Composers
Oleta Adams (1953- )
Sultry, soulful vocalist, lyricist, composer, actor, and activist Oleta Adams was born in Seattle, Washington, on May 4, 1953, and...
Van McCoy (1940-1979)
Composer, conductor, and lyricist Van Allen Clinton McCoy was born on January 6, 1940, in Washington, D.C., to Norman S....
Meek Mill/ Robert Rihmeek Williams (1987- )
Robert Rihmeek Williams, also known as Meek Mill, is a rapper, songwriter, and activist. Williams was born on May 6,...
Michael Raphael (1952-2015)
Composer, librettist, and pianist Michael D. Raphael was born January 12, 1952, in Norfolk, Virginia, to Latham Hill, Sr., a...
Missy Elliott (1971- )
Melissa “Missy” Arnette Elliott, songwriter, rapper, and music producer, was born on July 1, 1971 to power company dispatcher Patricia...
Mickey Guyton (1983- )
Lyric Contralto and songwriter Mickey Guyton was born in Arlington, Texas, on June 17, 1983, to Michael Eugene Guyton and...
John Legend/John Roger Stephens (1978- )
Composer, baritone, pianist, lyricist, and actor John Legend was born John Roger Stephens on December 28, 1978, in Springfield, Ohio,...
María Teresa Vera (1895-1965)
María Teresa Vera was an Afro-Cuban guitarist, singer, and composer, who is held up as an example of the Cuban...
Clara Mae Ward (1924-1973)
Clara Mae Ward, one of the most outstanding soloists and conductors in gospel history, was born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, on...
