Melba Moore Joins Regina Belle, Brenda Russell & Yo Yo on June 16
Hitmakers appear in a virtual gala honoring songwriting at the Women's Songwriters Hall of Fame
Image: Instagram
Save The Date For A Women’s Songwriters Hall Of Fame Showcase
On June 16 at 8 p.m. EST, four powerhouse vocalists—Melba Moore, Regina Belle, Brenda Russell and rapper Yo Yo—will light up the virtual stage of the Women’s Songwriters Hall of Fame. A recent Instagram announcement from the Hall (@womensongwritershalloffame) simply reads, “Save the date 6-16 Melba Moore, Regina Belle, Brenda Russell, Yo Yo @womensongwritershalloffame @iamreginabelle 8pm est. @brendarussellmusic 8pm @yoyofearless 8pm est.” Fans are invited to tune in for an evening celebrating songwriting excellence.
A Legacy Of Hits: Melba Moore’s Career Highlights
Melba Moore (born Beatrice Melba Hill on October 29, 1945) first rose to fame on Broadway and then broke through on the R&B charts. She earned a Tony Award in 1970 for her performance in Purlie and scored seven top-10 R&B singles during the late 1970s and ’80s, including “This Is It” and “Love’s Comin’ At Ya.” Moore’s fusion of theatrical flair and soulful delivery has made her a lasting influence for generations of singers.
Moore’s recent Instagram activity underscores her ongoing creativity. Just over a week before the Hall announcement, she dropped “No Filter” on June 6, 2025, via Mirrorball Recordings. An IG post on release day noted, “NO FILTER 🎤 New Melba Moore Release Available Worldwide 🌍 Released 6-6-2025 💿 Love Melba Forever Moore,” and follow-ups showed the track climbing to No. 7 on the Soulful House chart. Music director Terry Hunter and keyboardist George Pettus were tagged in posts thanking contributors and celebrating Moore’s summer dance hit.
Spotlight On Regina Belle, Brenda Russell & Yo Yo
Grammy-winning singer Regina Belle will bring her velvet-toned ballads to the virtual gala. Belle’s best-known hits include “Baby Come to Me” and her duet with Peabo Bryson, “A Whole New World,” which won a Grammy in 1993. Meanwhile, Brenda Russell—an esteemed songwriter and singer behind classics like “Get Here” and “Piano in the Dark”—continues to champion female artistry in every collaboration.
Rounding out the line-up is Yo Yo, the West Coast rap veteran who broke onto the scene with Ice Cube and has since become a cultural icon in hip-hop. Known for tracks like “You Can’t Play with My Yo-Yo,” she’ll add her fierce energy to an event dedicated to songwriting craft.
Beyond June: Moore’s Upcoming Live Show
In addition to her virtual spotlight, Moore has hinted at live performances later this summer. An Instagram post from Melba’s account teased, “Save the date 8-30-2025 Melba Live in Atlanta 🎤 Live R&B Show with band Love Melba Forever Moore,” confirming an August 30 concert at Wolf Creek Events. Photo credit for that announcement went to Ron Richardson, capturing Moore’s signature stage poise.
As the Women’s Songwriters Hall of Fame gears up for its June 16 event, viewers can look forward to exclusive performances, behind-the-scenes commentary, and tributes to songwriters who shaped multiple genres. The gala will stream free on the organization’s official channels, making it an unmissable gathering for music lovers.
Whether you’re tuning in to celebrate Melba Moore’s storied legacy, Regina Belle’s velvet vocals, Brenda Russell’s songwriting prowess or Yo Yo’s trailblazing rap verses, this virtual gala promises to honor the craft that fuels every hit.
From Broadway to the R&B charts, from Grammy stages to rap battles, these artists embody the power of songwriting. Mark your calendars and prepare for an inspiring evening underlining why women songwriters continue to write the soundtrack of our lives.
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