Lina

Lina is a talented American singer and songwriter known for her unique blend of contemporary R&B, neo-soul, and classic swing and vocal jazz influences. Raised in a musically rich environment in Texas, with a jazz singer mother and guitarist father, she started singing as early as age four and began writing songs by eight. Her early musical influences include jazz legends like Duke Ellington, Ella Fitzgerald, Sarah Vaughan, and Dinah Washington, along with gospel music from her church experiences. Lina began her professional music career in the late 1990s, gaining initial recognition as a songwriter for Tyrese's platinum debut album in 1998. She later signed with Atlantic Records and released her debut album *Stranger on Earth* in 2001, which was critically acclaimed and noted for its melding of vintage jazz with modern R&B sounds.

Throughout her career, Lina has been praised for her operatic vocal quality and her ability to fuse genres seamlessly. Despite challenges early in her career, including managerial conflicts, she pushed forward with a strong creative drive and continued songwriting success. In addition to performing, she has founded Starfel Publishing and contributed music licensed to prominent TV shows. Lina’s artistry represents a fresh yet timeless take on soul music that honors her deep-rooted jazz and gospel background while appealing to contemporary audiences.