Ms. Melba Moore, Broadway star, Grammy-Nominated Artist, & Hollywood Star recipient: Legend!

 Interview by: Gina Sedman

How Do You Spell Ms. Melba Moore's Name? You Spell the Name of the Tony Award-Winning Actor, Grammy-nominated singer, and Hollywood Star Recipient Like This: Legend! 

The American singer and actress Melba Moore is known for her prolific 5 Octave work. With her versatile voice, she excels in Broadway, Contemporary Soul/R&B, Pop, Rock, Classical, Jazz, and Gospel music. To commemorate her legendary career in entertainment, the actress received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame on 10 August 2023. 

"Lean On Me" is one of the Grammy-nominated covers she received as a Grammy-nominated vocalist. Performing as 'Lutiebelle Gussie Mae Jenkins in Purlie earned her a Tony Award for Best Supporting Actress in a Musical, and it was the first of many triumphs in her career. At that time, Melba was one of the first Black women to win a Tony Award, the first Black woman to win a Tony Award for her role as Fantine in Les Misérables. As a film star, she appeared in 'All Dogs Go to Heaven' and 'The Fighting Temptations' (with Cuba Gooding, Jr. and Beyonce Knowles). 

As part of her television credits, she credits Carol Burnett's graciousness for "The Melba Moore Show, Melba Moore Clifton Davis Show."  Additionally, Ms. Moore produced the Melba Moore Live concert for television. Additionally, she is profiled in TV-One's acclaimed documentary 'Unsung," as well as appearing on Falcon Crest and Ellis Island.

Aside from her multiple Billboard charted hits and eight top 10 R&B hits, including two #1 smash hits, she has received three Grammy nominations and is a nominee for the AMA; awards included the Tony Award, Ellis Island Award, Artist Guild Award, Trumpet Award of Excellence, NAACP Spingarn Award, and History Makers Tribute.

The songs Melba Moore recorded and released in the 80s and 90s include "Lean On Me," "This Is It," "You Stepped Into My Life," "Love's Coming at Ya," "Livin' For Your Love," "Falling" and "A Little Bit More," a #1 duet with Freddie Jackson. With over 40 years in the industry, she continues making music sweeping the nation!

"Nobody But Jesus" is among her gospel albums of recent years. "I'm Still Here" was released in 2002, and "The Gift of Love" was released in 2010.

In 1990, Melba Moore's "Lift Every Voice and Sing" entered into the U.S. Congressional Record as the official Negro National Anthem was just named an "American Aural Treasure" by the Library of Congress National Recording Registry. Moore co-produced and recorded a rendition of the anthem. I caught up with this incredible gem and talented superstar, and here's what we talked about.

Firstly, Ms. Moore, you look stunning. Oh, thank you. 

You're welcome. It is a true honor to have the opportunity to interview such an amazing woman as you. You're such a classy and talented woman. Thank you so kindly for your time. My pleasure.  

You have such an enormous career, so I will squeeze in as much as I can in a short window of time. I'm excited about learning more about your phenomenal entertainment career.

As a singer-songwriter and actress, you have a great deal of talent. In addition to your award-winning career as a Tony Award winner and a four-time Grammy nominee, your career spans over 55 years. There is no doubt that you are a legend. Marvelous Melba Moore, how are you doing today, my dear? Well, I'm doing fabulously now that you called me "marvelous!" (Laughs) I'm doing well. How are you? 

I'm fantastic and thank you so kindly for asking. I'm having a lovely day. What has God done for you today, Ms. Moore? He woke me up. Yeah, you've heard of that one, right? 

Oh yes! And I think I'm in my mind, but we'll see. (Laughs)

That's hilarious! Love it! Let's talk about girl stuff. As a serious "foodie," I love breakfast. My favorite breakfast foods are French toast, pancakes, and waffles with maple syrup. What is yours? Well, I can't eat for pleasure anymore. Now that I've reached this stage in life, I need to use food as a preventive medicine. Therefore, I no longer eat for taste. Previously, I loved pistachio nuts, dove bars, and alcohol, but now I eat salmon, salads, fruits, and vegetables and drink lots of water. Many of the foods I ate in the past are no longer an option. I have to like the foods I eat now.

Is coffee or tea a must-have in the mornings for you? I can no longer have caffeine because it causes a palpitating heartbeat, so I have to take vitamin B. Breathe Easy is the only thing I can have. It is suitable for clearing up your whole respiratory system. I don't know what else it does, but what I do know is that it doesn't palpitate your heart. (Laughs)

Yes, that part! (Laughs) I'm enjoying our girl talk. Ms. Moore, you're stunning, and your face is always beautiful and radiant. Can you share your morning makeup and facial recipe with our readers? As we advance, our face naturally loses elasticity; therefore, I drink a lot of water and use moisturizing creams because I don't want any wrinkles and bags under my eyes. (Laughs)  

Also, because I'm more health oriented, I also avoid salt because it stores in your body in places that become inflamed. Your diet determines an awful lot about how you look, and you don't want to be overweight because then you'll always be trying to go on a diet.  

