Mount Vernon, NY — Stephanie Mills, the legendary singer and actress, has spent decades captivating audiences with her soaring voice, magnetic performances, and enduring influence on music and theater. Widely regarded as one of the most powerful voices in R&B, soul, and Broadway, Mills has built a legacy defined by timeless hits, groundbreaking achievements, and a journey of resilience and reinvention.
Early Life and Childhood Beginnings
Stephanie Dorthea Mills was born on March 22, 1957, in Brooklyn, New York. Raised in a devout Christian household, she discovered her voice in the choir at Cornerstone Baptist Church. Her gift was unmistakable: at just nine years old, she won Amateur Night at the Apollo Theater—an honor she would claim six more times. These early triumphs cemented her path toward stardom and showcased the raw talent that would define her career.
A Storied Career in Music and Theater
Mills first appeared on the national stage as a child star on the 1970s television show Welcome Back, Kotter. But her career soared when she landed the role of Dorothy in the Broadway smash The Wiz. Her unforgettable performance of “Home” remains a cultural anthem and a defining moment in American theater.
Her Broadway success quickly opened doors in music. She toured with The Isley Brothers, signed record deals with Paramount and later Motown, and eventually found her true groove at 20th Century Fox Records. In 1979, she struck gold with her album What Cha’ Gonna Do with My Lovin’, featuring the title track and disco classic “Put Your Body in It.”
From there, Mills dominated the charts with platinum and gold records, delivering hits such as “Never Knew Love Like This Before,” “I Feel Good All Over,” “Something in the Way (You Make Me Feel),” and her duets with Teddy Pendergrass, including “Two Hearts” and “Feel the Fire.” Blending heartfelt ballads with high-energy dance tracks, she carved out a place as a true Queen of R&B.
Accolades and Recognition
Her artistry has been recognized with a Grammy Award for Best Female R&B Vocal Performance, multiple American Music and Billboard Music Award nominations, NAACP honors, and inductions into several music halls of fame. Beyond the awards, Mills has been a beacon of inspiration for generations of artists who cite her as a trailblazer.
A Special Dedication in Mount Vernon
On September 26, 2025, the City of Mount Vernon honored Mills with a dedication ceremony that brought together fans, civic leaders, fellow artists, and her family. In tribute to her impact and her ties to the community, the intersection of Primrose Avenue and Frederick Place—near her family’s former home—was officially renamed Stephanie Mills Way.
The heartfelt celebration was more than a civic honor; it was a recognition of a woman whose artistry, generosity, and influence extend far beyond the stage. For Mount Vernon and the world, Stephanie Mills remains a living legend whose voice and legacy continue to inspire.
Heartfelt gratitude to Nathan Smalls, Trina Gibson, and the Mount Vernon City Council for their dedication in bringing this special day to life—honoring a woman whose impact reaches both the Mount Vernon community and the world.
