MARY MARY
Fearless. That one word eloquently captures the creative spirit of groundbreaking duo Mary Mary. Ever since siblings Erica Campbell and Tina Campbell broke through in 2000 with the pioneering crossover hit “Shackles (Praise You),” the chart-topping sister act has never wavered from defying convention to fulfill its mission: sending uplifting messages through music and words that are relatable to everyone.
“It’s about making music that touches both adults and young people,” says Erica. Adds Tina, “It’s about spreading good news for the world but doing it in the Mary Mary way: banging beats and melodies, intertwined voices and messages of hope.”
An amazing ten years later, having earned 3 Grammy Awards, 2 American Music Awards, an NAACP Image Award and a BET Award, the “Mary Mary way” sounds just as fresh and innovative on the duo’s sixth album, the aptly titled SOMETHING BIG (My Block/Columbia/Sony Music; March 29, 2011). This vibrant outing, once again produced by longtime collaborator Warryn Campbell, picks up where the group’s most recent mainstream success story, 2008’s The Sound and its Grammy Award-winning smash hit “God in Me,” left off.
Paving the way for SOMETHING BIG is the lively lead single “Walking.” After only nine weeks at radio, the single has already marched its way into the top 10 at Urban AC and is steadily growing. In the vein of “God in Me,” Mary Mary’s 2009 Auto-Tune-laden R&B/hip-hop crossover hit, “Walking” bounces along with synthesizer-accented, percolating rhythms while delivering its uplifting message. “Some say walking takes too long/I say with walking you can’t go wrong/I rock with the greatest,” proclaim Tina and Erica.
Like Mary Mary’s previous albums, SOMETHING BIG resonates with a fusion of sound (R&B, hip-hop, dance, pop, gospel and jazz) and empowering messages. But unlike earlier efforts, this album also features more collaborations with several talented new writers. A case in point is Jazz Nixon, who crafted the title track. Interpolating the Jackson 5’s 1971 hit “Mama’s Pearl,” complemented by an edgy bass and drum mix and spirited hand claps, the track puts a contemporary spin on the traditional call and response song.
“We always go into the studio with the intention of, ‘Hey, why not try this out,” says Tina. “When we heard ‘Something Big’ the first time, it just screamed out to us. It worked tremendously with our chemistry.”
Showcasing their signature crystalline harmonies, Mary Mary raises goosebumps on the striking “It Is Well.” Produced by Warryn Campbell, the a cappella track quietly soars as the song confidently declares, “I’ve had more than my share of pain/Still I believe that all things will work out for my good/It is well with me.”
“People ask us all the time whether we’re gospel, inspirational or trying to go pop,” says Erica. “Tina and I are artists whose music fits in so many other places. That’s always been the leading force behind each of our albums. Knowing who we are, we know each album can be different from the next.”
Born in Inglewood, CA to an evangelist/choir director mother and a youth minister father, sisters Erica and Tina Atkins—and their six other siblings—grew up singing in church choirs. After a stint studying vocal performance at local El Camino College, Erica and Tina joined the lineup of traveling gospel shows and toured as backup singers for several R&B acts.
Three years later, songwriter/producer Warryn Campbell played a pivotal role in the sisters’ career, helping them secure a song publishing deal with EMI. Soon thereafter, the pair began accumulating writing and performance credits on soundtracks and through songs recorded by various recording artists.
With their platinum-selling, Grammy-winning debut album, Thankful, Mary Mary hit a homerun, due in large part to the broad success of its first single, “Shackles (Praise You),” in 2000. Their sophomore follow-up, Incredible, was released in 2002 and was certified gold, before the group released such hits as “Heaven,” “The Real Party,” and “Yesterday” on their self-titled album, Mary Mary (2005), which peaked at No. 8 on the Billboard 200. Their success continued with the release of an acclaimed holiday project, A Mary Mary Christmas, in 2006. It is Mary Mary’s The Sound (2008), however, that sparked Mary Mary’s best mainstream success to date, bowing at No. 7 on the Billboard 200 and No. 2 on the publication’s R&B/hip-hop chart, as well as garnering numerous awards for the album, and for its record-breaking single “God In Me.”
Yet with their tremendous accomplishments, the sisters are quick to point out that they’re driven by something far greater--“It’s not just about musical achievements, awards, charts and sales,” says Erica. “That’s not our guiding light. It’s about connecting with people and offering them real hope…hope that, ultimately, changes lives.”
“We’re committed to our message and purpose,” adds Tina. “Years later, we’re still here; our fans are still with us and our audience is still growing. We’re just so grateful to still have this opportunity.”
