About this episodeGrammy and Tony Award winner Stephanie Mills discusses her journey from a child prodigy on The Ed Sullivan Sho…AI summary
Grammy and Tony Award winner Stephanie Mills discusses her journey from a child prodigy on The Ed Sullivan Show to her current role as the narrator in the Broadway hit 'Hadestown'. She reveals the intense racial backlash and hate mail she faced as part of the all-Black cast of 'The Wiz' at age 17, and how her mother's strength helped her cope with industry rejection. The conversation highlights the healing power of music, the importance of self-belief in performance, and the unique creative wavelengths of legendary artists.
Key takeaways 6
Early Career Trajectory: Stephanie Mills began performing at age 10 on The Ed Sullivan Show, winning six weeks in a row. She was on Broadway at age 11 in 'Maggie Flynn' and signed her first record deal at age 15.
Racial Backlash in Theater: The all-Black cast of 'The Wiz' received significant hate mail and criticism. A New York Times critic, Clive Barnes, publicly criticized her appearance, stating her breasts were 'too big' and suggesting Judy Garland would 'slap her'.
Coping with Rejection: Mills started therapy at age 35 during the height of her career due to unhappiness caused by constant criticism about her height, skin color, and looks. She relied on her mother's strong attitude of 'I'll show you' to persevere.
Performance Philosophy: Mills believes in telling a story through song rather than just mechanical execution. She cites Bill Cosby's advice: 'If you please yourself, you can please everybody else.'
Creative Personality Traits: Mills observes that brilliant creative people like Michael Jackson, Teddy Pendergrass, and Prince are often very shy and think on a 'whole other wavelength', similar to Rihanna.
Current Broadway Success: Mills is currently starring in 'Hadestown' as the narrator. The show has won 8 Tony Awards and has been running for 5 years, providing her with a renewed sense of purpose and validation.
Notable quotes 5AI-generated: wording and quote attribution may be wrong. Use the play link to verify.
“Clive Bonds from The New York Times said my breast was too big and that Judy gin come out of her grave and slap me.”
▶ 8:05Mills describing the harsh criticism and hate mail she received from critics regarding her casting in The Wiz.
“If you please yourself you can please everybody else... if you try to please everybody else you ain't pleasing nobody but if you please yourself you're bound to please it's guarantee you please someone else.”
▶ 13:52Mills sharing advice from Bill Cosby about authenticity in performance and art.
“I started therapy when I was 35 okay cuz at the height of my career I was the most unhappy... everybody coming at you and telling you this and I was always being told uh you're too short you're too dark you're not pretty enough.”
▶ 7:22Mills discussing the mental health challenges faced by artists despite their success.
“They're creative people think on a whole another... different wavelength... tapped into a different frequency.”
Mills explaining the common trait of shyness and unique thinking patterns among legendary artists like Michael Jackson and Prince.
“People with voices like yours isn't just making hit songs and hit records tones are healing... when I listen to this song... we all feel good all over all over so I recognize with this is you were having sent you're a vessel right you're conduit.”
▶ 14:37Host Sway describing the emotional impact and healing nature of Mills' music.
Chapters & Sections (49)▼
0:00Celebrity Encounter and Nostalgic Conversationchapter3
0:00Celebrity Appearance and Appreciation
0:45Conversation about a Broadway Performance
1:41Conversation about Past Experiences and Memories
2:26Nostalgic Conversation About Past Relationshipschapter3
2:26Nostalgic Conversation About Past Memories
2:57Flattering Compliment from a Past Admirer
3:48Unclear Expectations in Social Situation
4:12Celebrity Interview Discusses Life and Careerchapter2
4:12Celebrity Interview on Life and Career
5:14Party Etiquette and Record Deal Signing
5:52Childhood Experiences in Theater and Music Industrychapter3
5:52Early Life and Career in Theater and Music
7:05Mental Health Challenges in the Entertainment Industry
7:34Overcoming Self-Doubt and Negative Criticism
8:24The Black Cast Receives Hate Mail and Threatschapter2
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