If you’re a fan of R&B music, you’ve probably heard the name Macy Gray. She became super famous in the late 1990s with her unique voice and emotional songs. But not many people know about the man she once called her husband—Tracey Hinds.
Tracey Hinds was not a celebrity. He wasn’t a singer or actor. But for a short time, he was married to one of the most famous voices in music. So, who was he really? Why did their marriage end so quickly? And what happened to him later?
In this article, we’ll walk you through the full story of Tracey Hinds—Macy Gray’s ex-husband—from his quiet beginnings to his family life, his career, and what happened after their divorce.
Tracey Hinds Quick Bio
| Full Name | Tracey Hinds |
| Known As | Macy Gray’s Ex-Husband |
| Date of Birth | 1960s (exact date unknown) |
| Age at Death | In his 50s |
| Date of Death | 2021 |
| Place of Birth | United States |
| Nationality | American |
| Ethnicity | African American |
| Religion | Christianity |
| Profession | Mortgage Broker |
| Marital Status | Divorced |
| Ex-Wife | Macy Gray (1996–1998) |
| Children | Aanisah, Tahmel, Happy Hinds |
| Net Worth | Around $1.1 Million |
| Hair Color | Black |
| Eye Color | Dark Brown |
| Height | 5’10” (178 cm) |
| Weight | 80 kg (176 lbs) |
Who Is Tracey Hinds?
Tracey Hinds became known to the public only because of his short marriage to Macy Gray. But before that, he lived a simple, private life. He wasn’t famous. He wasn’t part of the music industry. He worked a regular job, kept to himself, and stayed far away from the cameras.
While Macy Gray was preparing to become a star, Tracey was building his own life in a very different way. He worked as a mortgage broker, helping people find loans to buy homes. It was honest, stable work. And that’s how he liked it—quiet and steady.
Even after their marriage ended, Tracey didn’t seek fame. He didn’t do interviews or go to red carpet events. He simply stayed in the background, living life on his own terms.
Early Life of Tracey Hinds
There isn’t much public information about Tracey’s childhood or early life. He was born in the United States sometime in the 1960s. He was African American, and he lived like most regular people do—away from fame, media, or drama.
We don’t know where exactly he grew up or what school he went to. But one thing is clear—Tracey valued his privacy. He never spoke about his past in public. That makes him very different from many people connected to celebrities today.
But even though there are not many facts about his early years, we can tell he was someone who worked hard and lived with purpose. That simple, private beginning shaped the rest of his life.
What Did Tracey Hinds Do for a Living?
Tracey worked as a mortgage broker. That means he helped people find home loans. When someone wanted to buy a house, Tracey was the guy who guided them through the money part—loans, interest rates, paperwork. It’s a tough job, and it takes patience and strong people skills.
It may not sound exciting like being on stage or in the spotlight, but Tracey built a good career from it. He became successful and earned a net worth of about $1.1 million, which is pretty impressive for someone who never chased fame.
While Macy Gray was performing on big stages, Tracey was helping families buy their first homes. They lived in two completely different worlds. But during their short time together, those worlds came together—for a while.
How Did Tracey Hinds Meet Macy Gray?
Macy Gray, whose real name is Natalie Renée McIntyre, was just starting out in the early 1990s. She was a student, trying to find her sound and chase her dream of becoming a singer. That’s around the time she met Tracey.
We don’t know the exact story of how they met, but it’s clear they had a real connection. Tracey supported her while she was still unknown. Before the fame, before the hits, before the awards—Tracey was there.
They got married in 1996. It was a time of hope for both of them. Macy was getting closer to her dream, and Tracey was building a home life with someone he believed in. At first, everything seemed to be going well.
Marriage of Tracey Hinds and Macy Gray
Their marriage was short but meaningful. They were only married for about two years, from 1996 to 1998. During that time, they had three children: Aanisah, Tahmel, and Happy Hinds.
Tracey worked in his mortgage business while Macy kept trying to break into music. Their life was like many young couples—raising children, working hard, hoping for a better future.
But things started to change fast. Macy’s career began to rise. She signed a big record deal and was suddenly on the path to fame. That’s when their marriage started to face real challenges.
Why Did Tracey Hinds and Macy Gray Get Divorced?
The exact reason for their divorce hasn’t been shared publicly. But it’s easy to understand what might have happened. They had three young children in just a few years. Macy was working hard to make it in music. Tracey had his job and home responsibilities. That kind of stress can be hard on any relationship.
In 1998, the same year Macy’s first album deal came through, they officially separated. Fame was just beginning for Macy. But for Tracey, that was the end of their journey together.