That's what you don't want to do at your age. Increasing and losing weight will cause your skin to sag because you don't have the elasticity you once had. You should be consistent and steadfast in whatever you do but in moderation.

Eating too much fruit can also be unhealthy. This is why I had to back off my black cherries. Do you know what I'm saying? (laughs)  

Yes! (laughs) It's a suitable replacement for sodas, bread and butter, jellies and jams, and ice cream. Oh, my goodness, I love ice cream, but cherries! (laughs) Have you ever tried the white cherries? 

I haven't tried the white cherries, but I love the black ones. They are super sweet. Yummy! (Laughs) Because food is so delicious, it's easy to become addicted to certain things, especially if you have an addictive personality. 

Yes, absolutely! I sound like an "old person," right? (Laughs)  

No, you don’t! (Laughs) You sound like someone who wants to stay healthy. Ms. Moore, we ladies love our manicures. What is your favorite color, nail Polish? I love to wear the color red on my nails.  

Red looks gorgeous on you, and it complements your skin tone. Well, it goes with everything. I only have a little time to sit in nail salons, so I need a neutral color appropriate for various situations. Although people may not look directly at my nails, I must be well-manicured and well-dressed.  

And you always are. Now, since we're on this subject of being well dressed, considering that you are well-traveled, where are the best places to shop for clothing and shoes, and what colors best suit you? Oh, dear. I used to love shoes so much that I would pay hundreds of dollars for them, but now, I give all the expensive shoes to my daughter. 

Oh, I can relate. I love shoes. Where do you shop for them? I shop at a place here in America called DSW.

Yes, I love that store. They have like a gazillion shoes. They have four floors of all kinds of shoes, right? (laughs)

Yes! (laughs) What I really love is the variety of boot styles they carry. 

Yes! I love boots! I believe I was among the first to try to bring them into fashion, as they make your feet feel comfortable when you wear them.  Often, when your life is full of variety, as mine is, you don't know what type of terrain you will be working on. Occasionally, I like to combine my work with exercise. 

Because I am in an area with nice high heels, I have acquired some heavy rubber, treaded high-top boots to protect my ankles. Thus, I can walk on sandy or gravelly ground even when walking upstairs. So, I'm fine. For special occasions, I even have them in patient leather. They look shiny, and you look dressed up when you wear them. 

Nevertheless, I am practical because I enjoy physical activity and want to look good. My appearance doesn't matter to me, but I don't want the people who look at me to see anything unflattering.  

Since you're the package, you always want to look good in case anyone recognizes or sees you. I don't want them to look at my feet and say what's wrong with her, you know? I love boots. 

Yes, absolutely. (Laughs) Being young and growing up, I watched women like Lena Horne, Nancy Wilson, you, and others who embodied beauty and class. My childhood experiences inspired me to want my adult representation to mirror that. How about Diane Carroll?

Oh yes! I love her also! Such class Ms. Moore. They had so much class and always dressed nicely, and you know what? I miss that. Right.

As a woman, I really miss seeing us beautify ourselves like that. Many women today take a casual approach to life, which is understandable. Still, we should also make time to pamper ourselves and appreciate our softness and daintiness as women. I agree. And, I still keep that ethic. My team around me also encourages me to do that because not only is it because I'm known and been around for a long time, but the way you look is really kind of like an ID. You have a look. For me, I look better in short hair. Also, I look better wearing makeup than without. (Laughs)

Ms. Moore! You're gorgeous! With or without make up on, you're pretty. Thank you. There's nothing wrong with looking casual, but you should look lovely even in that. Not like you just rolled out of bed and didn't wash or anything. Not that. And although people are allowed to do that, I don't want to. 

Part of the fun of being a woman is being feminine, and that's what I want to do. That's one thing I love about this generation is that you have the freedom to be anything or do anything you want to do, and I like the freedom of that.

And it shows in your classy approach to everything that you do. Ms. Moore, do you enjoy any particular hobbies other than singing and acting? Well, I'm glad you mentioned singing as a hobby because I realized, primarily through some of the challenges I've been through, it looked like perhaps I wasn't going to get the chance to do it.  

First, I understand I have a passion for It, so I'll be singing even when I don't have to sing. It is a hobby, and I like it. Another thing I enjoy is swimming. I love to swim, but I'm scared to go to the pools because there may be diseases in there that I don't know about. I'm skeptical about swimming in the ocean due to the presence of sharks.

