Marva Hicks, an R&B singer who had roles on television and in Broadway productions of The Lion King, Lena Horne: The Lady at Her Music, and Motown the Musical, has died.
Some online reports listed her age as 47, while her close associates told several media outlets she was in her mid-60s.
Hicks passed away on Friday (Sept. 16) in New York City, her family told Ebony.
“It is with heavy hearts that we share the news of the passing of our dear Marva Hicks Taha. Our beloved wife, family member and friend will be greatly missed and remain marvelous in our hearts forever,” her husband, Akwasi Taha, said on behalf of the family. “The love she had for her husband, family, friends, and entertainment community knew no bounds. We have been deeply touched by the incredible outpouring of love. Thank you for your compassion and prayers.” No cause of death was given.
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Hicks was born in Petersburg, Virginia. She graduated from Howard University and performed with Stevie Wonder, Michael Jackson, James Ingram and Sheryl Crow.
After signing with the Polydor label, she released her debut studio album titled “Marva Hicks” in 1991. Her single “Never Been in Love Before” made it to the top ten on the R&B charts.
She was a three-time recipient of the Helen Hayes Award for outstanding achievement in theater.
She also had about two dozen television credits. According to her IMDb page, Hicks had roles on Sister, Sister; L.A. Law; Mad About You, Madam Secretary; The Blacklist; and three episodes of Star Trek: Voyager, just to name a few of her credits.
As news of her death spread, some of her celebrity friends paid tribute on social media.
“The talented and wonderful Marva Hicks has become an honorable ancestor. What a sweetheart. Stage lights will be a little dimmer without her,” Sister, Sister alum Tim Reid shared on Instagram.
“Remembering my friend singer, composer, actress and Broadway star Marva Hicks. Sending prayers to her sweet loving husband Akwasi Taha- (my college buddy) and to everyone who loved Marva… We will miss you so much. Rest In Heavenly Eternal Peace, Sis,” Holly Robinson Peete tweeted.
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