Vocal Coach Stephanie Spruill Receives Recognition for Michael Biopic
The biopic Michael reached $1 billion, Vocal Coach Stephanie Spruill Receives Recognition for her role in shaping the Sound of both Juliano Valdi and Jaafar Jackson, who portrayed Michael Jackson in the film.
Legendary Grammy Award-participating vocal coach, singer, and producer Stephanie Spruill is behind the scenes, bringing decades of musical excellence to the big screen as the vocal coach behind the voices in the Lionsgate/Universal Pictures biopic Michael. The biopic Michael has reached the $1 billion worldwide box office, Spruill is receiving significant attention for her vital role in shaping the blockbuster’s sound.
Cast member Juliano Valdi, who portrayed the young Michael, credited Spruill heavily for his performance, explaining during a CNN interview that they worked intensely until he perfectly mirrored Michael’s signature sound.
Spruill’s role was pivotal, working with both Juliano Valdo, Jaafar Jackson, Michael’s real-life nephew and the son of Jermaine Jackson, and the Jackson 5 cast, coaching them to authentically capture the vocal tone and phrasing that defined Michael Jackson’s global legacy. Her expertise helped shape performances that honor not just the music but the emotional and artistic depth of one of the greatest entertainers of all time.
Stephanie Spruill worked closely with Michael Jackson. He called her at 3:00 am to organize and direct the adult and children’s choir for Jackson’s Hit “Can You Feel It”, coupled with featuring her soprano vocals in the backgrounds. Stephanie Spruill also worked on “This Place Hotel,” aka “Heartbreak Hotel,” and played tambourine on “Dancing Machine.”
“I believe this is a full circle moment to work on this masterpiece, MICHAEL.” As I often say, “It’s Divine Intervention.”
Born in Los Angeles, Spruill launched a career that would span over five decades and include performances at The White House, on The Ed Sullivan Show, The Grammys, The Oscars, and many stages around the world.
Spruill has since become one of the most recorded background vocalists in music history, contributing to thousands of albums and performing before global dignitaries including the Emperor of Japan, the Queen of England, and the King of Spain.
Spruill’s unmatched career includes collaborations and tours with icons such as Whitney Houston, Aretha Franklin, John Legend, Chaka Khan, Mary J. Blige, Tina Turner, Julio Iglesias, Olivia Newton-John, Gino Vannelli, Donald Byrd, Glen Campbell, Donna Summer, Barbra Streisand, Elton John, Quincy Jones, Ricky Martin, David Bowie, and Plácido Domingo—along with performing and recording with Michael Jackson himself.
A dynamic “total artist,” Spruill is known not only for her powerful voice but also for her musicianship as a percussionist, vocal arranger, vocal contractor, and songwriter on hits for Jon Lucien and Najee. She has appeared on major film soundtracks, including Forrest Gump, Happy Feet, Inglourious Basterds, and Michael Biopic, further cementing her influence across entertainment.
Motown founder Berry Gordy once praised her as possessing “sexy, soulful stylings” reminiscent of legends like Eartha Kitt and Sarah Vaughan.
Beyond performance, Spruill has dedicated her life to developing the next generation of artists through being the founder of Spruill House Music, Inc., School of Voice & Artists Development, and as the author of “17 Points to Longevity in Show Business.”
She has also produced and recorded in Spanish and English under her own Production Company, Spruill House Music Productions, and continues to release new work, including her latest single “That’s Good Enough (Thankful).”
Reflecting on her purpose, Spruill shares:
“It’s my mission to reach the world over and touch everyone with all the artistry in me. I have discovered that God and Art are the links that bring me closer to my divine purpose.”
