Mya's Bio
Rising R & B star Mya started her career as a dancer, but it didn't take long for her to recognize her vocal talent.
Born in Washington, D.C., Mya Harrison began taking dance lessons in 1982 when she was only two. Although she lost interest for several years, her passion was re-ignited in 1992. She studied tapes of tap prodigy Savion Glover, best know as the mastermind behind the Broadway smash Bring In Da Noise, Bring In Da Funk, and joined the dance troupe T.W.A. (Tappers With Attitude). She left the group after a short while to study at the legendary Dance Theater of Harlem with Glover. Her flair for improvisation impressed the tap savant and he gave her a solo spot during a Kennedy Center performance.
By age 15, Mya's musical side began to take over and she perfected her vocal ability with the help of her father, a professional musician. When he realized that his daughter was serious about a career in music, Mya's father began shopping around her demo tape, eventually catching the interest of University Music president and CEO Haqq Islam. At 16 Mya had her own recording contract. For the next two years, the teenager prepared for her debut, collaborating with high-power talent like Kenneth "Babyface" Edmonds, Diane Warren, Missy "Misdemeanor" Elliott and members of Dru Hill. The result, Mya, was released in April 1998.
Joe Hauler
from rollingstone.com