It could have been her Grammy-nominated cover of the Bill Withers classic "Lean On Me" or her Tony Award-winning performance in Purlie that solidified her place in America’s hearts, but either way, Melba Moore was born to shine. The daughter of jazz saxophonist Teddy Hill and R&B singer Bonnie Davis, Moore survived a tough childhood and went on to achieve great success. She first lit up the stage in Hair and eventually replaced Diane Keaton in the play, becoming the first Black actress ever to replace a White actress on Broadway. Showing her versatility, Moore also scored several pop hits and earned several Grammy nods for Best New Artist and Album, Peach Melba. Moore was also quite the business woman. She had her own line of sportswear, a management company, a record production company and television shows. It seemed like she had it all until her husband/manager wronged her both professionally and personally, leaving behind a pile of debt. Moore found herself on welfare and shunned by her friends and family. But Moore is a fighter and Unsung tells her story.
What do you think of this Unsung story? Who do you think is unsung? Tell us in the comments, below.
