Dr D’atra Hicks is a renowned Gospel, Jazz, Soul, and R&B singer, actress, and screenwriter, celebrated for her powerful vocals and commanding stage presence. Beginning her musical journey singing in her grandfather’s church choir as a child, she developed into a versatile performer whose career has spanned music, theatre and television. Her ability to blend soulful emotion with theatrical storytelling has made her a respected figure in both the music and entertainment industries.
While attending high school, D’atra discovered the long-running off-Broadway production 'Mama, I Want to Sing'. Inspired by the show, she auditioned successfully and joined the touring production, remaining with the play for seven years. During this period, she performed the leading role of Doris Winter, a performance that attracted the attention of Capitol Records president Bruce Lundvall, who signed her to the label during an intermission performance. In 1989, she released her self-titled debut album with production from Narada Michael Walden and Nick Martinelli. Her single 'Sweet Talk' reached number four on the Billboard charts, while the album spent ten weeks on the Top R&B Albums chart and led to sold-out tours in Japan.
Throughout her career, D’atra has shared stages with legendary performers including T. D. Jakes, James Ingram and Freddie Jackson. She has also appeared on iconic platforms such as 'Soul Train' and the Apollo Theatre in New York. Alongside her music career, D’atra became widely recognised for her acting roles in Tyler Perry productions, most notably as Jackie Simmons in 'Madea’s Family Reunion'. She also appeared in the stage plays 'What’s Done in the Dark' and 'Laugh to Keep from Crying'.
In recent years, D’atra has continued expanding her career across entertainment and media. She contributed vocals to Earnest Pugh’s 2018 album 'The UnSung Hits Vol. 1' and appeared in the Bravo reality series 'Your Husband is Cheating On Us' created by playwright JD Lawrence. Event organisers book Dr D’atra Hicks for her extraordinary vocal ability, theatrical experience and inspirational performance style, making her a standout act for concerts, theatre productions and live events worldwide.
