Ester Dean

Ester Dean, born in Muskogee, Oklahoma, and raised in Tulsa, grew up as the youngest of five siblings in a single-parent household led by her mother, Hester. Facing economic hardships and bullying, Dean discovered music as a means of expression and emotional release. Her early songwriting served as a form of therapy, allowing her to navigate the challenges of her upbringing.

At 15, Dean relocated to Omaha, Nebraska, with her sister Deandria, leaving her older siblings behind. In Omaha, she immersed herself in the local music scene, writing for local artists and honing her craft. By the age of 20, she made a pivotal decision to move to Atlanta, Georgia, armed with just $500 and a determination to succeed in the music industry. Her big break came when music producer Tricky Stewart heard her singing at a Gap Band concert and subsequently signed her to a publishing deal, providing her with vital connections in the industry.

After relocating to Los Angeles, Dean continued to rise in the songwriting realm and signed with Zone 4 Records/Interscope Records. Her debut single, "Drop It Low," reached number 38 on the Billboard Hot 100. However, her career skyrocketed with her collaboration with producers Stargate on Rihanna's "Rude Boy," followed by hits like "What's My Name" and "Firework" for Katy Perry.

Beyond her musical accomplishments, Dean showcased her versatility as a voice-over artist in films like Ice Age: Continental Drift and Rio. She gained further recognition for her role as Cynthia Rose in the hit film Pitch Perfect and its sequel, cementing her status as a multi-talented performer.