Conversation so far:
How did Macy Gray start her musical career ?
While studying at USC, Macy Gray wrote songs for a friend, and when the vocalist failed to appear to record a demo, Macy Gray sang the songs herself

Question: What is the name of the friend who asked her to be part of his band ?
Self-contained rewrite: What is the name of the friend who asked Macy Gray to be part of his band ?