 That's one I agree with. Apart from that, I miss swimming because I enjoy swimming as a hobby. Also, it may have developed my breathing.  It's something about the water that takes away the pressure. In water, you don't weigh anything; you float. It gives you an incredible feeling, especially if it's nice outside. If you have a nice pool and the sun shines, you can just lay on your back and float. Although you have to do something, you're floating. Overall, I love and miss swimming because I enjoy it and enjoy it as a hobby.

That's fantastic. Your comment about germs is funny. Honestly, I'm a germaphobe. I'm always spraying door handles and using hand sanitizer. laughs) It is important to do that because many people are unaware of that, and germs don't care where they land. So yes, do that.

These days, you don’t know what you're getting. I live on the Hudson River and can see the entire New York skyline. It's across the river, but because of the fires in Canada, the air was so dirty you couldn't see it. So, you have to take that seriously wherever you are.

Yes, without a doubt. Ms. Moore, we all need some time to wind down. When that time comes, we all choose different things to do. Some people prefer to rest, read a book, or watch movies. Do you enjoy particular types of films if you are a movie watcher? I don't really watch movies anymore. Well, I might as well be honest about it. I'm a born-again Christian.

Yes! I am too! How exciting! I'm a Jesus phobic.

I'm so glad to hear that you love Jesus! I agree. It's hard to find movies I want to watch due to the profanity, sexual content, and violence in today's cinema. It’s violent, it's dark and it's purposeful. As soon as you turn it on, you can hear the music that’s meant to bring you down. My music is my thing, so I'm not getting in there. No, no! Rather, I enjoy watching good ministers. Therefore, I do not watch dark movies.

Yes. As a couple, my husband and I enjoy studying the bible through Bible studies taught by Skip Heitzig of Calvery Albuquerque. Our mornings begin with Bible study. As we go through the Bible word for word, we are learning so much about the Lord. It's incredible! And guess what? That's our hobby. (laughs)

Yeah! That's right! (laughs) That's why we're happy despite everything happening. It's not just because we're happy people. No, we fill ourselves with God's Joy. He's the one that can make you happy despite everything that's going on. Often, we hear about serial killers doing things we never even heard of before, and if you get into it and allow it to become your steady diet, it will make you depressed.  

You'll be scared and afraid to walk the streets because they're not safe anymore. But we don't get in that lane. We get into a place where we ask God for His Protection, and He sends His angels to protect us before we go out. So, it's not like we're stupid and silly; you know what's out there, so don't get in there.

Yes, that's correct! You're right. As soon as you step out of the doors, you know God is with you and He is projecting you. The joy you feel when you leave the home is contagious. Nobody can take that away. That's a wonderful feeling. Ms. Moore, could you tell me what intrigues you most about life? Oh, that's a good one. Life is powerful, engaging, and intriguing. After all these years, staying alive and healthy is my most significant achievement. You would think I just got here or something, you know? 

Yes. But that's real life. And I know it comes from God. When you don't keep that in front of your mind, other things in life can distract you and take you apart, preventing you from gathering anything. Nothing can accumulate for you. But if it does, life is a beautiful mystery. It's scary and everything, but it's so worth it. 

Yes, it is. Now, if you could have a superhuman attribute, what would it be, and how would you use it to improve the current state of our world? I would be holy and very wealthy. I say this because it breaks my heart to see people that don't have what they need for various reasons. It's not always money, but if there were people who had the power and the money, who cared, then I could go and touch somebody, and they'd be well. That would make me feel that this life is worth it.  

Then you could make it better and make it into what God meant it to be. We need each other and those who are wealthy and caring because they can make a massive difference in this world.  

 I've had so many people help me. And these were people that didn't even know me. They walked up to me because they recognized my face, but they had that kind of spirit and heart. Oh, and how it affects you. You look at them and say, “Oh wow, that's another one of me, sure! That's a human being. That’s wonderful. So, that excites me! It makes you feel like this planet is a home and that you're where you belong. You will also stop seeing people as strangers when someone does that.

Yes. I always say, "What is a life lived if you don't live it to help someone?" We're all here on the earth for a purpose greater than ourselves, and to me, first to love The Lord God with all your heart, mind, and strength, to love people and to reach out to our world and our communities and lend a helping hand in whatever way that we're able to do so. The gifts and abilities that God has given us enable us to touch the lives of others, and you are doing just that with your beautiful heart, acting, singing, and friendly smile. You are such a ball of light, Ms. Moore. Thank you.

