Shavar Ross Radio

Melba Moore is an American R&B singer and actress. She is the daughter of saxophonist Teddy Hill and R&B singer Bonnie Davis.Moore made her reputation in the original Broadway production of "Hair" in 1968. During an 18-month run in the show she performed a variety of parts, ultimately replacing a young actress named Diane Keaton in the lead female role. It was the first time on Broadway that a black actress had assumed a leading role originated by a white performer. Moore achieved another Broadway first almost 30 years later, when in 1995 she became the first black woman to play the role of Fantine in "Les Miserables."In addition to multiple Grammy nominations for 18 albums released over 40 years, she won a Tony Award for the 1970 musical "Purlie," about a charismatic preacher trying to liberate cotton pickers on a plantation.