Michelle David started singing in church in New York at the age of four. Since then, she has toured with Broadway productions, recorded with Diana Ross and Michael Bolton, and built one of Europe’s most explosive soul bands alongside guitarists Paul Willemsen and Onno Smit and drummer Bas Bouma.
With Michelle David & The True-Tones, gospel, soul, rhythm & blues and Afrobeat have merged into a sweaty, organic live sound. The band has played North Sea Jazz, Pinkpop and the London Jazz Festival, filled venues like Paradiso and New Morning, and earned acclaim for records like Truth & Soul, named Album of the Year by BBC Radio 6 Music.
On new album Soul Woman (2026), the band pushes even further into Northern Soul and Afrobeat territory. Much of the record was captured live in the rehearsal space, without click tracks or polished perfection. You can hear it. The grooves feel loose, spontaneous and alive — full of the small imperfections that make the music feel human. “My soul is joy and laughter and pain and sorrow, and it’s all wrapped up in one,” says Michelle David.
LINEUP
Michelle David – vocals
Onno Smit – guitar / bass
Paul Willemsen – guitar / bass
Bas Bouma – drums & percussion
