Five-octave vocalist, Melba Moore is the latest entertainer to receive a star on the coveted Hollywood Walk of Fame.
“As I look back over my life in Harlem / Newark [New Jersey] , I am proud. Receiving a Hollywood Star made me reflect on the goodness of God. It took me a lifetime to get here. I am a late bloomer. I am still trying to find the words,” said the 77-year-old on Instagram.
Moore will be awarded with the 2,760th star on August 10 on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. The star will be unveiled at 1645 Vine Street near the historic corner of Hollywood & Vine. She will be awarded her star in the category of Live Theatre/Live Performance.
Sheryl Lee Ralph, Freda Payne and Katt Williams will be guest speakers at the ceremony.
Melba Moore’s Impact
Since starting her music career in the late 60s, Moore has left an indelible mark in music. She is the first African American woman to win a featured actress Tony Award and a prolific 5-octave singer. She has conquered the genres of Broadway, Contemporary Soul/R&B, Pop, Rock, Jazz, Gospel, and Classical music.
Destined to be a star and with no training as an actor, Moore started out her Broadway career in the original cast of HAIR, where she replaced Diane Keaton, becoming the first African-American woman to replace a white actress in a lead role. She later solidified her place in America’s heart with her Tony Award-winning performance as LuttieBelle GussieMae Jenkins in Purlie.
“We are very proud to honor Melba Moore who has lent her beautiful 5-octave voice to various genres of music. Not only is she an entertainer, she is an activist, a trailblazer and so much more” stated Walk of Fame Producer, Ana Martinez. “We know that many of her long-time fans will be lining up the day of her ceremony to see this musical gem as she is honored with her well-deserved Walk of Fame star.”