Larger than-life singer, songwriter, actress, and all-round diva, Michele McCain has been wowing the crowds since she first took the stage, aged just 13, at New York’s Shea Stadium with the Godfather of Soul, James Brown. She’s taken Broadway by storm, shared the stage with blues and jazz greats such as B.B King and legendary songbird Celia Cruz, hit the big screen with the likes of Hollywood icon Mickey Rooney, and – fittingly for a queen of stage and screen – played a Roman empress in a real Roman theater in red-hot rock musical Quo Vadis in the Spanish city of Merida, where the 20,000-strong crowd gave her a firm thumbs up.
Indeed, Spain – Mallorca to be precise – is Michele’s happy place. She’s belted out her Broadway hits in Madrid, auditioned hopefuls in a SpanishTV talent reality show, and played a policewoman in the hit Spanish comedy-drama Dr. Mateo.
Born in Brooklyn, New York, and now a long-time resident of Palma de Mallorca, Michele’s journey is marked by extraordinary achievements in music, technology, and personal growth. Her life is a vivid example of how passion and determination can guide you to unexpected places and unimaginable successes.
“I’ve been in this music business since I was 13,” Michele recounts, her voice resonating with the memories of a career that began on the grand stages of America. By the time she was a teenager, she was already working with legends. Of her debut with James Brown, performing in front of 60,000 people at Shea Stadium, she says: “That was the most amazing time,” she recalls, though she admits, “when you’re 13, you don’t really understand the implications of what you’re doing.”
Despite her early success in music, Michele has never been one to limit herself to one path. Over the years, she has continuously explored new avenues, diving into the world of technology with the same enthusiasm she brought to the stage. “I’ve kind of shifted away from music, even though they won’t let me get all the way away from it,” she says with a laugh. Now, she’s deeply involved in blockchain, the metaverse, and even art management, representing a young African artist named Seth Governor.
But perhaps the most significant shift in Michele’s journey is her commitment to personal development and helping others find their purpose. She speaks passionately about her involvement in Arlan’s All Access, a community of like-minded individuals from around the world. “I recommend it to everybody who just wants to start somewhere,” Michele advises. This community, led by a woman who went from sleeping on airport floors to making millions, has inspired Michele to consolidate her efforts and focus on her own brand. “I’m setting up various baskets for my eggs,” she explains, emphasizing the importance of diversifying her pursuits.
At the core of Michele’s current endeavors is her desire to inspire others. “What I love is motivational speaking,” she shares. “I want to get on big stages. I want to speak around the world. I want to motivate people. I want people to know that everything is possible. It doesn’t matter where you start off from.” This mission to uplift others is not about selling a product or service; it’s about sharing a message of hope and possibility. “You just have to take that first step,” she insists, “and before you know it, you’re off and running.”
Michele’s love for Palma de Mallorca is another significant part of her story. Having lived there for nearly 40 years, she describes the island as her “safe place,” a sanctuary where she can retreat and recharge. “I can go everywhere else and still come back home and relax and rest,” she says. For Michele, Mallorca offers a balance between the excitement of her global endeavors and the tranquility she cherishes. “I pick and choose what I want to do, what people I let in my energy and in my circle because these things are very important,” she notes, highlighting the importance of self-care in her busy life.
Reflecting on the changes she has witnessed in Mallorca over the years, Michele expresses mixed feelings. While she appreciates progress and modernization, she also laments the loss of local traditions and the environmental impact of overdevelopment. “When they change the structures of the building, and we’re not using our Mallorcan stone, and we’re not keeping with the tradition, that kind of unnerves me,” she admits. Despite these concerns, her love for the island remains unwavering, rooted in the unique culture and lifestyle it offers.
Throughout her life, Michele has navigated various challenges, from cultural shocks to career transitions, always with an open mind and a determined spirit. Her journey from a young girl performing on stage to a multifaceted entrepreneur and motivational speaker is a powerful reminder that success is not a destination but a continuous process of growth and discovery. As she wisely puts it, “We have to learn not to block our blessings and to be aware that we are receiving blessings all the time.”
Text by Dasha Bikmansurova
