Anecdotes

In 1996, she took over the role of Fantine in "Les Misérables" on Broadway, the first black actress to play that role.

Studied piano and voice at the High School for Performing Arts and received her Bachelor's degree in music education from Montclair State College (MSC).

Recorded "Lift Every Voice and Sing", which was entered into the Congressional Record and is now the official African-American national anthem.

Won Broadway's 1970 Tony Award as Best Supporting or Featured Actress (Musical) for "Purlie", which launched her television and recording career.

Her mother was a singer and her father played saxophone and ran the popular jazz club Mitten's Playhouse in Harlem.

Has a one-woman show: "Sweet Songs: A Journey in One Life" (1998).

Had done a great deal of session singing in the 1960s, including "Sunny" by Bobby Hebb in 1966. Nick Ashford and Valerie Simpson also sang on the track.

Friends with Diana Ross, Evelyn King, and Meli'sa Morgan.

She went on welfare and was shunned by her friends (1992). Her daughter left her and moved in with Bill Cosby's family.

Legendary for possessing a four-octave vocal range.

Attended and graduated from Newark Arts High School in Newark, New Jersey (1958).

After ten years, she released a new album of gospel songs (2002).

She was awarded a Star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame for Live Performance at 1645 Vine Street in Hollywood, California on August 10, 2023. Freda Payne, Luenell and Katt Williams were guest speakers at the ceremony. Her Walk of Fame star is located near the historic corner of Hollywood and Vine.

Daughter of vocalist Bonnie Davis. Stepdaughter of Clem Moorman.