Mary J. Blige

Nobody tells it like Mary. With a voice that is rough and ready, sweet and pure, Mary J. Blige is capable of conveying heartache and happiness in a single musical phrase. A confessional singer, her emotional honesty reflects the great traditions of blues and soul with a ripped-from-the-pages-of-your-diary immediacy that has won her countless honors and a devoted, ever-growing audience around the world.

Over the course of 14 years, six studio albums, one live collection, a dance album, and a remix album, Mary never failed to deliver potent R&B/hip-hop mantras that work on the head, heart and hips. More than a vocalist, she is an accomplished recording artist known for her electrifying live performances, dramatic videos and innovative studio productions with a who’s − who and who’s − hot of musical talents from Elton John to Dr. Dre.

Reflecting a newfound serenity without forgetting her trademark straight-up messages to players, cheaters and fools, Mary, will take us on a new musical journey this spring with the release of her seventh studio album “The Breakthrough.” With a new lease on life, Mary will take us on a magic carpet ride fulfilling all of our musical and spiritual needs.

Delivered with conviction and compassion, the songs on “The Breakthrough” are evidence of Mary’s spiritual growth and her transcendence over a childhood in the projects of Yonkers, New York, and an early success plagued with drama, to her current joy. “Yes, she’s gotten lost, she’s done this and that and she’s been trying to figure it out,” Mary admits in her typically forthright manner.

In addition to filming anti-drug public service announcements, Mary has worked with various education groups and received Rock the Vote’s highest honor, the Patrick Lippert Award. She is a tireless fund-raiser for people with AIDS. Most recently she has joined the Crest Healthy Smiles campaign to bring awareness to the oral health care epidemic. Crest Healthy Smiles- through partnership with the Boys & Girls Clubs of America- provide children in underserved communities with necessary tools for preventive care, education and low or no cost dental services.

Whether pouring her heart out in a recording booth or on a concert stage or privately learning how to love herself and help others, Mary has discovered something powerful: The music that she makes, the songs that have brought so much joy and solace to so many, have also been her own salvation. When you think of perseverance, strength and commitment, you think of Mary J Blige.