Sonja Norwood is the mother of Brandy Rayana Norwood. Sonja’s daughter Brandy is an American singer, songwriter, actress, and model. She has served as a judge on the first season of America’s Got Talent. Her work has earned her numerous awards and accolades, including a Grammy Award and an American Music Award. Sonja is also the mother of singer, actor, and television personality Ray J and the wife of American gospel singer Willie Norwood.
Sonja Norwood: Bio Summary
| Name | Sonja Norwood |
| Famous as | mother of Brandy Norwood and Ray J, wife of Willie Norwood, Talent Agent |
| Date of birth | 5 December 1950 |
| Birthplace | McComb, Mississippi, USA |
| Gender | Female |
| Marital status | Married |
| Spouse | Willie Norwood |
| Children | Brandy Norwood and Ray J |
| Granddaughter | Sy’Rai |
| Occupation | Talent Agent/ Manager, Producer, Philanthropist |
Who Is Sonja Norwood, Brandy’s Mother?
Sonja Norwood was born on December 5, 1950, in McComb, Mississippi, USA. She will be 73 years old on December 5, 2023. She is the daughter of Freddie Bates. Her maiden name is Sonja Bates. She studied at the Southern University and Agricultural and Mechanical College in Baton Rouge. She is into artist management & consultant. She is “a passionate, driven and no-nonsense artist manager, consultant and entrepreneur.”
Sonja Norwood was the district manager at H&R Block. She was the president of Norwood Talent Agency Corp. (NTAC). She also worked as an adjunct professor at LA Film School. She is the CEO of The Bizness and Norwood & Norwood Inc., the entertainment management firm of Sonja. According to her LinkedIn account, Sonja provides entertainment management, consulting services, and training.
“The knowledge, skills, and experiences gained over the past 20+ years as an entertainment manager led to adding new services of CONSULTING and TRAINING. I’ve consulted artists, actors, new and seasoned managers, and parent/family managers. I offer in person and online music management workshops and seminars.”
Sonja Norwood’s LinkedIn account also adds that: “Teaching and consulting other artists, entertainment executive, and professionals on how to maneuver in this ever-evolving business are rewarding. I’m skilled, experienced, and knowledgeable as an entertainment manager, agent, negotiator, and artist developer.”
Sonja Norwood is a television/film producer who secures “endorsement, and sponsorship deals”. Her ultimate goal is to assist others in building their careers. Also, she shares parenting skills, especially with celebrity parents on how to keep children grounded. In 2012, her first ebook, “Change Starts With ME! got published.
Sonja Norwood is the business consultant to her children Brandy and Ray J, and she has also consulted other successful celebrities, executives, artists, and artists managers. Per Sonja’s website, Sonjanorwood, “In her expansive quest to be an agent of change, Sonja Bates-Norwood is transitioning into teaching and training, taking upward career pivoting to Olympian proportions.”
Also Read: Willie Norwood: Facts About Brandy’s Father
“First and foremost, Norwood is known as the manager behind her superstar daughter Brandy and son Ray J, tirelessly ushering both singers/actors from the minefields of being young, Black child stars into becoming highly successful entrepreneurial industry adults across multiple entertainment and business platforms.”
According to Sonja: “I expanded my view. My journey has been a zig-zag of learning on the go. There were speed bumps for all of us along the way, but every win, loss, and experience made us that much stronger. I’m thankful to God for allowing me to be such an integral part of my children’s careers. After 25 years, both are still working and still relevant. Through it all, our family has remained intact by respecting each other, not giving up on each other, and, mainly, by the grace of God.”
Sonja Norwood is a member of different notable organizations, including Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, National Association of Professional Women, Psi Chi Honor Society, and Beta Gamma Sigma Honor Society (Business). She is a lifetime member of Southern University’s Alumni Federation and a member of the Southern University Alumni.
Sonja Norwood is a member of the Los Angeles Chapter, an honoree of the San Fernando Valley Links “Top Hat” award honoring Women in the Arts. She is a recipient of the Pursuit of Dream Foundation’s Divine Divas Legacy Award, recipient of the Southern University Alumni Federation, Houston Chapter’s Jaguar of the Year Award, recipient of the Hal’s Cornerstone Award, honoree – Urban Music Executive, honoree – Dress for Success, and the BRE first Woman of the Year award.
Also Read: Brandy Daughter, Sy’Rai: Weight loss and All You Need To Know About Her
Sonja Norwood is a producer. She served as the executive producer for Double Platinum, For the Love of Ray J, and Brandy & Ray J: A Family Business. She also starred in Brandy & Ray J: A Family Business. Per her IMDb page, she was a program consultant for the TV Series, Moesha. She is a supporting cast member on season three of Love & Hip Hop: Hollywood.
Sonja Norwood Is A Philanthropist
Sonja Norwood is also into giving back to the community. She is a Philanthropist. She has worked alongside charities and organizations including the Norwood Kids Foundation, St Jude’s Hospital for Children, Shriners Hospital for Children, and the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals® (ASPCA®).
Sonja Norwood Is Married
Sonja Norwood is the wife of American gospel singer Willie Ray Norwood. They gave birth to two children: Brandy Rayana Norwood (February 11, 1979) and William Ray Norwood Jr. (January 17, 1981). Brandy, is an American singer, songwriter, actress, and model. William known as Ray J is an American singer, actor, and television personality.
Also Read: Big Bert: Facts About Brandy’s Ex and Baby Father
Sonja Norwood and her husband Willie Norwood raised their children in a Christian home. However, Willie has 3 older children from previous relationships. Sonja and her daughter Brandy began the My Mother, My Daughter Series, sharing the mother-daughter relationship as keynote speakers on the Ultimate Women Expo tours and panels. Sonja, Willie, Brandy, and Ray J began The Norwood Kids Foundation, which helps disadvantaged, at-risk youths in Los Angeles and Mississippi through the arts and self-help programs.
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