Miche Braden
American singer-songwriter (born 1953)
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Miche Braden (born November 14, 1953) is an American jazz singer and songwriter 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 |
| Education | Mackenzie High School; Cooley High School |
| Alma mater | Michigan State University |
| Occupations | Jazz singer and songwriter |
| Known for | On-stage portrayals of Bessie Smith and Billie Holiday |
Personal life
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]
