Michelle David & The True-tones
BIO
Raised in a New York church, Michelle David began singing at four and joined her first group, The Mission of Love, at just five years old. Before making her mark in Europe, she toured globally with Broadway productions like Mama, contributed to major theatre shows including The Sound of Motown, Glory of Gospel and Mahalia, and recorded for stars such as Diana Ross and Michael Bolton. These early experiences laid the foundation for a career defined by authenticity, versatility and an unmistakable voice that bridges genres and generations.
Michelle David & The True-Tones emerged from the acclaimed project The Gospel Sessions, initiated by musicians Paul Willemsen and Onno Smit. What began as raw, rootsy reinterpretations of gospel quickly evolved into a fully formed band with a distinct identity. With drummer Bas Bouma completing the core quartet, the group forged its own signature sound: gospel at its roots, branching confidently into soul, funk, Afrobeat and rhythm & blues.
Across eight studio albums (The Gospel Sessions Vol. 1–4, Truth & Soul, Brothers & Sisters, and Soul Woman), the band built an impressive body of work that has earned widespread international acclaim. Highlights include BBC Radio 6 Music naming Truth & Soul “Album of the Year,” FIP Radio selecting it as “Album of the Month,” and an Edison nomination (the Dutch equivalent of the Grammys). Their music continues to receive heavy support from BBC Radio 6 Music, with DJ Craig Charles regularly spinning their tracks—culminating in their hit single 'Running' being named among the "Best Funk & Soul Tunes of 2025" and the band recording a custom "Trunk of Funk" mix for the station. Their albums have been praised with four-star reviews in leading outlets such as Mojo Magazine, Record Collector, NRC, De Volkskrant, Soul Train, Kulturnews and Jazzthing, cementing their reputation as one of Europe’s most compelling soul and gospel outfits.
On stage, Michelle David & The True-Tones are an undeniable force. Whether performing as a tight, high-energy quartet or augmented with a full horn section, their shows radiate joy, musicianship and groove. They have brought audiences to their feet at major festivals including Pinkpop, North Sea Jazz, Cheltenham Jazz Festival, Umbria Jazz and London Jazz Festival. Television appearances - including writing the leader for and performing six times on the Dutch national talk show BAR LAAT—and sold-out club tours have expanded their reach. An intensive European tour across 2026 and 2027 sees the band playing high-profile shows in France, Spain, Germany, Sweden, Switzerland, Portugal, and Belgium, cementing their immense live reputation. Additionally, strong digital momentum with playlist support on major Spotify editorial lists like 'Soul 'n' The City' (nearly 800k followers), 'New Music Friday NL', 'Altijd Goed', and 'Retro Soul' makes them equally at home on global stages and streaming platforms.
On February 27, 2026, Michelle David & The True-Tones released their most personal album to date: Soul Woman. Centered on themes of identity, healing and growth, the record reflects David’s own journey of self-discovery. “How can I ask others to take time to reflect on their lives and not conduct my own reflections?” she asks. Musically, the album bridges timeless soul and contemporary grooves, drawing inspiration from legends like Bobby Womack, Curtis Mayfield, The Blind Boys of Alabama, The Four Seasons and D’Angelo. Upon release, Soul Woman received glowing critical acclaim worldwide, with KEXP (US) hailing it as a "rock-solid album... propelled by Michelle's powerhouse vocals" and Onda Rock (IT) calling it "without a doubt Michelle David's best album to date." The record also broke into the American charts, debuting at #13 on the NACC R&B/Soul chart and reaching #9 on the KGNU Top Hip-hop/R&B/Soul chart. The result is a collection of songs that is both intimate and universal, channeling personal truths into messages of empowerment and connection.
With Soul Woman, Michelle David & The True-Tones reaffirm their place as one of the most vital voices in modern soul and gospel. Studio or stage — quartet or full force — their music uplifts, empowers and unites, carrying forward a legacy of love, grit and groove that continues to inspire audiences around the world.
“Another rock-solid album of classic soul, upbeat R&B, nostalgic funk, and passionate gospel propelled by Michelle’s powerhouse vocals alongside her band’s tight in-the-pocket grooves” KEXP US
“Classic soul readdressed by sweet-voiced US singer and her Dutch band” **** Mojo Magazine UK
“You’ll forget what millennium you're in as you experience their most pronounced work to date” Goldmine Magazine US
“Michelle David proves that nothing seems out of reach for her” Rolling Stone Magazine FR
“A collection of gospel-infused classic soul” Okayplayer US
"Soul Woman is without a doubt Michelle David’s best album to date, the result of a long experience and genuine songwriting rooted in the finest soul tradition." Onda Rock IT
FACTS
Their singles (‘You’ll Never Know’, ‘Running’, ‘Speak To Me’, ‘Golden Sun’) have received a huge amount of airplay on the BBC, particularly on Craig Charles’s shows. ‘Running’ was included in the “Best Funk & Soul Tunes of 2025” and they produced their own “Trunk of Funk” mix for BBC 6.
The album 'Soul Woman' debuted at #13 on the NACC R&B/Soul chart and reached #9 on the KGNU Top Hip-hop/R&B/Soul chart (US). Furthermore, KEXP, KCRW and NPR have given extensive coverage to the album and the singles.
The band played live sessions and received airplay on major stations in, amongst others, the Netherlands (NPO Radio 1, 2 & 5, Tijd voor Max, 2 Meter Sessions), France (RFI, FIP, France Inter, TSF Jazz), Germany (Radio Eins) and Spain.
Several singles of their new album (‘Speak To Me’, ‘Running’, ‘You’ll Never Know’) are featured in key Spotify editorial playlists such as Soul ‘n’ The City (nearly 800k followers), New Music Friday NL, Altijd Goed, and Retro Soul.
