Melba Moore isn’t just a performer — she’s a force. From Broadway stages to R&B charts, she’s left a mark that can’t be erased. In our Melba Moore interview, she reflects on carving her own path, breaking barriers, and the drive that keeps her pushing forward, even decades into a career most could only dream of.
Melba Moore On…
“No Filter” [single]:
“No Filter” was written especially for me by George and Angela Pettus, and produced by the extraordinary Terry Hunter. We had great success with the song “I’m Just Doing Me.” As I mentioned earlier, my book is about chasing your dreams and this song is about exactly that. Be yourself. You only get one life, so you should spread your wings and fly like an eagle and fulfill your dreams. I don’t think the release and the messaging between the two is by coincidence.
Imagine [album]:
My album Imagine was spearheaded by my daughter, Charli, and her uncle, Beau Huggins, who is behind a large portion of my success in records. Because Beau and I have a long history together, he was really able to choose songs that fit my voice. And, this the first time I worked with my daughter so to see how much she knows and hearing her opinions on things was such a joy. She’s been around this industry her entire life, so watching her use her knowledge, as well as her willingness to still learn and absorb, was very special. The album alone means a lot because it really was a family affair, and it is released on my daughter’s label, The Gallery Entertainment.
‘This Is It: Marvelous … & Getting Better‘ – her memoir:
I’m very excited about my new memoire. My goal with this book is to help inspire those that feel the need to make a change in their life to not be afraid to take a risk and chase their dreams. I realized while writing this book and having the ability to look back, that I had the spirit to just try. Sometimes it worked out and sometimes it didn’t, but at least I tried. The success that came with my career wasn’t my goal. I was chasing my calling to sing, and all of the successes and mishaps just came along with it. It’s part of the ride. My other mission is to spread the power of love and forgiveness, and just having faith. All three will take you very far.
Grammy Award [nominee]:
It’s always exciting to be nominated for a GRAMMY, but It was more than an honor to be nominated in the Best Female R&B Vocal category with Natalie Cole, Aretha Franklin, Diana Ross and Dorothy Moore. Being nominated for “Read My Lips” for Best Female Rock Vocal Performance was also a great surprise. I think the only other Black woman to achieve that before me was the great Tina Turner.
Broadway [stage]:
I love being on Broadway. My first Broadway show was the musical HAIR, in which I became the first Black woman to replace a white woman in a lead role when I replaced Diane Keaton. That was a very big deal at the time. My second Broadway show was in the musical Purlie, which earned me a Tony Award. Being on Broadway is an exhilarating experience, but it will certainly keep you on your toes. The discipline of Broadway spawns excellence. The audience paid their hard earned money to come to see you and be entertained, so it’s our job as actors to give them the greatest experience we can for the short amount of time we are together.
Tony Award:
Receiving the Tony Award was the singularly most instantaneous and permanent life changing moment in my life. Literally the next day when the news became headlines in the entertainment sections of all the newspapers, Tony Award winner has been attached to my name giving me a status of special favor.
Acting [TV / film]:
The Melba Moore-Clifton Davis Show was an important show for its time because we were the first Black couple to have a variety show on network television. Clifton and I were both coming off major success on Broadway, and the opportunity presented itself to be the summer replacement for The Carol Burnett Show on CBS. Carol Burnett was one of the biggest shows on television, so to have that time slot was huge.
Melba [sitcom]:
I had a lot of fun doing the show MELBA. I wish it lasted longer than it did, but the pilot aired the same day as the Challenger Space Shuttle travesty, and the show never survived that. I was really proud of it.
Hollywood Walk of Fame:
I never saw it coming, but what an honor. I mean, to have your name permanently cemented in the ground forever amongst such notable people is humbling and jaw-dropping. The fact that there were people that I didn’t know petitioning for me to receive the star just touched my heart. And then for Katt Williams, who had never met me and was actually supposed to receive a star himself, come in and cover the cost was a debt I can never repay. What a selfless act that I will always be in gratitude for.
Longevity:
My key to longevity is to stay whole and healthy. I pray and meditate, I am careful of what I eat, I workout every day, and I continue to practice my craft. If you stay ready, you won’t have to get ready.
What’s Next:
Only God knows, but right now I am concentrating on the release of my book This Is It, Marvelous and Getting Better, and also continuing to be the executive producer and director of my life. Still singing, still working and doing what I love to do.
Parting Words:
Make sure life is a joy, so they will invite you back again!
