Michael and Shari Jefferson: Everything you need to know about Lizzo’s Parents

Who are Lizzo’s parents? Read through this article to find out more about Lizzo’s parents along with Lizzo biography.

Lizzo is a multitalented actor, singer, rapper, flute player and composer based in the USA. She has won various awards for her magnificent work in the different fields. She was born in Detroit, Michigan and her real name is Melissa Vivienne Jefferson.

Who are Lizzo’s Parents?

According to our research, the parents of Lizzo are Michael Jefferson and Shari Johnson-Jefferson. They are African-American but they were born and raised in the USA. Mr. Jefferson was born in 1953, on the 29^th of September. He was an ardent follower of classic rock and he loved Sir Elton John.

Mr. Jefferson was a successful businessman, and he had a big influence on the life of Lizzo. When Lizzo was only ten years old, her family moved to Houston Texas where she was raised. Being raised in Houston had a big influence on Lizzo’s journey to becoming a successful musician.

Shari Johnson, Lizzo’s mum is a successful entrepreneur born in Denver Colorado but moved to Texas to raise her own family. Shari is a big fan of Stevie Wonder and his music. She has recently relocated to Los Angeles so as to be close to her daughter. The date of her birth or when she was married to Mr. Jefferson is currently unknown to the general public.

The love of music that Lizzo’s parents had has been speculated to have had a big influence on the musical career that Lizzo decided to pursue.

Unfortunately, Lizzo’s father passed away when Lizzo was only 20 years old. He died in March 2009 at the age of 55 years. This loss prompted Lizzo to stop her college education.

She has spoken in the past of how hard her father’s death affected her personally. She is quoted saying about her father’s death: “I was depressed. I didn’t have a purpose. Like, I didn’t feel like I had a purpose for being a musician or anything.”

Does Lizzo have Siblings?

Lizzo has two other siblings in a family of three. She has a sister and a brother. Lizzo is the youngest of the three in her family. Vanessa Jefferson (sister) and Mikey Jefferson (brother) are very supportive to their younger sister in her pursuit of success in her musical career.

Vanessa was born in 1983 and currently works at an online store. However, little is unknown about Lizzo’s brother, including the date of birth. Lizzo regularly shares posts and pictures of her siblings on her social media, which shows that she is very fond and close to her siblings.

How the Name Lizzo Came About

After her family moved to Texas, her friends at the time started calling her Mio, which is derived from her real name Melissa. Thereafter, she joined a band named the Cornrow Clique, where they started calling her Lizzo, which also comes from Melissa. After Jay-Z’s hit single “Izzo”, the name Lizzo eventually transformed into Lizzo.

How did Lizzo rise to Stardom?

Lizzo’s parents had a big influence on her musical journey and supported her in every way they could. Lizzo started to play the flute from a young age. The Cornrow Clique was a rap group that she formed with her close friends.

Later on, she enrolled in the University of Houston after being awarded a music scholarship. While in University, she also participated in the marching band.

Due to reasons such as losing her dad, and her passion for music, she decided to drop out of college.

In the early years of her music career, she was faced with various hardships. For instance, she was unable to make ends meet, and she at one time lived in her car.

Lizzo relocated to Minneapolis, Minnesota where her music career started to become bright. She was in several music groups, and in the year 2013, she produced her very first album called Lizzobangers.

Lizzo’s Breakthrough and awards

2019 can be considered to be the year that Lizzo had real success and made her a household name. “Cuz I Love You,” the third album in her career, and “Truth Hurts” one of her many singles, became huge hits in 2019.

Furthermore, she gained recognition for her acting roles in Hustler and UglyDolls.

She won three Grammy awards after being nominated in eight different categories.

At the 2022 People’s Choice Awards, she was chosen as the leading figure and awarded the People’s Choice Award. The occasion was made all the more special as the award was presented to her by her mother.

What has Lizzo Achieved in her Musical Career?

Lizzo has achieved so much in her career to date. She has four studio albums to her name namely Lizzobangers, Big Grrrl Small World, Cuz I Love You and Special. Cuz I Love You made it to the Billboard’s Top 10. Lizzo is a special talent with her star still shinning at the age of 34.