Meet recording artist Kia (Shavon) Thornton, born July 15th, a young chanteuse, singer - songwriter with a history in the performing arts that contradicts her tender years. You may not know the name, but the voice is almost certainly familiar. Formerly, of the group “Divine”, an R&B vocal trio group that shot to overnight success in mid to late 90’s when their debut single "Lately" rose to the top of the US charts.

Kia returns to us as a solo artist, a woman, and a creative force to be reckoned with.  Her voice is mature, playful, and deeply passionate, she has blossomed from an enthusiastic teenager to a sophisticated young woman over the seasons.  Kia’s main objective as a solo artist is to prove great music, once created, can never die.

Kia

Blessed with her devoted talent for singing, Kia could have continued her career in a number of different paths.  “Music is my life and it means everything to me, it’s my hiding place, it’s a home away from home.” This R&B chanteuse was born in Englewood, New Jersey and grew up listening to hip-hop, rock, jazz and gospel. She followed a lot of music greats but learned from 3 in particular, “I learned to hit high notes by listening to Whitney Houston, how to hold long notes from Rachelle Farrel, and my sultry singing credits Sheryl Pepsi-Riley.”

Kia was first exposed to singing by her father, “I started singing when I was very young about four years old and had my first solo at nine years old, I sang in church.” Bolstered by growing up in the church’s atmosphere she developed artistic expression and encouragement. “I love gospel and still sing in church, but to continue to sing R&B professionally is where my passion is.”

Kia has touched the lives of audiences around the world. She has been fortunate enough to share the stage with huge artist like Destiny's Child, Jay-Z, Next, Dru Hill, Memphis Bleek, Monica, Brittany Spears, Mya, Tyrese, 98 degrees and went on tour with N’Sync. She’s performed on several talk shows such as Ricki Lake, Jenny Jones, Howie Mandel, Motown live, The Apollo, Soul Train, Regis and Kathy lee, CNN, and Teen Summit just to name a few. “My life is music; it’s my first love, my passion it’s in my soul.” She has journeyed to the end of the rainbow and has returned to retrieve her pot of gold. She sings. She writes. She dances. She’s back getting a second chance to live her dreams and bring her talent to the world.