Michele was born in Central Islip, New York and grew up in Patchogue to parents who worked as deacons to their church. This connection inspired her to reflect on childhood memories in her own Def Jam debut album. She sings in a jazz style reminiscent of singers such as Sarah Vaughn, Jill Scott, Macy Gray, Erykah Badu, and Ella Fitzgerald.
The daughter of a deacon father and choir director mother, she led gospel choirs in high school. She attended Five Towns College in Dix Hills, and graduated with a vocal performance degree.
The daughter of a deacon father and choir director mother, she led gospel choirs in high school. She attended Five Towns College in Dix Hills, and graduated with a vocal performance degree.
