People of Music Hall
The Stars
The historic Music Hall provides the Detroit community with innovative and quality performing arts programming and education that reflects and attracts the diverse mix of cultures that make up Southeast Michigan. Music Hall is Detroit’s people’s theater – the place for consistently high quality but non-elitist performances and performing arts education with an emphasis on dance, theater and music, particularly jazz. Music Hall aims to be the most accessible, inclusive and culturally diverse institution in the country.
Aretha Franklin
Queen of Soul, 22-times Grammy winner
Anita Baker
Iconic soul and R&B singer, eight-time Grammy Award winner
Ginger Rogers and Fred Astaire
Dance Legends
Savion Glover
Tony Award–winning tap dancer, choreographer, and actor known for revolutionizing modern tap
Smokey Robinson
Legendary Motown singer, songwriter, and record producer, Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductee
George Balanchine
Renowned choreographer and co-founder of New York City Ballet, pioneer of neoclassical ballet
Martha Graham
Pioneer of modern dance and revolutionary choreographer
Pat Metheny
Influential jazz guitarist and composer, multiple Grammy Award winner
Count Basie
Legendary jazz pianist, organist, bandleader, and composer who shaped the swing era
Nina Simone
Singer, pianist, songwriter, and civil rights activist
Mikhail Baryshnikov
Ballet Legend
Elaine Stritch
Tony Award–winning actress and singer, Broadway icon known for her sharp wit and commanding stage presence
Bob Fosse
Visionary choreographer, dancer, and director, creator of a signature jazz style that transformed Broadway and film
Paul Anka
Canadian-American singer, songwriter, and actor known for timeless hits like “Diana” and “Put Your Head on My Shoulder”
Will Geer
American actor and social activist best known for his role as Grandpa Walton on “The Waltons”
Loretta Swit
American actress best known for her role as Major Margaret “Hot Lips” Houlihan on the TV series M*A*S*H
Mandy Patinkin
American actor and singer known for roles in “Homeland” and “The Princess Bride,” celebrated for his Broadway performances
Chaka Khan
Iconic singer, songwriter, and 10-time Grammy Award winner known as the “Queen of Funk”
Carmen de Lavallade
Acclaimed American dancer, choreographer, and actress celebrated for her grace and contributions to modern dance
Ray Charles
Legendary singer, pianist, and composer known as “The Genius,” pioneer of soul music
Branford Marsalis
American saxophonist, composer, and bandleader known for his versatility in jazz and classical music
Bobby Short
Influential jazz pianist and bandleader, pioneer of modern jazz piano and swing
Allen Toussaint
Influential New Orleans musician, songwriter, and producer who shaped R&B and soul music
Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater
Pioneering modern dance company founded by Alvin Ailey, celebrating African American cultural expression and contemporary dance
Alvin Ailey II
Acclaimed junior company of Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater, blending energy and innovation with modern dance excellence
Andrés Segovia
Spanish classical guitarist credited with elevating the guitar to a respected concert instrument
Ann Miller
American actress, singer, and tap dancer celebrated for her dazzling performances in Hollywood musicals
Lucille Ball
Legendary American actress, comedian, and producer best known for the classic sitcom *I Love Lucy* and for paving the way for women in television
Kitty Carlisle
American actress, singer, and television personality celebrated for her Broadway performances and classic Hollywood film roles during the 1930s and 1940s.
Montgomery Clift
Acclaimed American actor regarded as one of Hollywood’s first Method actors, known for his emotionally raw performances in films such as A Place in the Sun and From Here to Eternity.
W.C. Fields
Iconic American comedian, actor, and writer renowned for his sharp wit, distinctive drawl, and portrayals of cynical yet lovable characters in early 20th-century film and vaudeville.
Charles Aznavour
Legendary French-Armenian singer, songwriter, and actor hailed as one of the greatest musical storytellers of the 20th century, known for timeless chansons such as “La Bohème” and “She.”
Ashley Murphy & Taurean Green
American ballet dancers known for dynamic partnering and expressive contemporary performance.
Ashford & Simpson
Iconic American songwriting and performing duo celebrated for their soulful R&B hits, dynamic stage presence, and influential work crafting classics for artists across Motown and beyond.
Fred Astaire
American dancer, singer, and actor known for iconic Hollywood musicals and elegant choreography.
Bette Davis
Iconic American actress known for her powerful screen presence and classic Hollywood roles.
Billie Holiday
Legendary American jazz singer known for her soulful voice and timeless standards.
Billy Eckstine
American jazz singer and bandleader known for his rich baritone and influential big-band era work.
Billy Eckstine
American jazz singer and bandleader known for his rich baritone and influential big-band era work.
Eddie Izzard
British comedian, actor, and writer known for sharp humor and acclaimed stand-up performances.
Liza Minnelli
Singer, Actress, Producer
PARTNERS & AFFILIATIONS
