On Thursday, August 10th, 2023, the iconic Harlemite Melba Moore will be bestowed with the 2,760th star on the legendary Hollywood Walk of Fame.
The star, paying tribute to her extraordinary contributions to Live Theatre and Live Performance, will be unveiled at the esteemed 1645 Vine Street, near the historic corner of Hollywood & Vine. As anticipation mounts, Hollywood A-listers and fans alike are eager to celebrate the remarkable career of this multitalented artist.
The star-studded event will feature renowned guest speakers including Emmy winner Sheryl Lee Ralph, comedic sensation Katt Williams, and veteran R&B hitmaker Freda Payne. The Hollywood Chamber of Commerce, the esteemed guardian of the Hollywood Walk of Fame for the City of Los Angeles, has orchestrated this dazzling ceremony that has been a hallmark of cultural celebration since its inception in 1960.
“We are immensely proud to honor Melba Moore, whose magnificent 5-octave voice has graced a multitude of musical genres. Not just an entertainer, she’s an activist and trailblazer, leaving an indelible mark on the world of arts and beyond,” revealed Walk of Fame Producer, Ana Martinez. “Her loyal fans will undoubtedly gather in admiration on the day of the ceremony, celebrating the recognition of this musical gem with a well-deserved Walk of Fame star.”
Born in Harlem and raised in Newark, NJ, The Marvelous Melba Moore stands as a prolific American singer, Tony Award-winning actress, and four-time Grammy-nominated artist. Her talents have conquered the realms of Broadway, Contemporary Soul/R&B, Pop, Rock, Jazz, Gospel, and Classical music.
Ms. Moore’s journey to stardom began on Broadway, where she made her mark in the original cast of HAIR, replacing Diane Keaton and becoming the first African American woman to assume a lead role vacated by a white actress. Her Tony Award-winning portrayal of Luttie Belle Gussie Mae Jenkins in PURLIE solidified her place in America’s heart. Her illustrious Broadway repertoire also includes TIMBUKTU! (starring alongside Eartha Kitt and directed by Geoffrey Holder), INACENT BLACK, AIN’T MISBEHAVIN, BKLYN, CHICAGO, and LES MISERABLES, in which she broke new ground as the first Black woman to take on the lead role of Fantine.
Ms. Moore’s stellar achievements extended into her recording career, with her remake of Aretha Franklin’s classic “Lean On Me” earning her a Grammy nomination, solidifying it as one of her signature songs. Furthermore, her hit “Read My Lips” placed her among the elite trio of African American women nominated for a Grammy in the Rock category, alongside legends Tina Turner and Donna Summer.
Recognized as a trailblazer in the realm of live performances, Melba Moore was the first solo artist to grace the Metropolitan Opera House’s non-operatic stage in New York City. She has also enthralled audiences at Paris, France’s prestigious L’Olympia Hall. Her accolades include the esteemed Drama Desk Award, The Ellis Island Award, The Artist Guild Award, and The Trumpet Award of Excellence, further solidifying her status as an international treasure.
Related: Harlem’s Melba Moore Talks Music And More On The Danny Tisdale Show (Audio).
But Melba Moore’s legacy goes beyond her musical prowess. She is a staunch civil and equal rights activist, marching alongside Mrs. Coretta Scott King and Rev. Jesse Jackson, while working closely with influential figures like Dr. Betty Shabazz, Dr. Dorothy I. Height (National Council of Negro Women), and Dr. C. Delores Tucker (National Political Congress of Black Women). Her rendition of “Lift Every Voice and Sing” recorded with luminaries like Stevie Wonder, Dionne Warwick, and Anita Baker has earned its place in the Congressional Record as the official Black National Anthem.
With her latest album, “Imagine,” featuring her new single, a mesmerizing remake of the Ashford & Simpson R&B classic “It Seems To Hang On,” Melba Moore continues to captivate fans worldwide. As she effortlessly delights audiences at home and abroad, her Hollywood Walk of Fame star stands as a testament to her phenomenal artistry and unwavering impact on the world of entertainment.
On this momentous day, let us raise our voices and pay tribute to The Marvelous Melba Moore as she etches her name in the annals of Hollywood history with a star that will shine brightly for generations to come.
Photo credit: Wikipedia.
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