Mica Paris, M.B.E. is the queen of British Soul and one of Britain’s most versatile and beloved entertainers: a major label recording artist; West End theatre & television actress; best-selling author and BBC broadcaster - all of which have earned her the highest of accolades…

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In 2003, the music industry honoured her with the Gold Badge Award at the Ivors Academy for her special contribution to British entertainment. In 2004, she was then named in the Top 10 of the 100 Greatest Black Britons, an exclusive list compiled to celebrate the achievements and contributions made by the British Black  community over the centuries. Ultimately, in 2020, Paris was then appointed Member of the Order of the British Empire (M.B.E.), by Queen Elizabeth II, in the Birthday Honours List for her services to music, entertainment and charity.

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But to many she is best known by another title: the original, pre-eminent Queen of British soul.

 

Paris grew up singing in her grandparents’ church and, by her mid-teens, was making regular appearances with the Spirit of Watts gospel choir, with whom she featured on the 1985 EP “Gospel Joy”). In 1988, at the age of 19, she was signed to the storied Island Records. Her debut album "So Good" went platinum led by the breakout single, "My One Temptation” - her first Top 10 hit which peaked at #7 in the UK charts. The album also included a collaboration with jazz saxophonist Courtney Pine on “Like Dreamers Do” and “Breathe Life into Me”, both Top 30 UK hits. Her powerful transatlantic radio smash "Where Is the Love” followed - a duet with American soul singer Will Downing - also breaking into the UK Top 20 pop chart.

 

The follow-up album, “Contribution", was released in 1990 further establishing Paris' soul and gospel kudos, while also embracing the then burgeoning sound of hip-hop and house. The album featured the track "If I Love U 2 Nite", written by her friend Prince and recorded at his Paisley Park studios. Omar would also join Paris on the album with the underground club favourite "I Should've Known Better”, the B-side to "South of the River". That same year, Paris would also be asked by long-time friend Natalie Cole to record with her, Anita Baker and Bonnie Raitt for Nelson Mandela’s 'International Tribute for a Free South Africa’ album.

 

Her third album, "Whisper a Prayer” followed in 1993, collaborating with Narada Michael Walden (Whitney Houston, Aretha Franklin) and legendary songwriter/producer Rod Temperton (Michael Jackson, Quincy Jones) on the Grammy-nominated "You Put a Move on My Heart” - later covered by Tamia in 1995 on Jones’ "Q's Jook Joint" album. Paris and Temperton would go on to forge a deep, music partnership that would last until his final days.

 

As a result, more collaboration work followed on album tracks including Guru on "Jazzmatazz II" ("Looking Through Darkness” - 1995); Mark Morrison ("Tears For You" – 1996) and Maxwell ("Mantra" – 1996). Paris would then go on to be signed by Chris Blackwell’s Chrysalis for the next album, "Black Angel”, in 1998, charting two more Top 20 singles in "Stay" and "Carefree”.

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A stand-out collaboration with Pink Floyd’s David Gilmour and Jools Holland on Screamin' Jay Hawkins' track "I Put A Spell On You” was released in 2001, uniting a multi-hyphenate trio to powerful effect. Two years later, Paris lent her voice to Walt Disney Pictures' soundtrack for "High Heels and Low Lifes” (Touchstone), which was later included in the Primal Screen soundtrack compilation album.

 

Albums "Soul Classics” and "Born Again” would follow before Paris released her latest album, “Gospel” (Warners) - to critical acclaim - accompanying her 2020 Sky Arts documentary of the same title and earning her a prized No.1 in the UK R&B Album Chart.

 

On 4th June 2022, Paris was invited to perform "Climb Ev'ry Mountain” live at the 'Platinum Party At The Palace’, the worldwide televised BBC concert to celebrate the Platinum Jubilee of Queen Elizabeth II.

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With a new, testimonial album now underway, joined by some famous friends from her past and present - and a forthcoming memoir of a life in music - 2025 sees Britain’s first lady of soul finally return to international touring, celebrating 40 years since her explosive, peerless debut.