“My mom's best friend growing up was diagnosed with AIDS, and he basically raised me when my mom was launching her business. Although I didn't understand at the time what HIV or AIDS was, I knew that's what he passed away from.”

American R&B singer, songwriter, and actress

Solange Knowles is an American R&B singer, songwriter, and actress. Born Solange Piaget Knowles, she is also known simply as Solange. She began showing an interest in music at an early age, and she first worked as a backup dancer for Destiny's Child before signing with Music World Entertainment. She released her first studio album, Solo Star, in 2002 at the age of 16. She also appeared in the films Johnson Family Vacation and Bring It On: All or Nothing, adding acting to a career built in music.