The Magical World Ella Rae Richerson was born on July 8, 1983. She began singing at a very young age. In 1992 (when she was 9), she formed The Highway Girls with Makayla Willis, Gianna Ryan, Madison Tran, Leena Sardano, and Alexa Perry. They released their debut single "Hat 2 da Back" the same year. In 1996 (when she was 13), she released her breakout hit "Hit Me Baby One More Time". She has continued to inspire many artists to come, including Britney Spears aka The Princess of Pop.