When you can vision yourself doing something with the absence of fame and fortune—and you have the ability to do it at the same capacity you would if your name was written with the stars—that’s when you know a calling has been placed upon your life and that ‘thing’ you loved to do around the house is more than just a hobby but it is a passion! The success of Gospel-Soul duo Mary Mary is just that story. Their bed was made with passion and that is what opened the doors for them to pursue their un-denying love for singing.
A cute pair, the ladies were welcomed with love and graced the audience with elegance as they entered the DuSable Museum Friday, October 24, 2008 to sit down with Dedry Jones, the creator of the The Experience, which is the musical version of “Inside the Actors Studio” on Bravo. Though it was cold and rainy, there wasn’t an empty seat in the house. Before stepping onto the stage to indulge in intimate and testimonial conversation, the audience was greeted with a performance by teenagers of the After School Matters Program spinning their own twist of the popular “Shackles,” which introduced Mary Mary to mainstream and pop charts.
The release of their third studio album, The Sound, brought them to Chicago. The souls of Tina and Erica are genuine and real as they shared their childhood and the times they had to sneak to watch Soul Train with an abundance of laughter. A verbal painting of their family was beautiful, loving, and colorful. Coming from a mother and father as well as having seven brothers and sisters, their household was one that all the neighborhood kids in Inglewood, California loved to visit. There was always singing going on.
The gracious fans including myself got a kick out of the various times the ladies spoke, relaying the same lines simultaneously as they recalled numerous scenarios they’ve experienced from the beginning of their career to the present; such memories as telling people “we ain’t poor, we just don’t have some things” when they were younger, touring with secular artists, and opening up for Lil’ Kim. Although adverse, it was received well and the message they were aiming to convey always finds its way to manifest into souls.
It’s so hard to pick a defining moment because the night was overall amazing! From the moments when the music took them to a place that enabled them to rejoice, shed tears and Thank God at every opportunity to the overjoyed laughter and enjoyment of spending time with fans, smiles were all that wore faces. At times, it felt almost as if sharing their experience with Chicago was the first time their success and the power of their talents really sunk in. Their love, realness, and happiness are extremely authentic.
Once the music began to play, the room lit up and so did people’s voices! Singing along to tracks that marked the incoming of Mary Mary, “Can’t Give Up Now,” from their debut album brought tears while “Thankful” infused more energy. As the track drifted off, Erica continued singing accapella with warming cheers and praise of such a beautiful voice. An unfamiliar voice seated behind me was convinced, “whew she can sing!” And it was indeed a true statement. Erica’s vocals brought a peace and calming to the room. The singing didn’t stop there. The attendees did their share of singing, leading the duo into tears as they marveled out lyrics to selected tracks throughout the group’s career. Collective vocals filled the entire venue.
Moving into their newest album, The Sound, which was released October 21st, as soon as “God In Me” came on, Tina and Erica pushed their chairs back, got on their feet, lifted their hands and had a short party. The track is claimed to be their next single from the album and the one that had their entire family gathered in the kitchen dancing when it came on. Their latest single, “Get Up” also had everyone on their feet having a good time with its upbeat tempo and light but filling vocals. Hands were clapping and lyrics rang from wall to wall.
The song “Dirt” raised eyebrows in the beginning but was received well after Dedry Jones [Host/Creator] joked that he had to get the meaning of the song because he didn’t understand the title at first. The song indicates that dirt is needed to grow and the outcome of it all is the result of something beautiful. “God made dirt and dirt don’t hurt” is the introduction to the song and from there sparkled verses of what it takes for a little seed planted into the dirt to grow into a beautiful flower. The song is a great metaphor and further shows the genius in Mary Mary and their production team.
A conversational and soothing evening couldn’t have ended any better than with a small performance by Mary Mary—something I believe we were all waiting for. A shout out was given to the young lady whom belted vocals during the opening performance, “keep singing lil’ mama, you’re good,” Erica encouraged before getting into the live rendition of “Yesterday.” Everyone fell in love all over again. On stage, the set was tight and together. Genuine and elegant.
The Experience with Mary Mary was just that—a humbling, fun and sincere experience. You were able to see their human side; Tina’s humor and Erica’s emotions, their sarcasm, “send haters a thank-you card,” and their devotion and passion for God and creating music that fulfills Him as well as having the ability to reach out beyond just the Gospel spectrum. These women wanted nothing more in life but to sing their hearts out. Their outlook on fame and fortune obtained from a natural gift is simply, “We’re just doing what God called us to do!” Keep smiling ladies and doing as your heart desires. We’re all behind you.
“The Sound” is in stores now and the album is hot!