Micki Grant
Minnie Louise Perkins
June 30, 1929 – August 22, 2021
Micki Grant, originally named Minnie Louise Perkins, was a multi-talented American artist known for her contributions as a singer (soprano), actress, writer, and composer. Over the course of her career, she made significant contributions to various fields in the arts.
As an actress, Micki Grant showcased her talents in notable productions like “Having Our Say,” where she portrayed the character Sadie Delaney. She also appeared in productions such as “Tambourines to Glory” and “Jericho-Jim Crow,” both of which were co-written by the renowned Langston Hughes. Additionally, she graced the stage in “The Gingham Dog” and “Don’t Bother Me, I Can’t Cope.”
Micki Grant’s creative abilities extended beyond her performances. She achieved recognition as a writer and composer, earning three Tony Award nominations for her outstanding contributions to the world of theater. Her work left an indelible mark on the performing arts, and she will be remembered for her significant influence in various artistic domains.
Micki Grant, originally born as Minnie Louise Perkins in Chicago, Illinois, on June 30, 1929 (some sources indicate 1941, as she lowered her age for career-related reasons), was a multifaceted talent in the world of the arts. Her journey through life and her numerous achievements are worth celebrating.
Micki’s upbringing was enriched by her parents, Gussie and Oscar Perkins. Her father, a self-taught pianist and skilled barber, instilled a love for music in her early on. Her mother was associated with Stanley Products. Her musical journey began with double-bass lessons in elementary school, followed by piano lessons at the age of eight. Additionally, she delved into acting at a young age, taking lessons with Susan Porché.
Upon completing high school, Micki moved to Los Angeles, where her cousin, the renowned film actress Jeni Le Gon, became her mentor. After graduating from Englewood High School in Chicago, she pursued her passion for the arts, studying at the Chicago School of Music. She later attended the University of Illinois but eventually relocated to New York City to further her artistic aspirations.
In her pursuit of knowledge, Micki returned to her educational journey, culminating in her graduation from Lehman College in 1994, where she earned a degree in English and Theatre with the distinction of summa cum laude. In recognition of her remarkable contributions to the arts, Lehman College honored her with a Doctor of Fine Arts degree, honoris causa, in 2015.
Career
Theater
While in Los Angeles, Micki Grant was cast in “Fly Blackbird” by James V. Hatch and C. Bernard Jackson, a production that eventually made its way to New York City. Her excellence in academics paralleled her success on stage, as she graduated summa cum laude from Lehman College.
During the early 1960s, Micki made her mark off-Broadway, starring in Jean Genet’s “The Blacks” alongside James Earl Jones and Cicely Tyson. Her talent shone brightly in “Brecht on Brecht,” where she delivered a captivating rendition of “Pirate Jenny.” In 1964, she portrayed Ella Hammer in Howard da Silva’s off-Broadway revival of Marc Blitzstein’s “The Cradle Will Rock,” sharing the stage with Jerry Orbach and Rita Gardner.
Micki Grant’s collaboration with director Vinnette Carroll, the first African-American woman to direct on Broadway, was noteworthy. Together, they worked on the acclaimed productions “Don’t Bother Me, I Can’t Cope,” where Micki not only starred but also wrote the music, book, and lyrics, and “Your Arms Too Short to Box with God,” for which she contributed additional lyrics and music. Both productions enjoyed critical acclaim and lengthy runs on Broadway.
Television
Micki Grant’s impact extended to television, where she broke ground as the first African-American character in a daytime soap opera storyline. She portrayed attorney Peggy Nolan on “Another World” from 1966 to 1973. Her television career also included appearances on “The Edge of Night,” where she replaced Billie Allen as Ada Chandler, and “Guiding Light” from 1982 to 1984. Additionally, she briefly hosted “Around the Corner,” a children’s show on CBS.
Radio
In her early days in New York City, Micki Grant worked as a receptionist at a radio station to supplement her income. However, her path shifted when she met a top executive at the station, leading her to an on-air role. She created “Readings and Writings,” a program where she performed material sourced from her extensive research at a public library.
Personal Life and Passing
In 1966, Micki Grant married Ray McCutcheon, a television news film editor. Their marriage lasted for 12 years before they divorced in 1978. Micki Grant passed away on August 22, 2021, in Manhattan, New York City, at the age of 92.
Recognition
Micki Grant’s remarkable talent and contributions were acknowledged with a 1972 Obie Award for Music and Lyrics, specifically for her outstanding work on “Don’t Bother Me, I Can’t Cope.”