Legendary Broadway Actress and Singer Stephanie Mills joins Joel Crump for this edition of "Broadway Time at Carmine's"!
Stephanie Mills' Bio: Stephanie Mills, the soulful songstress from Brooklyn, New York, has woven her mesmerizing voice into the fabric of American music, enchanting audiences for decades. At age 7, she was baptized at Cornerstone Baptist Church, pastored by Dr. Sandy F. Ray. Mills discovered her passion for singing while performing at the Negro Ensemble Company, and at the tender age of 11, she entered the Amateur Night competition at The Apollo Theater-winning six weeks straight, which led to a professional booking to open for The Isley Brothers. She later auditioned and secured her first Broadway chorus role in Maggie Flynn-with a nine-month run-segueing into a recording contract with Paramount Records. “I Knew It Was Love” was her debut single that caught the ear of DJ Ken Harper on AM radio, who reached out for her to audition for the Broadway production of The Wiz-igniting a flame that would blaze brightly across stages worldwide.
Mills’ meteoric rise to prominence began at age 17 when she stepped into the iconic silver slippers of Dorothy. In a run that lasted nearly five years, her spellbinding performances earned her critical acclaim and introduced her extraordinary talent to the world stage. There, under Broadway’s bright lights, Mills’ journey as a professional singer and actress took flight. In 1979, her debut album What Cha Gonna Do with My Lovin’ opened the door to her recording success. In 1980, her second album Sweet Sensation showcased Mills’ unparalleled vocal prowess. The album’s standout tracks, including the Grammy-winning “Never Knew Love Like This Before,” solidified Mills’ status as a powerhouse in the realm of R&B and soul music, along with her American Music Award in 1982 for Favorite Female Artist. With a voice that effortlessly traverses the depths of emotion, Mills captured the hearts of millions with her platinum-selling albums and chart-topping singles. To continue honing her acting chops throughout her singing career, she also took to the road-starring in various touring productions from Ragtime to David Talbert. In December 2015, airing on NBC, she returned to the cast of “The Wiz Live,” this time around as Aunt Em. In 2023, she starred in Lifetime Network's Pride: A Seven Deadly Sins Story as Birdie Moore.
Throughout her illustrious career, Mills has received numerous accolades and awards. From heartfelt ballads to infectious dance anthems, her discography is a testament to her versatility and enduring appeal. In 2024, she continues to evolve as an artist, with an upcoming return to the Broadway stage, while staying true to her soulful roots-a recording deal with new music on the way, a new book on the horizon, and exploring new territories on the touring scene.
Beyond her professional achievements, Mills’ philanthropic efforts and advocacy work have left an indelible mark on society. She has lent her voice to numerous charitable causes, using her platform to amplify marginalized voices and promote social justice.
As she continues to captivate audiences with her timeless melodies and soul-stirring performances, Stephanie Mills remains a beacon of inspiration in the world of entertainment. Her legacy is not only one of musical excellence but also of resilience, passion, and unwavering dedication to her craft. To this credit, she was selected as the Black Girls Rock Lifetime Achievement Living Legend Award recipient for 2024, upon their triumphant return to TV. With each note she sings, Mills reaffirms her rightful place among the icons of American music, leaving an indelible imprint on the hearts of all who have the privilege of listening.
"Broadway Time at Carmine's" is a series featuring Broadway stars over lunch, with engaging conversations at the iconic Carmine’s Times Square eatery. For more information, visit www.BWayTime.com.
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