It’s that time again. Another episode of Broadway Black Box. Last time we sat down with the phenomenal Ben Vereen. Well, this time we had the privilege of speaking with Tony Award winner Melba Moore (Purlie 1970). She is currently gearing up for an appearance at the Metropolitan Room on April 13 at 9:30 with a new show featuring songs made famous by legendary singers, including Ella Fitzgerald, Lena Horne, Nancy Wilson, Barbra Streisand, and Diana Ross. Joining Moore will be her special guest, actor/singer/songwriter Clifton Davis, who wrote hits for The Jackson Five.
With a total of 11 top ten U.S. hits on the Billboard charts over the past 40 years, both singles and albums, Melba Moore sits with the host of Broadway Black Box, Andrew Shade, to discuss how she’s been able to withstand the changes in the industry and what it takes to have a career span decades.
From theatre to music Melba Moore is a force to be reckoned with and she gives us an inside look on how its all done. You might find yourself more than surprised by her journey. She’s done way more than sing with Beyonce in Fighting Tempations. So, make sure you get your tickets for her upcoming concert. April 13th 9:30pm at The Metropolitan Room. Be There! Find out more HERE!
In 1970, Moore was cast as “Lutiebelle” Gussie Mae Jenkins,” opposite Cleavon Little, in the musical Purlie. Originally she was assigned only the title song, but she had such success with it in previews that songwriters Gary Geld and Peter Udell gave her another, “I Got Love.” This song was such a smash hit that it shot Melba to stardom. Not only did it supply the title to her debut album, which earned her a 1971 Grammy nomination as Best New Artist, but it boosted her to the 1970 Tony Award for Best Performance by a Featured Actress in a Musical, a 1970 Theatre World Award, and a 1970 Drama Desk Award for Outstanding Performance.
