Miche Braden (born November 14, 1953) is a jazz singer and theatrical performer known for her on-stage portrayals of Bessie Smith and Billie Holiday.[1][2] Braden, who is originally from Detroit, originated the Bessie Smith role and has been performing it since 2000 in ‘The Devil’s Music: The Life and Blues of Bessie Smith’.[3][4] Braden has been called "the biggest force of nature this side of Hurricane Harvey."[5][6] She has performed in the musical nationwide, including an off-Broadway run in 2001 and again in 2011, as well as acting as the musical director and writing songs.[7] She was nominated for a Helen Hayes award for her performance in 2018.[8]
Miche Braden | |
|---|---|
| Born | November 14, 1953 |
| Nationality | American |
| Known for | Jazz singer |
Personal life edit
Braden was born in Detroit, Michigan, and attended Mackenzie High School and Cooley High School. She later attended Michigan State University.[9] While in Detroit, Braden was an artist in residence with the Detroit Council of the Arts. She also founded a women's jazz band called Straight Ahead. She describes herself as a protégé of Motown musicians Thomas "Beans" Bowles, Earl Van Dyke and jazz master composer Harold McKinney.[7]
References edit
- ^ Soul Dennis (17 March 2011). "Miche Braden - (Meet me at) Hart Plaza 1983". souldennis.blogspot.com. Retrieved 15 November 2018.
- ^ Himes, Geoffrey (August 23, 2018). "A Bessie Smith 'dream project' makes its D.C. debut". Washington Post. Retrieved November 15, 2018.
- ^ "Jazz in Homes lineup announces replacement for David Alan Grier in June". The Michigan Chronicle. 19 April 2017. Retrieved 15 November 2018.
- ^ McKnight, Steven (August 31, 2017). "The Devil's Music: The Life and Blues of Bessie Smith (review) - DC Theatre Scene". DC Theatre Scene. Retrieved November 15, 2018.
the biggest force of nature this side of Hurricane Harvey.
- ^ Marks, Peter (August 29, 2017). "Review | Bessie Smith lives again in the moody blues of 'The Devil's Music'". Washington Post. Retrieved November 15, 2018.
- ^ Simakis, Andrea (February 9, 2013). "Miche Braden channels blues legend Bessie Smith in 'The Devil's Music' at Cleveland Play House". cleveland.com. Retrieved November 15, 2018.
- ^ a b Jones, Kenneth. "Miche Braden Is Bessie Smith in The Devil's Music, Opening Off-Broadway June 22". Playbill. Retrieved 16 November 2018.
- ^ "Find HHA Nominees | Washington Theatre Guide | TheatreWashington | Helen Hayes Awards". theatrewashington.org:8443. Retrieved 15 November 2018.
Outstanding Performer - Visiting Production
- ^ Braden, Miche. "Miche Braden on about.me". about.me. Retrieved 15 November 2018.
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