Interview: Miki Howard, Teyonah Parris and Director Christine Swanson Talk TV One’s 'Love Under New Management'

There are some songs that when played, take us back to a specific time or place.  Miki Howard’s “Come Share My Love” reminds me of my childhood; riding in the car with my mother while Miki’s stunning voice smoothly glided out of the radio. For years, I never knew much about the songstress herself. However, when TV One’s “Unsung“ episode surrounding Miki Howard aired in 2010, I along with the rest of the world, was enraptured not just by her stunning music and success, but also by her turbulent personal life.

As a result of the overwhelmingly positive reception surrounding Ms. Howard’s story, and in celebration of Black Music Month, TV One is debuting their first ever Unsung-inspired biopic, “Love Under New Management: The Miki Howard Story”. Directed by Christine Swanson, and with Teyonah Parris starring as Miki Howard, the film is set to premiere on TV One, Sunday, June 12 at 7pm ET.

Along with Parris, the star-studded cast includes, Vanessa Bell Calloway, Gary Dourdan, LisaRaye McCoy and Darius McCrary as the late Gerald Levert.  Leading up to the film’s premiere, I got the opportunity to chat first with director, Christine Swanson and then with Teyonah Parris and Ms. Miki Howard about the film, creating a special bond, surviving and the music that runs throughout the story.