
Micki Grant
Composer
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Biography
Micki Grant
Micki Grant (1929–2021) was a groundbreaking American composer, lyricist, playwright, and actress whose multifaceted career transformed the landscape of musical theatre. She made history as one of the first Black women to write and compose for Broadway, paving the way for future generations of artists of color. Born in Chicago, Grant began her artistic journey as a performer, studying music and speech at the Chicago Conservatory of Music before moving to New York City to pursue acting. Her early success as an actress on television—most notably as Peggy Nolan on the long-running soap opera Another World—established her as a pioneering Black performer in mainstream media. However, it was her passion for writing and music that would define her enduring legacy.
Grant rose to prominence in 1971 with Don’t Bother Me, I Can’t Cope, a vibrant, socially conscious revue that she wrote, composed, and performed in. The show, which tackled themes of race, identity, and empowerment through gospel, jazz, blues, and rock, was a critical and commercial success, running for over two years on Broadway. It earned her three Tony Award nominations and an Obie Award, marking a watershed moment for representation on the Broadway stage. Grant’s work brought the rhythms and concerns of the Black community into the heart of American musical theatre, giving voice to issues of justice, pride, and perseverance with authenticity and style.
Her next major project, Your Arms Too Short to Box with God (1976), further solidified her reputation as a powerful creative force. Collaborating with playwright Vinnette Carroll, Grant helped craft a musical that blended Biblical parables with gospel music and modern dance. The show was both spiritually uplifting and artistically daring, earning acclaim for its fusion of faith and artistry. Around the same period, Grant contributed lyrics and music to other major works, including Working (1978), conceived by Stephen Schwartz and Nina Faso. Her songs in Working gave poetic voice to everyday laborers—particularly women and people of color—reinforcing her lifelong dedication to celebrating dignity, resilience, and the beauty of ordinary life.
Beyond the stage, Micki Grant’s talents extended to poetry, education, and mentorship. She composed music for television, taught workshops for young writers and performers, and remained deeply committed to using art as a form of activism. Her work consistently centered on human connection, equality, and the transformative power of community, resonating with audiences from all backgrounds. She was honored by organizations including the NAACP and the Dramatists Guild for her lifelong contributions to theatre and the advancement of underrepresented voices.
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