums of the 90s.

From The Isley Brothers cover “Work To Do” to the somber jazz number What Will I Tell My Heart?…this album is one we need to discuss more when we talk 90s R&B. Vanessa came WITH IT!

The Sweetest Days (1994):

Favorites: Betcha Never, The Sweetest Days, The Way That You Love, Colors of the Wind, Higher Ground, You Can’t Run, Ellamental, Long Way Home, Constantly, You Don’t Have To Say You’re Sorry.

Vanessa continued the streak of beautiful contemporary ballads with The Sweetest Days. This LP is way more diverse than her previous albums, showcasing more of a soulful jazz type of Vanessa. From the haunting “Betcha Never” to the Ella Fitzgerald tribute “Ellamental,” Vanessa wins by switching it up with quality work!

Star Bright (1996):

Favorites: Baby, It’s Cold Outside, The First Noel, I’ll Be Home For Christmas, Angels We Have Heard On High, Hark! The Herald Angels SinG (Shout,) I Wonder as I Wander, What Child Is This?

Vanessa beautifully blends jazz, gospel and soul into holiday numbers! 🙌🏾

Next (1997):

Favorites: Happiness, And If I Ever, Oh How The Years Go By, Someone Like You, Surrender, The Easiest Thing, And My Heart Goes, First Thing On Your Mind, Crazy ‘Bout You, Who Were You Thinkin’ ‘Bout.

Next is an album that shows how strong Vanessa’s vocals are, & how ballads are her strongest choice for songs.

Silver & Gold (2004):

Favorites: Christmas Is, Silent Night, The Little Drummer Boy, The Holly and the Ivy, Winter Weather, Silver and Gold, Mary’s Little Boy Child, December Lullaby.

Another holiday album from Vanessa shows how you HAVE to bring in the holidays with the QUEEN!

Everlasting Love (2005):

Favorites: Never Can Say Goodbye, You Are Everything, Harvest for the World, Let’s Love, Send One Your Love, I’ll Be Good To You, First Time Ever I Saw Your Face, With You I’m Born Again.

an album containing 70s love songs with the exception of the last track, Vanessa’s renditions of these soulful songs are simply magical.

The Real Thing (2009):

Favorites: Just Friends, If There Were No Song, Lazy Afternoon, Breathless, Close To You, I Fell In, Hello Like Before, The Real Thing, October Sky, Come On Strong.

Vanessa’s most recent album showcases how beautiful jazz & R&B blends together with her voice. Working closely with Babyface, they create some heat together!

Vanessa has shown the world that she can be reloaded and be destined for greatness in whatever profession she chooses to go down. Her daughter Jillian is following in her footsteps..& is apart of the duo Lionbabe.

Vanessa is a legend who deserves so much more recognition, because she’ll always be THAT girl.