Michelle Sweeney is a dynamic American-Canadian soul singer and jazz musician. Born in Cleveland, Ohio, she moved to Montreal, Quebec, in 1985 upon invitation from Trevor Payne to join Montreal’s Jubilation Choir. Quickly integrating herself with Montreal’s jazz scene, she booked regular gigs at renowned clubs such as the Bijou, the Rising Sun, the Monte Carlo, and the Jewel.

Over her decades-long career, Sweeney has become known for breathing new life into soul, jazz, blues, and gospel standards with her smooth, flowing vocal style and a strong stage presence. She has performed globally and collaborated with renowned artists such as Céline Dion and Mary J. Blige. In 1986, she starred alongside Ranee Lee and Anthony Sherwood in Ain’t Misbehavin’, and formed her own group, Michelle Sweeney’s Good News Singers, to release her first single, “Our Love,” in 1987.

Her television appearances include a standout performance on Quebec TV in 1988 with Céline Dion and Johanne Blouin, where she performed a medley from Hair and Starmania, earning acclaim as the star of the show. She also had a recurring role as Mrs. Morton in the Canadian teen comedy series Student Bodies from 1997 to 2000. In addition to acting, Sweeney has appeared in numerous theatrical productions such as Eubie! (1989) and Elegies for Angels, Punks and Raging Queens (1998).

Sweeney’s achievements have earned her recognition, including the Martin Luther King Jr. Achievement Award in 2000. In 2020, she debuted her deeply personal one-woman show Her Songs, My Story, blending Aretha Franklin’s music with narratives from her own life experiences.

Michelle Sweeney continues to inspire audiences with her compelling live performances and storytelling, most recently performing tributes to Tina Turner at Montreal’s Wheel Club in February 2025.