'Mary Mary' Renewed for Second Season by WE TV
Categories: Network TV Press Releases
Written By Amanda Kondolojy
May 9th, 2012
via press release:
WE tv ORDERS A SECOND SEASON OF POPULAR ORIGINAL SERIES,
“MARY MARY”
10 One-Hour Episodes to Debut in Early 2013
NEW YORK, NY – May 9, 2012 – WE tv has ordered a second season of its original series MARY MARY just six weeks into the debut season’s successful run. The series stars Erica and Tina Campbell, Sisters and musicians in the three-time Grammy® award winning Gospel duo, “Mary Mary.” The second season begins production this month; 10 one-hour episodes will premiere on WE tv in early 2013.
The second season will follow the Sisters through the birth of Tina’s fifth child, their latest album release – “Go Get It” – a family wedding, a cross-country album tour and countless appearances and events, all while balancing their busy, growing families.
Commented Lauren Gellert, WE tv’s senior vice president of original production & development: “The success of ‘Mary Mary’ is both a testament to the engaging personalities of Erica and Tina and to WE tv’s programming strategy of catering to an underserved audience of African American women. Coupled with ‘Braxton Family Values’ and the upcoming series ‘LA Hair’ and ‘Tamar & Vince,’ ‘Mary Mary’ is yet another opportunity for WE tv to serve this valuable audience and provide opportunities to our advertising and distribution partners to engage with them as well.”
Added Erica and Tina: "We're super excited about season 2 -- more music, more mommying, more husbands, more Goo Goo, Mitchell and Ms. Honey, and definitely more fun and chaos!"
To date, MARY MARY has been viewed by 11.1 million total viewers since its premiere on March 29, and is delivering three times WE tv’s prime time female viewership average. The season one finale airs on Thursday, May 31 at 9 pm, ET/PT.
MARY MARY is produced for WE tv by eOne Televison with executive producers Tara Long, Eric Hoberman and John Morayniss. The show is also executive produced by Erica and Tina Campbell and Mitchell Solarek. Kate Farrell serves as the executive producer for WE tv.
Source: Nielsen, Live+SD. Mary Mary all TCs in Total Day (3/29/12-5/3/12), prog reach, P2+ (000), 1 min qualifer. MM S1 td (3/29/12-5/3/12, Th 9p/10p, new eps only) W18-49/W25-54 avg delivery vs. WE tv Prime M-Su 8p-11p, 2Q12 QTD (thru 5/6/12). Subject to quals upon request.
About WE tv
WE tv (www.wetv.com) is the women’s network that showcases an unfiltered, modern view of family life. The original programming presents stories from a woman’s perspective and features celebrities and personalities audiences can relate to and embrace. The network’s slate of original series, including the hit shows Braxton Family Values, Joan & Melissa: Joan Knows Best?, Bridezillas and My Fair Wedding with David Tutera, underscore WE tv’s brand position and tagline, Life As WE Know It, which signifies the connection women share based on similar life experiences during life’s defining moments – like getting married, raising a family, dealing with sibling rivalry, and making ends meet. Owned and operated by AMC Networks Inc., WE tv is available in over 78 million homes and is available in HD and on demand.
About AMC Networks Inc.
Dedicated to producing quality programming and movie content for more than 30 years, AMC Networks Inc. owns and operates several of the most popular and award-winning brands in cable television. AMC, IFC, Sundance Channel, WE tv, and IFC Films produce and deliver distinctive, compelling and culturally relevant content that engages audiences across multiple platforms. The company also operates AMC/Sundance Channel Global, an international programming business, and AMC Networks Broadcasting & Technology, a full-service network programming origination and distribution company.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
MARY MARY’S TINA CAMPBELL AND HUSBAND, TEDDY CAMPBELL PLAN FOR NEW ARRIVAL
THE COUPLE JOYFULLY PREPARES TO WELCOME AN ADDITION TO THEIR FAMILY AS THEY BALANCE CAREERS, A NEW ALBUM AND UPCOMING WE tv REALITY SERIES
(New York, NY – February 23, 2012) – Tina Campbell, half of the multi-Grammy Award-winning sister duo, Mary Mary, has just announced that she and husband, Teddy Campbell are expecting. The proud and devoted parents of four children are thrilled to welcome a new addition to their family.
Tina’s announcement comes on the heels of sister and duo mate Erica and husband Warryn Campbell’s arrival of their new baby girl Zaya Monique. The sisters Campbell are no strangers to delivering their children in close proximity to each other. In years’ past, both couples have had children within months of the other.
The news also arrives in the midst of the duo’s promotion for their new reality series on WE tv, premiering on March 29, 2012, along with yesterday’s news of a Dove Award nomination for Urban Album of the Year for their highly successful 2011 album, Something Big. The nomination arrives in close proximity to the release of a new My Block/Columbia Records single, “Go Get It,” the title track to the upcoming May album.
