Today’s guest is a powerhouse of R&B, soul, and funk – a singer, songwriter, and actress whose career has taken her from Flint, Michigan, to stages around the world, including her unforgettable time with Prince and the New Power Generation. Her voice is rooted in gospel and Motown, her performances are full of emotion and range, and her story spans session work, solo records, and stage and screen roles. Marva King, also known as MarVa King, is here with us today.”
Marva King (sometimes styled as MarVa King) is an American singer, songwriter, and actress best known for her powerful R&B, soul, and funk vocals and for her work with Prince’s New Power Generation (NPG).
Early Life and Background
- Born in Flint, Michigan (often associated with Detroit’s broader soul/R&B scene).
- She grew up surrounded by gospel, soul, and Motown influences, which shaped her vocal style and musical direction.
Music Career
- Session and backing vocalist: Early in her career, King worked as a background vocalist for a range of artists and on studio sessions, gaining a reputation for her strong, versatile voice.
- Solo recordings: She released solo material over the years, blending R&B, soul, funk, and contemporary urban influences. Her solo work showcases both her vocal power and her skills as a songwriter.
- Work with Prince:
- King is widely recognized for her stint as a vocalist in Prince’s band New Power Generation (NPG) in the late 1990s.
- She toured and performed with Prince, contributing live vocals that fit his high-energy funk and R&B shows.
- Other collaborations: Over time she has recorded or performed with various artists across soul, gospel, and R&B, further cementing her reputation as a seasoned professional vocalist.
Acting and Screen Work
- King has appeared in film and television projects, sometimes in musical roles that highlight her performance skills.
- One of her more widely known roles is in stage and screen projects within the urban theater/gospel play circuit, where she has combined singing with acting.
Artistic Style and Legacy
- Vocally, Marva King is known for her powerful range, gospel-rooted delivery, and emotional intensity.
- She occupies a space between classic soul and contemporary R&B, and for many Prince fans, she is remembered as one of the standout female vocalists to pass through the NPG lineup