You're so welcome. Let's talk about your outstanding career and what you've accomplished. Honestly, I'm so proud of you, and I'm so excited! I have a quick quiz for you before we begin. What comes to mind when I say these words, "Don't Stop Now."?

(Burst of laughter) Oh, that was my mother's hit record! So, I came by it, honestly. She was a recording artist too. 

Yes! Your mother is incredible. I spent this morning listening to her music; she is phenomenal! She has the voice of a Hummingbird.  Awe. It’s so great that it's coming from you, a journalist, and not from me because it would sound so different. She was beautiful, and she loved to sing. I caught some of her spirit. She also had such a love for being a lady of glamour.  

By watching her, I became intrigued by this industry and wanted to be a part of it. Although I didn't know I would be a star, I just wanted to be part of it. There was something so glamorous, romantic, and fabulous about it. The fact that I saw my parents enjoying their lives as artists themselves led me to want to do the same. They were always laughing, and life was a party.

With the "Bunny Banks Trio," she had music that hit the top R&B charts. Yes. At that time, I was too young to experience and understand what that was. However, I experienced more of what she did when she married my stepfather. At that time, I was ten years old. I was an only child because my natural father, Teddy Hill, was a famous big-band leader and manager of Minton's Playhouse, a renowned jazz club. But they were never together.  

My mom and stepfather moved from Manhattan to Newark, New Jersey, where he had a son and a daughter. From that point on, I was no longer an only child. I now have siblings. My mother was responsible for taking care of her mother, who had strokes and had lost her ability to speak. So, I don't know my family history or anything like that.  

I was raised by a nanny who was orphaned, illiterate, and a backward Cotton Chopper orphan with no parents. So that's my mentality, too. I never fit in anywhere. However, so many people have helped me and have given me such a life that now everyone is like family to me.

That's right. Yes, I understand. I have a hand-picked family, also. Your true "family" are people who love you and are there for you, whether they are blood relatives or not. Some blood relatives would not offer you water if needed, but a best friend would. From my point of view, family is based on relationships, not blood ties. Now that I had siblings, I had somebody to be with and play with. That is your first community, and it is very important.  

But, before that, I didn't know I had a voice, and there was no music in my life because my mother was gone trying to take care of us. She was gone a lot because she was working. 

They even held band rehearsals in their house. Due to my stepfather's influence, I started taking piano lessons with my siblings. Then all of a sudden, music became the centerpiece of our lives. And I was a part of that community, and that community was music.  

You’ve had a little taste of what my mother was, but you probably don't know anything about my stepfather. Now he was a piece of work. He was a charming, handsome, talented gentleman and an incredible father. 

As a child, you need a mother and a father, and he was that for me. You see, I wasn’t total; I was very broken then. But I'm whole now because of those beautiful things.

That is wonderful. Mentorship is extremely important, and the involvement of our parents in our lives is crucial. As you mentioned earlier, parents are the first step, helping set a foundation for children and encouraging them in their God-given talents and abilities.

This is why children need parents. Parents are the first ones to love their children and prepare them for adulthood. Parents are also there to help shape their children's lives so that they can have sustainability. As parents, we must also prepare them so that they can provide for themselves when they become adults. Tell me about your upbringing and how did you become a music teacher. Oh, it was incredible! Initially, I didn't want to teach, but we all became educators, primarily because our parents knew how erratic being an entertainment artist was. You had to get the work. And at that time, black people were still suffering from racism, so you had no business model. Due to this, it was unsteady and uncertain.  

Although our parents gave us music lessons, they discouraged us from pursuing music. By the time they did that, it was too late. It was in our blood. Then again, we did not have to be musicians. But my brother, who passed away, was an exceptional pianist and music teacher at the university level. My sister became an elementary school teacher and recently retired, and I became a traveling itinerant music teacher. I taught from kindergarten through 12th grade, where I had to teach different things to children at different levels. 

But I learned in the classroom that children can see right through you. Sometimes I would say to myself, “Oh my goodness!” Then when you get to the upper level, you see kids dressed like you. That’s if they liked you. (laughs) So, I learned many things in my three years as an educator. 

Then I asked my father about getting me into the industry, and I assured him that if it didn't work, I would return to teaching. I wanted to see if I could do it. 

I attended an art and music high school, not a regular public high school. This is why I continued my pursuit of music as a major. Once you study an instrument, your focus is on music. So, it was already starting to cover me over.  

Then, I had a wonderful experience at Montclair Teachers College. It’s called Montclair University now, but it's probably one of the best Universities in the country. It was an excellent school. I have friends that I made there that I am still friends with. 

Being there put me in the position of wanting to try teaching. And when I got into the classroom and started to teach, I loved it! 

