IDIa GAMBLE
JUDGE
Princess Idia Gamble, a native Philadelphian, is a singer/songwriter who grew up in a household filled with music. Her parents, Kenny Gamble and Dyana Williams are both highly accomplished in the music industry. Kenny Gamble is a Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductee and a GRAMMY-winning songwriter/producer, while Dyana Williams is a veteran broadcaster and former president of the Recording Academy Philly chapter. Idia's childhood was immersed in the world of recording studios and radio stations, which nurtured her passion for music from a young age.
At just four years old, Idia collaborated with her father on a song, showcasing her early talent and love for music. As she grew older, her godmother, Jean Carne, took her to a studio session with Lonnie Liston Smith, where she had the opportunity to lend her voice to background vocals. Over the years, Idia's love for songwriting continued to flourish, leading her to establish Princess Idia Productions as a platform for her artistic endeavors.
In 2020, after years of planning, writing, collaborating, and studio sessions, Idia released her first single, "Kisses," accompanied by a music video shot in Harlem. Prior to the pandemic, she had started performing with her live band, but when the world shut down, Idia didn't let it deter her. Instead, she forged ahead and released her debut album, "I Am Idia," which was distributed by Sony. Alongside her musical pursuits, Idia is also a talented jewelry designer, having studied at renowned institutions such as the Gemological Institute of America (GIA), NYU, and Clark Atlanta University. Additionally, she is a fine art painter, although her primary focus remains on her music. As an executive at Downstair Music, Idia oversees business aspects related to auditing and publishing, particularly for the classic catalog of Gamble & Huff songs.