Stephanie Mills, born on March 22, 1957, is a celebrated American singer, songwriter, and musician, renowned for her powerful voice and emotive performances. She first captured the hearts of audiences as Dorothy Gale in the original Broadway production of The Wiz, which ran from 1974 to 1979 and won seven Tony Awards. Her rendition of the song 'Home' from the musical not only became her signature piece but also soared to the top of the U.S. R&B charts, solidifying her status as a star.
Throughout the 1980s, Mills continued to dominate the R&B scene, achieving five Number 1 hits, including 'I Have Learned to Respect the Power of Love' and 'I Feel Good All Over.' Her song '(You're Puttin') A Rush on Me' further showcased her vocal prowess, while 'Something in the Way (You Make Me Feel)' added to her impressive repertoire. In 1981, she was honored with a Grammy Award for Best Female R&B Vocal Performance for her unforgettable track 'Never Knew Love Like This Before.'
Mills' albums, including What Cha Gonna Do with My Lovin, Sweet Sensation, and Stephanie, achieved gold and platinum status, all released under 20th Century Fox Records. Her contributions to music have not gone unnoticed, as Billboard recognized her as one of the '75 Best R&B Singers of All Time' in 2025, a testament to her enduring influence and talent in the industry.