Born in Toronto in 1974, Deborah Cox began performing on television at the early age of 12. She starred in several talent shows and eventually landed the role of backing vocalist to famed Canadian singer, Celine Dion. Cox began working with legendary producer Clive Davis, and shortly after she was signed by Arista Records in 1994, releasing her self-titled debut album the following year. Her second studio album, One Wish (1998), was certified platinum in the United States. In 2002, Cox signed with J Records for her third studio album, The Morning After. Cox won Juno Awards for Best R&B/Soul Recording in 1996, 1998, and 1999, along with the Soul Train Award for Best R&B/Soul Single in 1998, and the Soul Train Lady of Soul Award for Best R&B/Soul Song of the Year in 1999. Cox made her Broadway debut in the lead role in Elton John and Time Rice’s musical Aida, followed by her portrayal of Lucy in the 2013 Broadway revival of Jekyll & Hyde. Overall, Cox has recorded several award-winning and critically acclaimed albums, and has written and recorded on numerous soundtracks. Throughout her career she has been nominated for eight Juno awards and two Grammy awards.

Beyond music, Cox has received the NGLCC-NBIC Icon Award and the Luminary Award from the University of the West Indies in 2019 for her commitment to allyship for the LGBT2S+community. She received The Civil Rights Award from the New York Senate for her efforts in the fight for human rights and equality.