Born in New York, Stephanie Mills started singing at the age of three. She attended Lincoln Square Academy, a private school with an accomplished roster of alumnus including Ben Stiller and Lawrence Fishburne. There she received professional training and would eventually go on to become a household name herself.

At only eleven years old, Stephanie won Amateur Night at the Apollo for six weeks straight and became the opening act for famous R&B group The Isley Brothers. By 1973, she was signed to Paramount Records by Michael Barbiero where she released her first single, “I Knew It Was Love.” After leaving Paramount Records, Stephanie signed with Motown Records however after two albums failed to produce a hit, she part ways with the label.

Stephanie’s life would venture to live stage performance when she landed the role of Dorothy in the original Broadway run of the hit musical, “The Wiz,” where she quickly rose to star status. The song, “Home” from the show became a Number 1 R&B hit, and easily her signature song that was later covered by Diana Ross for the movie adaptation. Today, Stephanie continues to perform for sold out crowds spreading her message of love and empowerment.