Macy Gray, whose birth name is Natalie McIntyre, is a Grammy Award winning singer and heavy influence on the music industry. Although recognized mostly for singing, her wide range of talents cannot be confined to just one genre of entertainment. Not only is she popular in the music world, but she has also branched off into acting and standing up to make a difference in the world.

Gray did not originally aspire to be a singer in the spotlight. Songwriting was where she was most comfortable, until having to fill in for a vocalist who failed to appear for the recording. Her unique, raspy voice was perfect for jazz styles. It caught the attention of Atlantic Records who ended up dropping her record deal soon after receiving her demo recording. The search for a contract ended at Epic Records who helped her to release her debut album. It quickly soared to triple platinum success in the United States.

The hit single "I Try" received multiple nominations for Grammy Awards in 2001, and won for "Best Female Pop Vocal Performance". Following releases did not fair as well as the first album except on the UK charts. At a low point with the way the music was being accepted, Macy Gray began to contribute her talents to the big screen. Appearances are included in Spider-Man, Domino, and Idlewild among many others.

Peers in the music industry have taken an interest in working with Macy Gray since the beginning of her career. This includes collaborations with Natalie Cole and Justin Timberlake on the album entitled Big. Gray's fourth studio release is marked as her critically acclaimed comeback into large success as it debuted within the top 50 of the Billboard 200. As a surprise to many, the placement on the UK charts were lower than any past releases by the artist.

Although she is praised for her many talents, her fame has been put to good use through her humanitarian work. In 2005, Gray opened up a music academy to give an opportunity to underprivileged youth that want a chance to perform. During an appearance on Celebrity Poker Showdown she played for the charity Habitat for Humanity. She did not win but her charity did receive money for her taking part in the tournament. During a 2007 performance to benefit Live Earth, which is a campaign to improve the condition of harmful climate change, Gray and members of her band conveyed political messages through writings on their clothing.

As a single mother of three children, Macy Gray understands that the world is full of struggle, and perseverance is the best way to make a difference. She is a great impact on the music world and is also not afraid to stand up for what she believes in as far as issues in the real world are concerned. Many view her as the perfect role model because she stayed down to earth through incredible success.