Member Since: 4/28/2006
Band Website: MarvaKing.com
Band Members:
Marva KingEmail:Marva King on your thoughts at:[email protected]
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Marva King
Born in Flint, Michigan, Marva King is most known for her starring role in the multi-million dollar-grossing stage production/DVD, “Diary of a Mad Black Womanâ€. In Diary, King plays the spurned, attractive, feisty and vengeful housewife, Helen. Now, however, the Prince and New Power Generation singer is back again, currently preparing for the release of her current CD “Grown & Sexyâ€.
Despite the massive success of her stage debut, King has far more to her stellar resume than just Diary. King started her career very early on, performing since the age of four, and became accomplished at quite a young age. She is heard on albums by Tupac Shakur, Prince, Michael Jackson, Stevie Wonder, Jimmy Cliff, Chaka Khan, Lionel Richie and Phil Collins, just to name a few. She co-wrote the Whispers’ single, “Innocentâ€, which debuted at 4 on the Billboard Hot Singles Chart. She has performed with artists like Lenny Kravitz and has toured with the likes of Stevie Wonder and Prince. Marva released a neo-soul and R&B CD, “Soul Sistah†in 2006. Fans world-wide relished its dynamic Funky, soulful offerings which include a variety of musical samplings. King’s release is provoked universal love from audiences around the world and surely gave it back. Now King is focused on the release of her new CD Grown & Sexy, and 1st single “Afroâ€. Already being deemed a commercial “CLUB HIT†by some of the most respected radio, and record industry execs.
The most tantalizing numbers on her anxiously-awaited CD include “Chocolateâ€, “Hollaâ€, “Share†and one of Marva’s personal favorites, “Sistahâ€. Listeners will also be thrilled by tracks such as “Grown & Sexyâ€,“Misty†and “If you say soâ€. King, who also composed or co-composed all of its other tracks, produced the album.
Marva is beyond any stereotype or genre. Larger than such limitations, her recordings include music that is R&B, hip hop, soul, and pop. Her mesmerizing delivery inspired Larry Flick to write in Billboard, “Marva King is a supreme diva, and her name will go down in history as one of the best. In 1997 Prince took her on the road, under his wing, and made her a member of his group, New Power Generation (NPG). Marva performed on most of the songs on his “New Power Soul†album, and demonstrated her immense talent as well when she performed live on stage with Prince. Their memorable remakes of Shania Twain’s “Still the One†and Joan Osbourne’s “What If God Was One of Us?†“I worked with him [Prince] for two years initially,†King explains, adding, “It was intense. I have never worked that hard in my life. I was exhausted the entire time, but it was so much fun. I learned a lot about performing and business from Prince,†she notes. I recorded on his “Planet Earth†CD, and started back on the road with him again in June, 2007.†It is as though I never skipped a beatâ€. Marva recently returned from the UK performing live at SOLD OUT venues for both she, and Prince.
Audiences embraced Marva who debuted her Grown & Sexy CD with an awesome UK band. “The reception was inspirational!†Marva notes, and adds “I am truly looking forward to releasing this CD very soonâ€.
“ I come from gospel and R&B roots†which I performed rather conservatively at one time. Prince broke those chains and barriers, she reveals. King still refers to working with him as “School.†King recalls “ He always encourage me and gives me his support.†The angels are always watching over her and she continues to attract new fans.
Marva, who is also heard on Michael Jackson’s “Bad†album, states of the iconic pop star, “I used to visit and sometimes travel with him although I did not perform on the tours. I spent a lot of time with him and his family.â€
Stevie Wonder hired Marva as a teenager. I toured with him, and did a live album with him that was recorded live in Osaka and Tel Aviv in the mid 90’s, which is his double album, “Natural Wonder†featuring the song, “Master Blasterâ€. This show premiered on VH1 June 2007. Marva thanks American Idol’s Randy Jackson for her first production job at Sony in the early ‘90s making Marva one of the few female producers in the music industry. Marva is very excited about piercing the international, and national airwaves again next year! Her CD “Grown & Sexy†has been given rave reviews, by British journalists. Her last CD “Soul Sistah†entered top 30 UK Soul charts at 5. By the next week at the 2 position, it quickly surpassed several familiar soul artists like India Irie, Tina Marie, The Isley Brothers, and Donnell Jones to name a few.
Ms King is optimistically embarking upon a career in the film industry. She will start filming the first of three movies this December 07. All feature roles for Marva! If that isn’t impressive enough, she’s currently training in martial arts under a World Champion Grand Master to prepare for a future in action movies. King played a feature role as J.R. Richard’s confidante—sportscaster Cindy Young—in the 2005 film release of “Resurrection: The J.R. Richards Storyâ€. Marva has formed , and produced an all girl group called 3Gs. “I have always wanted to be a part of a commercially successful girl groupâ€. These ladies, are not only extremely lovely, but multi-talented as well!â€This will be a dream come true†quotes King.
Marva’s sultry calendars sizzled from February 2004, until January 2007. It was a huge success. Fans are asking that she does aâ€3peatâ€. Marva has her sights set on a 2008-9 calendar for 3Gs. Aiyiyi!! She has written and will publish a book (her first) of interesting, current behind-the-scenes experiences in the entertainment industry.
Last but not least, Marva is being commissioned to do a soulful nutritional/entertainment cooking show, as well as a music related show for television. “The cooking show will allow me to demonstrate my cooking skills and express my nutritional concerns for our soulful Sisters and Brothers here and abroad. “It is a given that I Love to entertain†Marva adds. There is no doubt that the Mega-talented, comedic, progressive minded humanitarian Marva King will be a HIT in the world of reality shows. It should also prove to be a very rewarding challenge for this lady!
2008 is being orchestrated on high for Marva King! “Who could ask for anything more�
Watch out for the new female group of inspiring & wonderful vocals, 3G's, releasing with their hot debut single 'Kitty'.
Marva King with Orin Lewis and Beverly De Gale founders of the African Caribbean Leukemia Trust. Click on the image above to learn more about the ACLT.
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