She has been a part of our musical lives for more than four decades and, among true soul and danceheads, she is royalty for her commanding voice, expressive performances and musical depth.
Marva King was born in Flint, Michigan, and began singing as a child, developing a style that bridged classic soul, R&B, and funk. She first rose to prominence as a member of Prince and the New Power Generation, where her vocals, percussion, and movement skills helped shape dynamic live shows and broadened her artistic range early in her career.
King’s resume reads like a who’s-who of modern music: she has contributed to projects by Phil Collins, Tupac Shakur, Michael Jackson, Stevie Wonder, Chaka Khan, and Lionel Richie, showcasing her versatility across styles from pop to hip-hop to deep soul grooves. She has also flexed her muscles as a songwriter, co-writing the smash hit “Innocent” for the Whispers.
Beyond her collaborations, King has cultivated a strong solo catalog that reflects her rich vocal tone and rhythmic sensibilities. She has released several solo projects — beginning with 1981’s highly regarded Feels Right and continuing well into the 2020s. She also turned heads with starring role in the hit stage production of “Diary of a Mad Black Woman.”
In recent years she has remained musically active, including in 2025 unveiling the singles “Fire Love” — a tribute to the elemental energy and spirit of bands like Earth, Wind & Fire, and the collab with Julian Jonah on “Make Room For Love.” Beyond that, audiences have seen her perform in live settings internationally, where she continues to showcase new music alongside her classic repertoire.
Her body of work is as eclectic as it is expressive — from sultry grooves to funk-infused R&B — and she remains a musical force more than four decades after she first entered our lives.
By Chris Rizik