Now, at a certain point, I wanted to see if I could be an artist because Junior High school is not an easy task. You have to rule that environment. Those kids don’t pay attention to anything! And if you are not careful, they will whoop you! (laughs)

(Burst of laughter) Yes, definitely. Junior high school students are at that age where they're trying to be silly and falling out of chairs. At that age, they think everything is funny. But, overall, the experience was invaluable, and I take it with me always. As long as I live, I will never forget how that kind of responsibility gave me a chance to learn and teach. Yes, absolutely. Now Ms. Moore, Ashford, and Simpson are important in your life. Please tell our readers why that is the case. Absolutely. When my dad agreed to help me enter the industry, he took me to agents, managers, and others who could help me. One of the offices was a music publisher or music performing agent's office. I don't recall which one, but Valerie Simpson was there too. During our waiting time for our meetings, we started talking and exchanged numbers.  

She said, “Do you read music?" I said, “Yeah.” she said, “Would you be interested in doing studio work? "I said, “Yeah.” So, she called me and invited me to do some backup recording session work, which was my first work in the industry.  

She was already in the business then, although she's probably quite a bit younger than I am. But she and Nick were two of the first people I worked with in the recording industry. That’s where I first started in entertainment.  

Now, during all of that, Nick and Val went to Motown and later on started creating big hits, and their careers took off. However, I went to Broadway, so my career went in that direction. But they had all these hit records, and one of those hit songs written by Nick and Val was "It Seems to Hang On.” 

Yes. So, when we were in the shutdown during the pandemic, my daughter, myself, and a few others were sitting around, not doing anything. I was watching my ministries, of course. (laughs) So one day, my daughter said, Uncle Beau has a couple of songs he wants you to listen to. Now, Beau and Charles are my ex-In-laws, but they're also the people who are responsible for almost all my recorded music success.

 It took us a while to decide which songs to record, so she brought me several songs over the course of the year. We needed the time to see what we had, what type of sequencing they would have, and what kind of feeling we had for it.

After completing that process, I thought we had created a beautiful album. So, we put the team together, and she and her uncle Beau were in charge of the business side of the recording. After that, I suggested to my daughter that the song be released on her label and that she spearhead the project because she brought me the music.

I remember saying to her, “I didn't know you had an ear like that” because I never worked with her in that capacity, but the proof is in the pudding. She brought somebody who knows me, who knows how to make hits. So, I suggested that he should be the executive producer of the album. And so it happened, organically. 

And in that way, it brought the family back in this different kind of configuration. We could work in our own different spaces and still have the expertise, the caring, the catalyst and all the chemistry that has always made us successful. First, then as a family and then, musically.

That's why I have so many records. Now, I have a new one in which my daughter is the executive producer and it's on her label, Gallery Entertainment.

What is your daughter's name? Her name is Charli and she's named after her father, his name is Charles. And the name of the album is called, “Imagine” and the co-executive producer is Charli’s uncle Beau Huggins.

I love that. Wow, that's great. Now, Ms. Moore, "Hair," the American tribal love rock musical, opened on Broadway with the most talented young cast ever you, Diane Keaton, Ron Dyson, and were also among the stellar performers. Your role in the Broadway musical "Hair" made you the first—African American actress to take over a lead role from a white actress, Diane Keaton. I'm so proud of you. Please tell me about that experience. Well, it was amazing. It didn't make me a star, but it was newsworthy. I remember when it happened. My picture appeared on the front page of the New York Times entertainment section. It was very unusual to have a black woman replace a white woman, and it made good news.

Yes. During that time, you didn't even understudy or mix the roles. That's one of the great things about “Hair,” all those rules were broken because when I was teaching school, I was not allowed to wear an Afro. That’s why in “Hair” I got the most giant afro I could find. (laughs)

I love Afros! I live the “big hair, don’t care life.” (laughs) So many doors had opened, and rules had broken. For example, I was one of the first to have an unclothed scene. I didn't do it initially because I didn't sign up for that, and I assumed it would have some sexual connotation. But after I got into the play and saw what it was, I realized it wasn't that. The overall message was, “Here we are, and this is who we are.” Don't make war; make peace. That was the message. After I understood that, I said, “That's different.” 

I wanted to see what it was like. I was fascinated, so I did it. But the important thing that happened for me in “Hair” is that it got me into "theater" and landed me a role in a real play about peace. It took a risk to make those statements, and I was a part of having my mind opened and going into something I never dreamed of being, and that is an actor.  

