Mica Paris

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. 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. 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.…