Minnie Dee creates music that combines fun, up-tempo party grooves with a positive message, wild theatrics, and sassy soulful vocals. Influenced by artists from the likes of Josephine Baker, Nina Simone, Stevie Wonder, Joni Mitchell, Donna Summer, and the pop performance art of Lady Gaga.

 

Originally from Virginia, Minnie came to New York City at age 16 to become a member of the world renowned Dance Theatre of Harlem, under the direction of Arthur Mitchell.  She spent the next few years touring across the United States and Europe as a professional Ballet dancer.

 

After several years of touring with the dance company, she began to pursue her love for singing.  Plucked from an open mic night Minnie became a back-up vocalist with a local cult band “Mike Sandwich.” and gained the confidence to start writing her own songs.  

 

She recorded her first Album Time to Shine with producer Riley McMahon at New Warsaw Studio, featuring the popular singles Believe and Gonna Walk Away. These and other songs from the album have been featured in commercials, movies, and TV shows.

 

In 2016 she had the honor of singing the "National Anthem" at beginning of the NYC Gay Pride March.  She was asked to do the Anthem again, and this time performed her newly released single When the Funk Was All We Had on the main stage for WABC's historic live telecast of the 2017 Pride March. Minnie remains involved and passionate about the rights of the LGBTQ community and other civil rights movements.  

 

Also in 2017, she and her band the MD’s toured various venues and festivals along the East Coast, including her 5th Annual appearance at the Shawnee River Festival in Stroudsburg, PA.  In October, Minnie was delighted to be featured in Sylvester Schneider’s band The Ja Ja Ja’s, touring to October Festivals all over New York and South Carolina.

 

Her latest single Now You’re Home, written in honor of her mother, was released on February 18th (her Mom’s Birthday).  Minnie hopes that the song will be able to be used to help benefit cancer research and hospice organizations.