JUDITH HILL
IN FIVE SONGS

December 7, 2016 | by Ross Eustis

Judith Hill singing at SFJAZZ Gala 2014 honoring Joni Mitchell

We look at Judith Hill's remarkable career through five songs, from her work with Michael Jackson and Prince, to her solo performances on The Voice and 20 Feet From Stardom.

1. "Cry, Cry, Cry" (prod. by Prince)
The single off Judith Hill's 2015 debut album Back In Time, produced by Prince, who said it was "the fastest album I’ve ever made.”

2. "Desperation" (from 20 Feet From Stardom)
Hill was one of several backup singers featured in the documentary film 20 Feet From Stardom, which won the 2014 Academy Award for Best Documentary Feature and a 2015 Grammy for Best Music Film. Hill's feature song "Desperation" won Black Reel Award for Outstanding Original Song.

3. "You've Got a Friend" (from The Voice) 
In 2013, Hill competed in the fourth season of The Voice. Fans were shocked when she was eliminated in the Top 8, as her performances were some of the best of the season, including a beautiful piano-voice rendition of James Taylor's "You've Got a Friend."

4. "I Just Can't Stop Loving You" (with Michael Jackson)
In 2009, Michael Jackson chose Hill as his duet partner for the This Is It tour, which was sadly cancelled when Jackson passed away later that year. Rehearsal footage of "I Just Can't Stop Loving You" went viral, and Hill would release her first single "I Will Always Be Missing You" as a tribute to Jackson, with proceeds going to Childhelp US.

5. "Party Rockers" (with Gordon Goodwin's Big Phat Band)
Judith Hill recorded her song "Party Rockers" on Gordon Goodwin's Big Phat Band 2015 album Life in the Bubble, receiving a GRAMMY nomination for Best Arrangement, Instrumental and Vocals.