After the divorce, Macy moved in with her mother and raised the kids. Meanwhile, Tracey quietly went back to his normal life.
Tracey Hinds and Macy Gray’s Children
Tracey Hinds and Macy Gray had three children together, and each one has grown up to follow a creative path.
Aanisah Hinds, their first daughter, was born in January 1995. She is now a graphic designer and lives in Brooklyn, New York. Aanisah works on branding, websites, and other visual projects. She shares some of her work online and is known for her clean, bold designs.
Tahmel Hinds, born in December 1995, has followed his mom’s footsteps into music. He creates his own songs and is slowly building his own style. He’s not as famous as Macy Gray, but he’s finding his own voice in the music world.
Their youngest, Happy Hinds, was born in 1997. He runs a creative magazine called Happy Hinds Magazine, which features photography, interviews, and art. Like his name, Happy seems to bring a joyful energy to everything he does.
Even though their parents divorced early, all three children have made their own way. That’s part of the legacy Tracey Hinds leaves behind.
What Happened to Tracey Hinds?
After his divorce from Macy Gray, Tracey Hinds stayed far away from the public eye. He didn’t give interviews, didn’t appear in tabloids, and didn’t chase fame. He went back to his job as a mortgage broker and focused on living a quiet life.
He didn’t try to use Macy Gray’s name for attention. That says a lot about his character. Tracey chose peace and privacy over the spotlight.
Sadly, in later years, Macy Gray shared that her children no longer had contact with their father. The reasons were never made public, and Tracey never spoke out. He kept things private, just like he always had.
Did Tracey Hinds Really Die in 2021?
Yes, Tracey Hinds passed away in 2021. The news was quietly shared through a social media post by his daughter, Happy Hinds. On Father’s Day 2021, Happy shared a touching tribute to her dad, thanking him and remembering him with love.
The post didn’t share how he died, and no other details were made public. Just like the rest of his life, his passing was kept private and respectful. The family chose not to speak about it in the media.
Even though he lived quietly, his death mattered to the people who loved him. He may not have been famous, but he was still someone’s father, someone’s friend, someone who lived a real life.
What Was Tracey Hinds’ Net Worth?
Before he died, Tracey Hinds’ net worth was estimated at around $1.1 million. He earned that money through his years of work as a mortgage broker.
He didn’t live a flashy lifestyle. He wasn’t buying luxury cars or appearing at celebrity parties. He made a stable income and lived a normal life, far from Hollywood.
For comparison, Macy Gray’s net worth is said to be around $12 million in 2026. But that doesn’t make Tracey’s life any less successful. He worked hard, provided for his family, and built a solid life on his own terms.
Did Macy Gray Write Songs About Tracey Hinds?
This is something fans often wonder. After all, Macy Gray’s biggest songs are full of emotion. Her first big album, On How Life Is, came out in 1999, just one year after her divorce from Tracey Hinds.
The album includes her hit song “I Try”, which talks about love, pain, and trying to move on. While Macy never said the songs were about Tracey, the timing suggests her feelings during the breakup may have inspired the music.
Sometimes the best songs come from real life. And even though Tracey wasn’t part of the music world, his story may live on through Macy’s lyrics.
Final Thoughts
Many people only know Tracey Hinds as Macy Gray’s ex-husband. But there was more to his life than that. He was a father, a hardworking man, and someone who stayed true to himself even when life got hard.
He didn’t chase fame. He didn’t speak out for attention. He lived a simple life and kept his story quiet. But the people closest to him—his kids, his clients, and his loved ones—knew the real him.
In 2026, people are still curious about Tracey Hinds, not just because of Macy Gray, but because he was a man who lived differently. He stayed private, calm, and steady in a world that often rewards noise.
(FAQs)
Did you know Macy Gray was secretly married before her big break?
Yes! Macy Gray was married to Tracey Hinds before she became famous. They got married in 1996 and divorced in 1998, just before her music career took off.
How old was Tracey Hinds when he died?
Tracey Hinds was believed to be in his 50s when he passed away in 2021. His exact birthday was never made public, keeping part of his life a mystery to this day.
Was Tracey Hinds rich before he died?
Yes, even though he wasn’t a celebrity, Tracey Hinds had a net worth of around $1.1 million, earned from his career as a mortgage broker.
What did Macy Gray’s ex-husband actually do for a living?
Tracey Hinds was a mortgage broker. He helped people get loans to buy homes and stayed far away from the spotlight, even during and after his marriage to Macy Gray.
How did Tracey Hinds die?
Tracey Hinds passed away in 2021, but his cause of death was never revealed. His daughter confirmed the news in a private social media post, but no other details were shared.
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