Emme Kemp

Emmelyne Kemp is an American pianist, vocalist, bandleader, composer, lecturer, and music researcher who appeared on Broadway in 1976. A protégé of Eubie Blake and a student of pianist Egon Petri, Kemp works across blues, jazz, ragtime, and gospel, and performs in six languages.

Born in Chicago, Kemp demonstrated musical ability at the age of three. She grew up immersed in gospel and blues and attended Morgan Park High School before pursuing advanced musical training at Northwestern University and two conservatories. She also served in the Women's Army Corps.

Kemp's Broadway work centers on Bubbling Brown Sugar, for which she both composed music and performed as an actor. Her compositional credits extend to The American Dance Machine, Don't Bother Me I Can't Cope, and the musical Raisin, based on Lorraine Hansberry's work. Among her original compositions are "Eyes on Harlem" and "Someone to Sing To." She recorded with Eubie Blake and has released albums including Try a Little Tenderness and the 2009 recording The New! Some One To Sing To on her own label, Emme Kemp.

Beyond the stage, Kemp appeared in Woody Allen's film Sweet & Lowdown, starring Sean Penn, and has performed original material on the television programs Guiding Light and Captain Kangaroo. Her performing trio has included bassist Earl May and drummer Earl Williams. She has given performances on college campuses and has toured throughout the United States, Germany, and Japan. Kemp is a recipient of the Audelco Pioneer Award.