Michele Denise Michele Denise Resume

      Sugar Queen and the Straight Blues Band are a collection of American/Belgian/Dutch blues musicians. Michele Denise, known as The Sugar Queen, is a versatile American vocalist whose musical roots started in gospel. The Straight Blues Band is comprised of Belgian and Dutch seasoned blues artists : Ronald Burssens (bass), Andy Aerts (guitar), Dominique Christens (drums), Wim Heirbaut (harmonicas) and Jean Raven (guitar). Sugar Queen and the Straight Blues Band perform music which touches a wide range of emotions and blues styles. Straight blues. Giving the audience a journey from injustices, lost loves to a dance celebration of pleasure and success.

Michele Denise, a versatile American vocalist, who performs blues in Europe, Asia and the US, is currently based in the Netherlands.

"I grew up listening to everything from Sarah Vaughan, BB King, Mahalia Jackson, Charlie Pride and Gershwin."

Awarded a classical piano scholarship at Eastern Kentucky University, Michele seized every opportunity to perform in small musical theaters, singing jazz in lounge venues or choirs. Traveling to various parts of the United States, Michele was singled out to perform in a historic “Mandela Released” event. During her time in the US, Michele worked a dual role as director/vocalist for several gospel and classic choirs in Kentucky, Ohio, Indiana and West Virginia.

Residing between Malaysia and China, Michele formed a blues and classic rock band, Deuces Wild, performing a variety of American blues and rock standards while infusing Chinese and Malaysian songs. Michele collaborated and recorded with Beijing based 3L, featuring Cui Jian Band infusing gospel vocals on their "Wang Wei" CD. Michele was also a vocalist for the jazz band, Yun Zi. During the Miri Jazz Festival, Michele performed with Singapore based Universal Blues band. Additionally,she has performed with Chico Banks, Chicago style Blues guitarist, Yiang Yi Sock, jazz pianist and artistic rock band, Zen. In Malaysia, Michele had the privilege to sing especially for the Tuan Yang Terutama (Kings)of both Sarawak and Sabah, Malaysia.

Updated:  February 20, 2017

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