Stephanie Mills: Surviving Music, Thriving in Business

At 69, Stephanie Mills is far from slowing down. This Grammy Award-winning songstress, who started performing at the tender age of nine, has navigated the music industry on her own terms for decades. From her iconic role as Dorothy in Broadway’s original “The Wiz” to her reign as an R&B powerhouse and now as a savvy businesswoman, Mills is a true testament to resilience and artistic integrity.

A Career Built on Survival and Love

Mills recently spoke about her experiences as part of “The Queens! 4 Legends. 1 Stage.” tour alongside Gladys Knight, Patti LaBelle, and Chaka Khan. She describes the collective moment as “history” and emphasizes the importance of being “survivors of this business.” This sentiment highlights the challenges artists face, but also the enduring power of their craft. Mills connects with her multigenerational audience through a genuine love for her work, sensing their appreciation for her music.

When curating her setlists, Mills prioritizes her fans, often choosing hits but also incorporating beloved album tracks. Among her personal favorites to perform are “Power of Love” (originally “Power of God”) and “Starlight,” songs that hold special meaning, with “Power of Love” penned by her friend Angela Winbush.

Breaking Barriers and Building Her Own Label

Mills’ impact extends beyond her music. Her breakout role in “The Wiz” at 16 helped open doors for other Black women in musical theater, leading to a wave of successful Black productions on Broadway. Reflecting on the current climate, she notes the challenges artists face today, particularly concerning “Black erasure,” but praises figures like Kandi Burruss for their efforts in bringing desired shows to Broadway.

To maintain creative control over her music, Mills established JM Records, her own independent label. She explains, “I wanted to be able to record and release singles that I liked. I didn’t think the executives had their finger on the pulse of what I wanted to sound like.” This move allows her the freedom to release music on her own terms, embracing the digital landscape of streaming and promotion.

Motherhood and a Look to the Future

Beyond her illustrious career, Mills finds immense pride in being a mother to her son, Farad. She consciously structured her career around motherhood, ensuring she was present for him. Farad often joins her on tour, playing a role in her shows by introducing her or escorting her offstage. Mills shared the importance of ensuring Farad, who was born with Down Syndrome, received a strong education, noting his accomplishment of writing and publishing books.

• Grammy Award-winning artist with a career spanning decades.
• Starred as Dorothy in the original Broadway production of “The Wiz.”
• Part of the “Queens! 4 Legends. 1 Stage.” tour.
• Founded her own independent record label, JM Records.
• Actively involved in digital music promotion and streaming.
• Proud mother to her son, Farad, who has Down Syndrome and is an author.

Stephanie Mills looks forward to a future filled with “love, bliss, and more music.” Fans in the Atlanta area can catch her performing live on Saturday, May 23, at the VyStar Amphitheater in Stockbridge, Georgia. Doors open at 6 PM, with the show starting at 8 PM. Tickets are available via Ticketmaster or the box office.