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Queen Latifah

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BIO

Dana Elaine Owens (born March 18, 1970), known professionally as Queen Latifah, is an American rapper, actress, and singer. Born in Newark, New Jersey, she signed with Tommy Boy Records in 1989 and released her debut album All Hail the Queen on November 28, 1989, featuring the hit single "Ladies First". Nature of a Sista' (1991) was her second and final album with Tommy Boy Records.



Latifah starred as Khadijah James on the Fox sitcom Living Single from 1993 to 1998. Her third album, Black Reign (1993), became the first album by a solo female rapper to receive a gold certification from the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA), and spawned the single "U.N.I.T.Y.", which was influential in raising awareness of violence against women and the objectification of Black female sexuality. The track reached the top 40 on the Billboard Hot 100, and won a Grammy Award. She then starred in the lead role of Set It Off (1996) and released her fourth album, Order in the Court, on June 16, 1998, with Motown Records. Latifah garnered acclaim with her role of Matron "Mama" Morton in the musical film Chicago (2002), receiving a nomination for the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress.

Latifah released her fifth album The Dana Owens Album in 2004. In 2007 and 2009, she released two more studio albums – Trav'lin' Light and Persona. She created the daytime talk show The Queen Latifah Show, which ran from 1999 to 2001, and again from 2013 to 2015, in syndication. She has appeared in a number of films, such as Bringing Down the House (2003), Taxi (2004), Barbershop 2: Back in Business (2005), Beauty Shop (2005), Last Holiday (2006), Hairspray (2007), Joyful Noise (2012), 22 Jump Street (2014) and Girls Trip (2017) and provided voice work in the Ice Age film series. Latifah received critical acclaim for her portrayal of blues singer Bessie Smith in the HBO film Bessie (2015), which she co-produced, winning the Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Television Movie. From 2016 to 2019, she starred as Carlotta Brown in the musical drama series Star. In 2020, she portrayed Hattie McDaniel in the miniseries Hollywood. Since 2021, she has held the lead role on CBS' revival of the action drama The Equalizer.

Noted for her work in music, film and television, Latifah has earned a Grammy Award, an Emmy Award, a Golden Globe Award, three Screen Actors Guild Awards, two NAACP Image Awards, and has been nominated for an Academy Award. In 2006, she became the first hip hop artist to receive a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.

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STAGE CREDITS

[New York]
NBC Live Television Production, 2015
The Wiz


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News


A NIGHT OF INSPIRATION Returns To Carnegie Hall In December

On Saturday, December 14 at 8:00 p.m., Carnegie Hall will present A Night of Inspiration, a celebratory evening of music and dance from diverse traditions in Stern Auditorium / Perelman Stage.
TINA " THE TINA TURNER MUSICAL Comes to Vancouver Next Year

The smash hit TINA – The Tina Turner Musical will continue its all-new North American Tour in Vancouver March 2025. Broadway Across Canada has announced that tickets for eight performances from March 25 to 30, 2025, at the Queen Elizabeth Theatre will go on sale October 28, 2024.
TINA " THE TINA TURNER MUSICAL Comes To Edmonton In March

TINA – THE TINA TURNER MUSICAL is set to captivate audiences in Edmonton this March. Find out how to get presale and regular tickets to the show.
TINA " THE TINA TURNER MUSICAL Comes To Calgary In March 2025

The smash hit TINA – The Tina Turner Musical recently kicked off an all-new North American Tour and Broadway Across Canada will bring it to Calgary for eight electrifying performances March 18-23, 2025 at the Southern Alberta Jubilee Auditorium.
Wake Up With BroadwayWorld October 22, 2024

Rise and shine, BroadwayWorld! It is October 22, 2024 and it's time to catch up on all of the theatrical happenings you may have missed in the last 24 hours.
Industry Pro Newsletter: NEA Report Reveals State Arts Trends, Toronto Plans Major Investments

From Toronto’s ambitious 10-year investment plan to the Garden Theatre’s abrupt closure in Florida, communities are focusing on accessibility and resilience. The NEA’s latest report sheds light on U.S. arts participation trends, while major honors like the National Medal of Arts celebrate individual contributions.
Idina Menzel and More Will Receive National Medal of Arts

Idina Menzel and more will receive a National Medal of Arts during a ceremony. Among the other recipients are Eva Longoria, Missy Elliott, Spike Lee, Steven Spielberg, Queen Latifah, and more.
Max von Essen To Perform With The New York Pops At Carnegie Hall In November

Max von Essen will perform with The New York Pops at Carnegie Hall on November 15, 2024. The concert will feature a selection of Broadway hits and classic tunes, showcasing von Essen's vocal talents.
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Video: Selena Gomez in LOUDER: THE SOUNDTRACK OF CHANGE Documentary Trailer

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Exclusive Photos & Video: TINA " THE TINA TURNER MUSICAL Second National Tour

TINA – The Tina Turner Musical kicked off an all-new North American Tour. Get an exclusive first look at the production with all-new production photos and a video montage here! 
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Columbus Jazz Orchestra Will Kick Off 2024-25 Season with The Greatest Jazz Concert in the World

 The Columbus Jazz Orchestra (CJO) will kick off their 52nd season with The Greatest Jazz Concert in the World Oct. 10-13 at the Southern Theatre. Led by Bandleader Byron Stripling, the four concerts will feature legendary jazz musicians John Clayton and Jeff Hamilton alongside the orchestra.
TINA-THE TINA TURNER MUSICAL Comes To State Theatre New Jersey In October

State Theatre New Jersey kicks off it’s 2024-25 Broadway series with four performances of TINA – The Tina Turner Musical.
TINA - THE TINA TURNER MUSICAL Makes Its Delaware Premiere in October 2024

TINA - THE TINA TURNER MUSICAL kicks off the 2024-2025 Broadway in Wilmington season at The Playhouse on Rodney Square from October 11-13, 2024.
Marsha Ambrosius To Close The 14th Annual Pittsburgh International Jazz Festival In September

Vocalist, songwriter, producer and lyricist Marsha Ambrosius has just been added to close out the 14th Annual Pittsburgh International Jazz Festival (PIJF), on Sunday, September 22, at 8:45 pm, on Liberty Avenue, between 10th and 7th Streets downtown, near the August Wilson African American Cultural Center (AWAACC), 980 Liberty Avenue.
Exclusive: Jayna Elise To Lead TINA Second National Tour; Full Cast Announced

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Megan Hayes and Dorothy Samuels Appointed to New York Pops Board of Directors.

The New York Pops has just announced the appointments of Megan Hayes and Dorothy Samuels to its Board of Directors.
CIRCLE LINE'S Hip Hop Dance Cruise Returns 8/7

New York City's iconic sightseeing boat tour, Circle Line, is proud to announce Hip Hop Divas: A Women in Hip Hop Inspired Dance Cruise taking place on Wednesday, August 7th at 7:30 PM as part of Circle Line's Summer Dance Series.

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