Jennifer Holliday is a celebrated American singer and actress known for her powerful, gospel-inflected vocals. She rose to prominence in 1981 for her role as Effie Melody White in the Broadway musical "Dreamgirls," where her iconic performance of the song "And I Am Telling You I'm Not Going" won her a Tony Award. Throughout her career, Holliday has crossed genres from pop and gospel to R&B, showcasing her wide vocal range and emotive performance style. Her influence in the music industry is significant, with her distinctive voice inspiring many contemporary singers.