It didn't even occur to me. It's not that I wouldn't have wanted to do it if I had thought of it, but since it wasn't in my environment, I didn't even think of it. But it put me on another planet. It was at that point that I realized how well I fit on another planet. (laughs)

You were made for Broadway. For your role in “Purlie,” you won a Tony Award for Best Featured Actress, making you the first African American woman to do so. That is impressive! By the way, you were super adorable in that play! Thank you. When I looked back at some of the pictures, to me, it looked like I was 12 years old, and I didn't realize that I looked that young. I thought, “wow!” I was so blessed to follow my heart and try and see what would happen if I tried my best in my situation. And “Purely” was another family. I was scared to death because I'd never sustained a part. The role was about a southern person, but remember earlier when I told you who I was raised by?

Yes, your nanny. Yes, all I had to do was be her, and she was a maid. It was funny that everybody thought I had studied acting, but I was blessed to have that situation turned out the way it did because my family was broken. But I have a good family, and I had parents who were able to see me become successful at something.

To give you an idea of what kind of gentleman my stepfather was. When I asked him to help me get into the industry, he helped me. I know he's in heaven because of the way that he lived. Having the type of parents, I had who encouraged me to follow my dreams and supported me through the process was amazing! They told me they would be there for me even if it didn't work out.

 I didn't know where to go to audition for Purely. So, one of the girls in “Hair” told me that I didn't know how to audition, and because I had been in the show for a year, I needed to start making my rounds. But I didn't know where to go. So, she told me where to audition for the role and taught me some of the lingo. 

One of the things she said was to keep myself from being typecast. I said, “What's that? So basically, she told me that when I read the script, try to “look the part” as much as possible because that helps them see you in that role and determine whether they want to cast you for that part. I was a natural nanny made. (laughs) So, the role was wonderful and good.

Also, Phillip Rose, who was the director and co-writer of the piece, was interested in my acting when I auditioned for him. When he asked me what I had done before, I told him I was in "Hair." He told me not to tell anyone I was in that production. Although it was a hit with the audience and probably critics, there was such disrespect among the other playwrights and theater professionals. Yes, they didn’t respect it at all. He told me never to tell anybody I did that, but I told him it was all I'd ever done.  

So, I read for the part, and he thought I was excellent. He had already seen many people and wondered how I had been able to portray that role so well. I told him that somebody like that raised me. Then, he said that I was excellent at it.  

I was always afraid because it just seemed like such a tremendous responsibility. But my fellow actors like Cleavon Little, Sherman Hensley, Novella Nelson, Helen Martin, and another lady who did the gospel song. Her name escapes my mind at present. But they were just such wonderful people and such incredible artists! It was a fantastic thing to watch them do their work.

Yes. What a great cast! Yes, I was on the floor as much as the audience watched the scenes. It was then that I discovered that I had a thing for comedy. It was funny! I was finding myself. And, of course, the environment was joyful because it was a comedy.

Yes. I had no preconceived notions about what it would feel or be like. I was just scared I couldn't do the acting part because I would have to know the lines and keep up with the character. So, the thought of having those responsibilities scared me, but I didn't realize all the other things. It was like being in a classroom again. But instead of teaching, I would be a student.

That's a beautiful thing! Now, you were the first African American female entertainer to host the network television and summer variety show Melba Moore and Clifton Davis Hour on CBS in 1972. That's the year I was born. Wow! I'm getting up there. (laughs) Welcome to the Planet. (laughs)

When CBS replaced Carol Burnett's show with yours, did you experience any backlash from her fans? No. The only thing that worked against us was that it was based on our romance, and we broke up. I still didn't even have a manager, so part of the downside of all my Cinderella's good luck was that I didn't know how to handle it. 

Those were hard times, and trying to figure out my direction and how I would continue when those things happened to me wasn't easy. I didn't want to have to go back to teaching.

Yes. Real talk. But you are courageous and strong. In the end, you bounced back even more robustly.  Although it seems courageous, I can't tell somebody to have courage. All I can say is even if you're scared to death, please don't quit. Sometimes, you won't feel like it will work, and sometimes, some of the things you try don't work, but you keep going and keep trying.

And I can only tell you that in retrospect because I don't know what would have happened if I had given up and done something else. Something else could have happened, too. You don't know, so what does it matter if I tell you to do this or that? All I can say to you is to try. Try to hold on until something gets better because you don't know.

Another thing is this. I never have taken the opportunity to say this, and I should have. The only reason we had that spot-on TV is because Carol Burnett gave that spot to us. So, that should tell you what kind of person she is. 

I've never heard anybody talk about how beautiful of a person she is. There was a special on her where they probably did say what kind of a heart she had, but that was her spot. 

That's beautiful. Thank you for sharing that. Yes. We didn't replace her; she gave us that spot to help launch us into television. She did that. So, I never received backlash. Instead, I was treated Favorably. Now don't get me wrong, there were still all kinds of horrible things happening that had to do with racism, but not there.

