“I wanted to put British soul music on the map,” says Mica Paris, who first tantalized US audiences with her “My One Temptation” in the late 80s.
She discovered her love of music when she was five or six and began singing in church. “I became this prodigy and [my grandmother] took me around all the churches around the UK. Kids are good. They know what people like. Every time I held a really long note, they’d go crazy,” she told the Irish Times.
By her teens, Mica Paris performed with the gospel choir “The Spirit of Watts.” She then began working as a session singer and landed a job as a background singer for the Brit-pop group Hollywood Beyond.
At 17, Mica Paris signed on with 4th & B’way and worked on a debut album titled “So Good.” Her debut single, “My One Temptation,” was released in ’88 and became her biggest hit, reaching #7 on the UK chart. And the album platinum.
Kris Kirk from Melody Maker described “My One Temptation” as “haunting.”
But after her initial success, she seemed to disappear from American audiences.
“I had everything—the money and the fame—and I was like, ‘ Is this it?'” Mica Paris told the Standard in an interview.
She admits she was disillusioned by the substance abuse surrounding her, so she married and walked away from her fledging career. Years later, she had to file for bankruptcy.
“Last year, someone sent me an article in Smash Hits from when I was 18,” she said in the Standard interview. “It was titled The Making of a Pop Star. And I’m still trying to be successful. This is the joke. That was ’88. I’m still exploring.”
Her four-decade career includes Eighties pop superstardom, hosting a radio show, and acting on TV ( in EastEnders) and the West End Stage. “All I care about is that whatever you have of mine – a book or album or a TV or radio thing – that you’re inspired. That’s my job.” she said.
Mica Paris became an anti-gun crime advocate, lending her voice to the initiative Operation Trident after her brother, Jason Phillips, was shot dead on the street. “I’m 5ft 10in, I’m a black woman, I’m loud. But because I believe that what I’m doing is going to touch you and inspire you, that’s gonna open doors for me. And so you don’t get focused on all that negative stuff. Let that go.”
Join us for our Luther Vandross: Never Too Much birthday celebration featuring a Music Panel, Fashion Show, Luther Trivia Games, Live Performances, Style Vendors, and a Live DJ on Wednesday, April 17, 2024.
Come dressed in your Big 80s Bling!
Luther Vandross was known for wearing rhinestones, silk tuxedos, and tailcoats on stage and Versace, Gucci, Dolce & Gabbana, and Tom Ford off-stage! He wasn’t afraid of bright colors, animal prints, geometric patterns, and fringe. His style and incredible showmanship brought him legions of fans worldwide.
We’re celebrating the Glitz, Glamour, and Romantic Elegance that made his concerts memorable and set him apart from other entertainers.
MUSIC PANEL: Luther’s Vocalist, Cindy Mizelle, Luther’s Choreographer, James Ervin, and Graffiti Glamour Makeup Artistry Founder Alicia Mitchell give us a closer look into the Shine of the Rhinestones, Big Luscious Hairstyles, Bold Makeup, Graceful Moves, and Tight Harmonies comprising Luther’s iconic stage shows. Hosted by Max Szadek.
FASHION SHOW: Designers showcase their gorgeous creations inspired by Luther Vandross’s romantic elegance. See the latest styles from Harlem’s Heaven and Modafleur, among others! Hosted by Catherine Schuller.
LIVE PERFORMANCE: Luther’s most iconic songs performed by Luther’s most iconic songs by vocalist Keith Anthony Fluitt.
STYLISH VENDORS: Shop for apparel, jewelry, and teas from a dazzling array of small entrepreneurs.
COCKTAILS & LITE BITES: Enjoy signature cocktails and delicious appetizers.
