R&B Singer and Broadway Veteran, Marva Hicks Taha, Dead at 66

Marva Hicks Taha

Broadway veteran, actress and R&B singer Mava Hicks Taha — who duetted with pop music legends Michael Jackson and Stevie Wonder, and whose credits on the Great White Way include "Motown" and "The Lion King" has died.

A statement released by her husband Akwasi Taha and the rest of the family Sunday revealed that she passed away at the age of 66 on Friday (Sept. 16) in New York City.

"It is with heavy hearts that we share the news of the passing of our dear Marva Hicks Taha," the declaration read. "Our beloved wife, family member and friend will be greatly missed and remains marvelous in our hearts forever. The love she had for her husband, family, friends and entertainment community knew no bounds."

It continued, "We have been deeply touched by the incredible outpouring of love. Thank you for your compassion and prayers. Memorial arrangements will be announced in the coming days." –

Taha's career on the screen, stage and behind the microphone spanned four decades.

The Virginia native was a fixture in the theater community. In addition to her work on Broadway in musicals such as "Caroline or Change," and "Lena Horne, The Lady at Her Music," she starred in many off-Broadway and regional theater productions nationwide.

Most recently the three-time Helen Hayes Award winner — which recognizes excellence in professional theater in the Washington, D.C., area — starred in an April 2022 performance of "Angry, Raucous and Shamelessly Gorgeous" at Atlanta's Alliance Theater.

In addition to her theater career, Taha was an accomplished musician.

 

After signing with Polydor Records in the late eighties she notched a Top 10 Billboard R&B charts single in 1991 with "Never Been in Love Before" off her debut album "Marva Hicks."

While the singles that followed did not fare as well, Taha continued to be an in-demand backup singer, providing vocals for a diverse array of music superstars over the years including Jackson, Wonder, Whitney Houston, James Ingram and Michael McDonald.

Off the stage, her immense talents as an actress translated well to both the small and big screen.

Her film and television credits include "Mad About You," "Star Trek," "One Life to Live," and "LA Law," among many others. Taha also lent her voice and talents to many nonprofit organizations including the Ronald McDonald House.