The Woman Behind ‘Man in the Mirror’ — In Conversation With Songwriter Siedah Garrett

When Siedah Garrett walks into a room, legends stop and listen—literally. She’s the Grammy-winning, two-time Oscar-nominated force who penned “Man in the Mirror” for Michael Jackson, sang alongside the greats, and turned every “you can’t” into “watch me.” In this episode of The Stiletto Room, we go way beyond the headlines. Siedah gets real about growing up in constant motion, dodging eviction notices every nine months, finding music as her lifeline, and learning to ignore the doubters (or better yet, use them as fuel).

We talk about that life-changing call from Quincy Jones, the thrill of proving her publisher wrong twice, and the priceless moment Miles Davis declared, “Damn, I love that bitch.” It’s part masterclass, part comedy show, and all heart from the woman who’s written for everyone from Aretha Franklin to Jennifer Hudson. If you’ve ever needed a reminder that grit, talent, and a little audacity can rewrite your story, this one’s for you.

About Siedah Garrett:
World-renowned singer, songwriter, actor, podcaster, and philanthropist, Siedah
Garrett is best known as a collaborator and band member of Michael Jackson. She
co-wrote The King of Pop’s megahit Man In The Mirror from his chart-topping
1987 album, Bad, and recorded as his vocal duet partner on the #1 pop single I Just
Can’t Stop Loving You. Siedah toured with Jackson as a featured and background
vocalist on his Dangerous World Tour and internationally with Madonna and
Sergio Mendes. Siedah’s illustrious career is highlighted by a Grammy Award win
and two Academy Award nominations. Her first Oscar nomination came for her
original song Love You, I Do, performed by Jennifer Hudson in the film
adaptation of the Broadway musical Dreamgirls. Her second nomination was for
co-writing Real in Rio for the animated feature film Rio, further cementing her
status as a versatile and accomplished songwriter in both cinema and music.
Siedah has the remarkable distinction of having been discovered by Quincy
Jones in 1984 and has collaborated, recorded, and performed with him for over
thirty-five years. Other artists who have recorded on her songs include Diana
Ross, Aretha Franklin, Miles Davis, Earth Wind & Fire, Jamie Foxx, Anne
Hathaway, Common, Ray Charles, Sarah Vaughn, Ella Fitzgerald, Toto,
Sheena Easton, Natalie Cole, Barry White, Pointer Sisters, Donna Summer,
Dionne Warwick, Patti Austin, Roberta Flack, Al Jarreau, Paula Abdul,
Tevin Campbell, The Sugarhill Gang, The Brand New Heavies and many

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