That is awesome! I've always loved Carol Burnett but to hear about her beautiful heart makes me love her even more. God truly gave you favor. Jean Stapleton, who played the role of Edith Bunker on the television show “All In The Family,” comedian Moms Mabley, and many other notable artists such as Nancy Wilson appeared on your show. Can you tell me any fun stories about either of them while filming? I can tell you a story about Miss Stapleton. First, her voice was famous in All In The Family for the cracking. And we did a parody of an Aretha Franklin song called Rock Steady and she sang the lead. She sang that song with a crackly voice, "Rock steady, baby, that's what I feel now." Now that was funny! (laughs) 

That's funny! I saw that! It was hilarious! Television was excellent back then! Sadly, they don't make TV and movies like they did when I was growing up. They were clean, and they were funny. So different from today. And if you ever go back and watch some of the old Carol Burnett shows, look at the production, the costumes and the fashion. I mean just so artistic!

Yes, I loved watching her show. All those shows were the best! And your show was super funny! "I hate you 'cause yo feet too big!" Ha! Ha! You were hilarious! And the afro puffs you wore were the best! Adorable!

Another thing is that those shows had lessons hidden within the stories! I loved watching your show, too! I used to love Fred Sanford and Son's co-star, Esther Anderson. You can't even muster up a laugh in today's sitcoms like you did from those old shows. All those shows we grew up watching were the best! Oh yeah, she said, “You better watch it, sucka!” (laughs) 

Ha! Ha! That’s funny! We are still laughing about that today! (Laughs) Now, Ms. Moore, what would that film be about if someone were to make a film about something that you are most passionate about? I would like to see a movie about overcoming challenges. Of course, no cursing. 

Yes, absolutely. I'm with you on that. And not overtly sexual. 

Yes, I agree with that as well. That’s what it shouldn’t be, but this should be. I think one of the things that made some of the other classic stories in the past so good was that the stories were so strong. 

Many movies, especially for television, had one or two-person characters because the story was so strong. I'd like to see that medium redeveloped and come back again. 

Also, I would like to see my story developed where things happen for you that weren't supposed to happen. Therefore, you're like Cinderella. 

The movie would reflect and highlight the underbelly of what it takes to make it and not just overcoming it but the hard work and the intelligence behind it all. It would also show the commitment, consecration, and God's favor to make it come out like a brand-new story, but it's not; it's the same story.  

We've heard it with Ike and Tina Turner. We like that story because of who they were. That's the kind of thing I'd like to see done for myself.  

That would be a great story to tell indeed. Your life is full of stories that include struggles and triumphs. I am pleased to bring attention to a triumphant historical moment that will never be repeated. History has been written in stone literary! After five decades of maintaining a booming professional career in the entertainment business, Ms. Melba Moore gets a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame! Congratulations! Thank you! It was so exciting! I thanked the people that were responsible for making this happen. It was just like receiving an Oscar or Grammy; I'll thank my family and all the people who have made me become who I am today. I acted intelligent and articulate, and I can't even say the word articulate. (laughs) But, as they would say in England where you are, "It was very, very lovely to get my star, darling." (laughs)

 Darling! That's lovely! (laughs) Congratulations again, and by the way, you are articulate, A phenomenal woman, and a trailblazer. I can't think of one more deserving of that honor. It's about time. Long overdue. Congratulations again.

Now, you hold the most prolonged notes that I have ever heard in my life! Even longer than Bill Withers held in “Lovely Day,” if possible. In one video I saw, you must've held a particular note for around 32 seconds. If you haven't broken the Guinness Book of World Records yet, you should have. Next, I think you'll hear from them, and that will be your successive victory. I don't know anyone who has held a note longer than you. That's unbelievable! And not to mention, your range is cosmic, 5 Octaves and a 33 gazillion albums! Are you human? (laughs) Thank you!

You’re welcome and, “Imagine!” You like it? 

Like it? I love it! Your music is being played on our radio show, Indie Soul Radio. That ought to tell you how much we love it! Honestly, when I first heard it, I didn't know it was you. It was fresh and relevant. You are one of the rare back-in-time gems that can evolve without compromising the classic R&B and soulful flavor we all grew up on and love. Your new material sets a new standard for young heads. Young people, watch and learn from a pro! (laughs) Praise God. I take care of my voice. Because my daughter brought the song to me, it sounds like that. It's fresh and youthful, and you can hear it in the music. Therefore, it's going to carry me along with it.

