Born and raised on a West London council estate, Heather battled with shyness and a profound desire to sing from an early age. Captivated by gospel music's inspirational elements and influenced by '70s reggae and soul, she joined her first group, the blues and soul-tinged band 'HotHouse' while still in her teens. Although their potential was never fully realised, Heather had a fortuitous meeting with Mike Pickering, a DJ at Manchester's famed Hacienda nightclub. After hearing Heather's unique voice he persuaded her to collaborate with a group he'd just formed. A group called M People that would go on to sell over 10 million records worldwide.

What marks Heather out as a unique talent in the producer-led R&B environment or the teen-obsessed pop market is not just her unique, weighty voice, but that her song writing retains an inner strength. Although Heather's material is steeped in the influence of stellar R&B names (Stevie Wonder and Marvin Gaye, Sarah Vaughan, Nina Simone, Gladys Knight and Mavis Staples), it communicates an emotional feeling without encouraging a feeling of despair.

Since 'Proud' Heather has been spending time bringing up her son as well as performing guest spots with the Snake Davis Band and doing a few private shows. A duet with Michael McDonald in Mexico in January 2003 for a private show was one of the high points of her career.

More recently Heather has been working hard on writing new material and recording songs for a new solo album. Her appearance on the Parkinson show in April was the most highly-rated episode of the season.