Michelle David grew up in a church in New York, where she began to sing at the age of four. A year later, she was already singing in her first band The Mission of Love. Before moving to Europe, she toured the world with Broadway productions like Mama and played in major theatre productions, including The Sound of Motown, Glory of Gospel and Mahalia. She also sang on the albums of Diana Ross and Michael Bolton.

Michelle David & The True-tones came about from Paul Willemsen and Onno Smit‘s acclaimed project The Gospel Sessions. What began as raw reinterpretations of gospel music developed into a full-blown band with its own identity, complemented by drummer Bas Bouma. Their sound – rooted in gospel, but branching out into soul, funk, Afrobeat and rhythm & blues – has become unmistakable.

The band has received widespread acclaim for its seven albums (The Gospel Sessions Vol. 1-4, Truth & Soul and Brothers & Sisters). BBC Radio 6 hailed Truth & Soul an Album of the Year, FIP Radio crowned it the Album of the Month, an Edison nomination (the Dutch Grammy) followed, and rave reviews in the likes of De Volkskrant, Kulturnews and Jazzthing.

Live, Michelle David & The True-tones are an explosion of joy, power and groove. As a tight quartet or with an expanded horn section, they have played at Pinkpop, North Sea Jazz, Umbria Jazz, Cheltenham, London Jazz Festival and countless venues across Europe. On 27 February 2026, they will return with their most personal work to date. Soul Woman is and album about identity, healing and growth, in which David wonders: “How can I ask others to reflect on their lives, without engaging in that reflection myself?”

Musically, the album bridges the gap between timeless and contemporary, with the influence of greats like Bobby Womack, Curtis Mayfield, The Blind Boys of Alabama, The Four Seasons and D’Angelo. With Soul Woman, the band reaffirms their distinctive identity with authentic songs, a powerful voice and an energy that is uplifting, empowering and connects people.