Next month, America will have a first glimpse of how the couple, along with sister Erica and producer/husband Warryn Campbell, balance their relationship, family life, individual careers - Teddy Campbell is the drummer of the famous Ricky Minor Band and plays nightly on The Tonight Show with Jay Leno, and the day-to-day moments in the life of Mary Mary, when the self-titled reality series launches. Mary Mary premiers on WE tv Thursday, March 29th at 10pm ET/PT, then continues each week at 9pm ET/PT with ten, hour-long episodes.
About Mary Mary
My Block/Columbia Records Inspirational Duo, Mary Mary has quickly become one of the most successful artists in the urban/inspirational/crossover markets. Since their 2000 debut release, Thankful, they have garnered three Grammy Awards, two American Music Awards, an NAACP award, a BET award, a Soul Train Award, an ASCAP Golden Note Award, and several Dove & Stellar Awards. The chart-topping duo has sold more than 5 million career albums. Their current release, Something Big received critical raves from the press and immediately shot to the top of the iTunes R&B Albums chart, also debuting in the Top Ten on the Billboard Top 200 Albums chart. Mary Mary has paired up with major organizations such as The Red Cross and Pillsbury. They are the voice behind Pillsbury’s newest television jingle, “Brand New Morning,” and recently launched the “Something Big Contest” in conjunction with Pillsbury encouraging fans to perform acts of service. Mary Mary recently secured a Dove Award nomination for Urban Album of the Year for their current release, Something Big.
About WE tv
WE tv (www.wetv.com) is the women’s network that showcases an unfiltered, modern view of family life. The original programming presents stories from a woman’s perspective and features celebrities and personalities audiences can relate to and embrace. The network’s slate of original series, including the hit shows Braxton Family Values, Joan & Melissa: Joan Knows Best?, Bridezillas and My Fair Wedding with David Tutera, underscore WE tv’s brand position and tagline, Life As WE Know It, which signifies the connection women share based on similar life experiences during life’s defining moments – like getting married, raising a family, dealing with sibling rivalry, and making ends meet. Owned and operated by AMC Networks Inc., WE tv is available in over 76 million homes and is available in HD and on demand.
For more information, please contact:
Patti Conte/ Plan A Media
212.337.1406, ext 16
PattiConte@nyc.rr.com
Daria Coppock/ Plan A Media
212.337.1406, ext 10
DariaCoppock@planamedia.com
Gabby Cudjoe Wilkes/ Plan A Media
212.337.1406, ext 15
Gabby.Planamedia@gmail.com
Mike Navarra / Columbia Records
212.833.7545 Mike.Navarra@sonymusic.com
Jojo Pada / Ignition PR
201.227.6945
ignitionpr@gmail.com
ilovemarymary.com
www.facebook.com/marymary
www.twitter.com/therealmarymary
www.ColumbiaRecords.com
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
February 15, 2012
MY BLOCK/COLUMBIA RECORDS STARS MARY MARY RELEASE NEW SINGLE “GO GET IT” AND ANNOUNCE UPCOMING CD OF THE SAME NAME
THE DUO PREPS FOR WE tv SERIES PREMIER OF THEIR NEW SELF-TITLED REALITY SERIES
(New York, NY –February 14, 2012) – Erica and Tina Campbell, best known as inspirational star duo, Mary Mary, have announced the release this week of their new single “Go Get It,” the title track to their upcoming album due out in May. The phenomenal string of successes for their 2011 album, “Something Big,” which featured the smash hit, “Walking,” has secured multiple nominations and awards for a string of shows in 2011/2012 including double Grammy nominations for Best Gospel Album and Best Gospel Song.
As the ladies gear up for the launch of their WE tv series, which highlights the non-stop pace of sisters Erica and Tina Campbell, they joyously anticipate giving their fans a sneak peek into the day-to-day aspects of their lives. The series rolls out as Mary Mary continues to perform, tour and record new music while running busy lives on the home front. Erica and husband, producer/songwriter Warryn Campbell, balance raising three children including a newborn baby. Meanwhile Tina and husband, Ricky Minor Band drummer Teddy Campbell, balance raising a blended family of four while Teddy plays nightly on The Tonight Show with Jay Leno. In addition to their spouses and children, the ladies are part of a big extended family as two of nine siblings, and each individual family member has larger-than-life personalities. Through it all, the sisters remain devoted parents, loving spouses, and multi-Grammy winning superstars.
Mary Mary’s new album, set for release in May 2012 will feature two new songs including the just released single, “Go Get It.” The album will include classic Mary Mary songs that have been remixed and remastered featuring some of the duo’s greatest hits. The highly anticipated album will be sure to please old and new fans alike.