Well, she has a natural ear for good music. Yes, and this is why she's going to be executive producer. She and her uncle Beau brought the project to me. It’s her label. Again, she spearheaded the project. Instead of making me someone else, what they've done was let me show my range and my vocal ability. For example, I was the first black female to play the role of Fantine in “Les Miserable” because that's my natural voice.  

So, I'm naturally diverse, but that being said, you only have the opportunity to do these different things if somebody brings it to you. Because I'm not an arranger and I no longer play an instrument, somebody has to bring you these things to me, and she did.  

She and her uncle Beau brought me the music—all the songs. They found the studio and the engineers, and they allowed me to take the piece and make it mine while at the same time bringing me into the 21st century.

Well, everyone doesn't have the ability to do that, but clearly you do and it's amazing! Congratulations on that achievement as well. Thank you.

You are welcome. Are there any other goals you want to accomplish but have not achieved, Ms. Moore? Since I have my team back, I want to maintain consistency. When people ask me how often I put out an album, I want to give them a definitive answer. I don't want my answer to be, well, I don't know.  

We now have an entire team put together, and once this has run its course, they'll have something else you need to do, and if they don't, they'll find people who do. Therefore, I'll have a consistent recording career. 

I've had music continue to be put out, but they've been essentially singles in the house or the dance music genre. That’s wonderful, and I won't stop doing that, but since it has been just me and my partner Ron Richardson, just two people doing it, there are limitations because it is not Ron's background. Therefore, I'm bringing in someone with that expertise. Currently, she's working on some theater projects for me. So I'll be able to go back and do Broadway because I have someone representing me. After all, I can't represent myself; somebody has to do that for me. So now that I have that in place, I would like to do whatever I feel like doing regularly. (laughs)

(laughs) Well, you’ve earned that right, Ms. Moore. You go! Yes, that's what I want to do.

This is great. I have a question for you. What would the name of the movie of your life be? I have a title, and it would be called Still Standing.  

That is all well said. Miss Moore, I have to tell you, your re-make rendition of Ashford and Simpson’s “It Seems to Hang On” is fantastic! Your vocals are out of this world! I love the arrangements, and I love how you approach that song. You did it in classic Melba Moore style. And if I may use a word that's popular among younger people today, you slayed that track! When I first heard it on the radio, I was blown away! There's not one part of that song that's out of place. That song is the art of perfection. Earlier, you gave us a little background on how the project emerged. Can you tell us where we can hear your most recent release and where it can be purchased?  My music is available on all digital platforms and streaming websites. 

Awesome. What words of wisdom would you like to share with our readers? The first thing that comes to my mind is that creative people often don't know how to handle creativity. They may not be aware of their creativity or think everybody can do what they do. 

 I don't know if I can answer that question effectively, but looking back at my life, I was so shut in. So, I will tell you to go to church because that will help reveal who you are. No matter who you are, you should do it to get feedback and perspective from someone other than yourself. 

That will help you create a road map for how to proceed in whatever you choose to do in life. This is especially true if you have nothing and no one. Once again, go to your church or an after-school meeting where your teachers and somebody can help give you some input and insight into what you are exhibiting that may show your talent in a particular area. Having a hobby that could one day lead to something that doesn't have to be music.  You have to find a way to know who you are. And then we almost always assume that this is exclusively for young people. I don't care how old you are; you can start again. It’s going to take courage but try.

Yes, absolutely. Beautifully put, Ms. Moore. It has been an honor and a privilege to interview someone as unique, talented, classy, and elegant as you are. I feel so blessed by the Lord to have had this opportunity to speak to a legend in this business. You are an example of a woman of class and pure natural talent. Thank you. 

It's my pleasure. And what has blessed me even more is your love for God and your humility. You're just a beautiful human being, and I thank you for the contributions that you have made to all of us who love and respect your work.

I pray that God will continue to bless the works of your hands, be it done according to His will, and that the Lord will keep you and your beautiful family safe and protected in a world that can sometimes be unsettling and uncertain. Nevertheless, we know that even in that, God is always in control.

Last, I pray that God will continue to stir the joy of the Lord in your heart and that it will just radiate from you continually and overflow so that God can use you to touch many more lives, especially. You're only beginning your journey, so I want to say God bless you and thank you from across the pond. Big hugs and I'm proud of you! And may I say, all the things that you’ve prayed for me, I pray for you as well. Thank you so much for letting me use your platform and sharing me with your audience. Thank you so much.

Thank you. It is an honor.  God bless you, Bye. Bye

https://www.melbamoore.com/

To Buy The Indie Post Magazine | Melba Moore | September 10,2023 issue Vol 2 CLICK HERE

Photos credits for Melba Moore

Photographer - Erskine Isaac; Photos courtesy of Double XXposure Media Relations

END OF INTERVIEW