Is H.E.R. Blind? The Truth About Her Iconic Sunglasses
H.E.R. is a singer-songwriter known for her silky singing voice, songwriting chops and signature dark sunglasses. Might she wear them because of a medical condition or a vision impairment?Her proclivity toward shades has led to speculation among fans — many are asking themselves this questions. But the fact is, just the opposite is true.
H.E.R.’s sunglasses are a personal choice — not an indication of blindness. They signify her wish for privacy and mystery in an industry that frequently prioritizes image over artistry. For her, it’s about maintaining the spotlight on the music, not her personal life.
Who Is H.E.R.?
A lot of people assume that H.E.R. burst onto the scene overnight when she appeared in 2016, but she had been in the music industry much longer.
Born Gabriella Wilson in Vallejo, Calif., she was a head-turning talent from an early age. A musician, her father exposed her to music at an early age. When she was only 10 years old, she sang If I Ain’t Got You by Alicia Keys on The Today Show, which brought her national notoriety.
At 14, she signed her first record deal and put out a single called Something to Prove under her real name. But it wasn’t until she rebranded herself as H.E.R. that her true breakthrough came.
Her first project, H.E.R. Volume 1, came in 2016. H.E.R. stands for “Having Everything Revealed.” Initially, she was anonymous, allowing her music to speak for itself. She donned dark sunglasses, shunning the limelight on who she was. Fans found it tantalizing, and the mystery made her more popular.
Why Does H.E.R. Never Take Off Her Sunglasses?
Some shoutout fans have speculated about whether H.E.R. wears sunglasses because she is blind or has a medical issue. But she made it clear that it’s strictly a personal decision.
As she explained in an interview with Elle Magazine:
“The sunglasses allow people to focus on what really matters in life: the music. I don’t want what I look like or who I’m with to overshadow what I make.”
Her sunglasses were a part of her identity: When you saw someone wearing them, it was a dead giveaway. Ironically, she’s sometimes more invisible without them!
One Response to Industry Pressures
Aside from privacy, H.E.R. wears sunglasses also as a statement against the superficial aspects of the music industry.
In the Elle interview, she added:
“I want people to care about the music, not who I’m dating or what circle I’m in. It’s an industry that is image-driven, often ahead of talent, and I never wanted to play that game.”
And by keeping her identity understated, H.E.R. ensures that the music speaks louder than the image.
She’s an Open Book in Her Music
While H.E.R. keeps her personal life under wraps, she is deeply personal in her writing. She once told The Guardian:
“I don’t like to explain my lyrics. “They’re like a diary to me — I let people interpret them the way they want to.”
Her sound is raw, churned up and deeply relatable. Even when she doesn’t share details in interview settings, her lyrics often reveal her real-life experiences and emotions.
H.E.R.’s Journey Before Fame
From a young age, H.E.R. was steeped in music, growing up in Vallejo, California. Her father, Kenny Wilson, was a steelworker and musician, and her mother, Agnes Wilson, worked in nursing.
As a 12-year-old, she performed at The Apollo Theater and became one of Radio Disney’s Next Big Thing.
At 14 she signed to Sony Music and released her debut single. But she withdrew from the public in favor of a few years of solitude, before returning to the spotlight as H.E.R. on RCA Records.
A Multi-Talented Artist
H.E.R. is not just a singer; she’s also a multi-instrumentalist, capable of playing the piano, guitar, drums , and bass.
In 2021, she was one of the handful of artists selected to perform in tribute to Prince, a testament to her musical genius.
What’s Next for H.E.R.?
H.E.R. has kept busy since her last full album, in 2019. She won a Grammy and an Academy Award both in 2021, establishing herself as one of the most respected artists of her generation.
Her fans have eagerly been anticipating her next album, but H.E.R. in October 2023 has not announced a release date. In the meantime, her recent singles are keeping the audience entertained.
Will H.E.R. Ever Remove Her Sunglasses?
If you’re wondering whether H.E.R. will ever turn it in her signature shades, the answer is probably no.
Her sunglasses are not merely an accessory but represent her devotion to artistic integrity. They enable her to make music without the trappings of industry and to keep control of her image.
Perhaps no matter what H.E.R. wears, she has continually demonstrated that talent, a passion for her art, and authenticity always steal the show.