Michelle David & the True-Tones have received multiple 4-star reviews in major publications such as Mojo Magazine (UK), Record Collector Magazine (UK), NRC (NL), De Volkskrant (NL) and Soul Train (DE).
Touring: The band will tour extensively in 2026 and 2027 with shows in France, Spain, Germany, Sweden, Switzerland, Portugal and Belgium (including festivals such as Gent Jazz, Concert at Sea, and Festival YEAH). This will greatly reinforce their strong European live reputation.
Their latest album 'Soul Woman' released on February 27th, 2026, is available on all streaming services.
MDTT organised their first own festival at Paradiso Amsterdam called The True-tones Festival on February 8, 2025.
The band performed at London Jazz Festival 2024.
Michelle David & the True-tones wrote the leader for the Dutch tv-show BAR LAAT on national television and during 2024 and 2025 there 6 times.
The band played 3 shows at UMBRIA JAZZ festival in Italy in September.
The band released their 7th album, 'Brothers and Sisters' on April 5th, 2024.
Michelle David & the True-tones signed with label Record Kicks.
On October 17, 2023 the band performed live on Dutch National Television (Khalid & Sophie) with Dutch Strings Collectives.
In winter 2023 the band played 2 special shows with the Dutch String Collective.
Michelle David & The True-tones were playing as VIP at Cheltenham Jazz Festival 2023.
Michelle David & The True-tones did their first show in the Baltic States at Jazzkaar Festival in Estonia in April 2023.
The album Truth & Soul, released April 29th 2022, got a great amount of feedback and was picked as album of the year by BBC6 Music DJ Craig Charles.
Michelle David & The True-tones performed in the Eurovision village during the Eurovision Songcontest 2022 in Turin.
The band was on air for during the daily TV program during the Winter Olympics (from 4 - 7 February 2022). Prime time national TV - app. 2 mln viewers per day.
The band released their much acclaimed Christmas Album - It's a Soulful Christmas (Dec. 2020) with Airplay on a.o. BBC Radio 6 (UK), Radio 2 (NL), WDR (DE), FIP (FR) and KEXP (USA).
On March 30 Michelle David & The True-tones got invited by Dutch TV show “De Wereld Draait Door” to play “Respect” by Aretha Franklin on their very last broadcast.
On March 6, Michelle David & The True-tones released their album “Vol. 4”. The album was immediately wel received by both media and public. To promote the album the band played at Dutch TV show “De Wereld Draait Door”, NPO Radio 2 and NPO Radio 5. The singles “You Are” and “Yes I Am” received a lot of attention from various radio and television channels in The Netherlands, France and Spain.
Michelle David & The True-tones announced EGO FM. as their German tour sponsor. Dutch music magazine “Oor” and dailypaper “Parool” both praised “Vol.4” in a very positive review.
Michelle David & The True-tones played more then 40 festivals and headline shows confirmed for 2019 in France, a.o. Bout du Monde (Crozon), Les Escales de St. Nazaire, This is not a love song (Nîmes) and Jazz a Sete.
May 2019, After releasing their album in Belgium, France, Italy and Spain, Michelle David & The True Tones also released their album ‘The Gospel Sessions vol. 3’ in Germany, Austria and Switzerland.
National German TV program Inas Nacht @13 July 2019 - Primetime / 20:15.
Played during the Liberation Day ‘Concert op de Amstel’ 5 May for the King & Queen + live TV (1.5 mln viewers).
Eurosonic AIR stage on 17 January 2019 (2nd consecutive year).
FIP Radio (national French Radio) Album of the Month December.
First headlining clubtour in Germany in March 2019.
Immediately after first show @ BIME Festival Bilbao (25 October 2018) three Spanish festivals we’re confirmed.
FIP Radio (national French Radio) Album of the Month December 2019.
First headlining clubtour in Germany in March 2019 was completely sold out.
Social Media Stats:
Facebook: 6.798
Instagram: 4.232
Spotify Monthly Listeners: 29.201
Spotify Monthly Streams: 69.274
GET TO KNOW MDTT
Click to listen!
Soul Woman | Released 27 February 2026
Truth & Soul | 2022
The Gospel Sessions, Vol. 4 | 2020
The Gospel Sessions, Vol. 2 | 2016
Brothers & Sisters | 2024
It's a Soulful Christmas | 2020
The Gospel Sessions, Vol. 3 | 2018
The Gospel Sessions, Vol. 1 | 2015
PRESS
‘A record that is full of musicality.’ - AD ( 4 stars ) ‘The Gospel Sessions Vol. 2 is again a beautiful lived through sounding and tasteful produced gospel-soul album, as they are produced too few internationally.’ - Volkskrant
‘Something so scintillating that you have as much pleasure watching the show as the countless smiles in the audience’
- La Grosse Radio
‘Paul and Onno are there relaxed self and duet and duel brilliantly. They have created the perfect platform for Michelle on which they can all build, enrich and compound themselves.’ – OOR
‘Michelle David sings with her heart and soul in every note. With next to Onno Smit and Paul Willemsen also Toon Omen there is more room for more sound, more instruments, but it never gets predictable. Unique and great piece of work.’
- VPRO
‘Michelle David & TheTrue-tones captivate the soul to the beat of a gospel wrapped in soul, blues, jazz, and funk.’
- Bulles de Culture
‘The idea behind the project is just as simple as genius.’ - Maxazine.nl
‘With exactly the right sober but swinging accompaniment of two guitars and drums, David made some kind of music that seemed extinct.’ - Volkskrant
‘Each performance she explores her complete ability again and often does vocals things that she does not remember after.’ - OOR
‘Her voice is astonishing every time’ – La Depeche France
Management
3S Music Management
andries@3smusic.com