Mary Mary has been on an incredible run in the past year including securing the prestigious ASCAP Golden Note Award, a BET Award, Soul Train Award, Two Stellar Awards, double Grammy Award nominations as well as a nomination for a NAACP Image Award for Best Gospel Album. The year also saw partnerships with The American Red Cross and Pillsbury. Perhaps the biggest news of all is Erica and husband Warryn Campbell’s delivery of their new baby girl in late January.
Mary Mary will premier on WE tv Thursday, March 29th at 10pm ET/PT, in a special time slot, then continues each week at 9pm ET/PT with ten, hour-long episodes. The duo looks forward to sharing a glimpse of their lives with their fans.
About WE tv
WE tv (www.wetv.com) is the women’s network that showcases an unfiltered, modern view of family life. The original programming presents stories from a woman’s perspective and features celebrities and personalities audiences can relate to and embrace. The network’s slate of original series, including the hit shows Braxton Family Values, Joan & Melissa: Joan Knows Best?, Bridezillas and My Fair Wedding with David Tutera, underscore WE tv’s brand position and tagline, Life As WE Know It, which signifies the connection women share based on similar life experiences during life’s defining moments – like getting married, raising a family, dealing with sibling rivalry, and making ends meet. Owned and operated by AMC Networks Inc., WE tv is available in over 76 million homes and is available in HD and on demand.
For more information please contact:
Plan A Media LLC Columbia Records
Patti Conte Mike Navarra
212 337 1406 ext. 16 212 833 7545
PattiConte@nyc.rr.com Mike.Navarra@sonymusic.com
Daria Coppock
212 337 1406 ext. 10
DariaCoppock@planamedia.com
Gabby Cudjoe Wilkes
212 337 1406 ext. 15
Gabby.PlanaMedia@gmail.com
www.mary-mary.com
www. ilovemarymary.com
www.facebook.com/marymary
www.twitter.com/therealmarymary
www.ColumbiaRecords.com
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
A GROUNDBREAKING, AWARD-WINNING YEAR OF BLESSINGS CONTINUES FOR R&B/GOSPEL ACT MARY MARY
INSPIRATIONAL DUO ADDS TWO JUST-ANNOUNCED GRAMMY® AWARD NOMINATIONS TO AN OUTSTANDING YEAR OF CHART SUCCESS, AWARDS, TELEVISION APPEARANCES, STRATEGIC PARTNERSHIPS –
AND A NEW BABY ON THE WAY
2012 Grammy® Award Nominations for Best Gospel Album (“Something Big”)
and Best Gospel Song (“Sitting With Me”)Arrive on the Heels of Nationally Televised Soul Train Awards Win and Spirited Performance
(New York, NY – December 1, 2011) – The amazing year that multi-Grammy® Award-winning My Block/Columbia recording artists Mary Mary has had thus far refuses to slow down, moving full-steam ahead in a blessed and highly favored fashion. Their sixth studio album, released earlier this year and appropriately titled Something Big, has fueled one of the duo’s biggest, most successful years yet. Mary Mary – sisters Erica and Tina Campbell – have just been nominated for two 2012 Grammy® Awards: for Best Gospel Song (“Sitting With Me”) and Best Gospel Album (“Something Big”). Adding to the pair’s three previous Grammys®, these nominations for music’s highest award continue to acknowledge an act with incredible staying power, functioning at the very highest levels of the music industry.
Just this past weekend, news broke of Mary Mary’s Soul Train Awards win for Best Gospel Performance (for their chart-topping single “Walking”). Erica and Tina also gave a passionate performance of the soulful classic “Midnight Train to Georgia,” as part of the evening’s tribute to legend Gladys Knight. The Grammy® nominations and Soul Train win follow earlier awards this year – including the prestigious ASCAP Golden Note Award and a top BET Award. The duo has also garnered six 2012 Stellar Awards, gospel music’s biggest night, will be held January 14, 2012, in Nashville, and will air later in national syndication and exclusively on cable on GMC.
This year has also seen a long succession of high-profile national television appearances, including performances on the NAACP Image Awards, The Talk, The Tonight Show with Jay Leno, The Mo’Nique Show and BET’s “Black Girls Rock.” Erica and Tina also appeared as judges on this season’s edition of BET’s “Sunday Best.” This summer, during an appearance on Good Morning America, while discussing their cause-related work with the American Red Cross, the duo revealed that Erica and her songwriter/producer husband Warryn Campbell are expecting the couple’s third child in February.
Further on the television front, the pair recently announced an exciting new original series, tentatively titled “Mary Mary,” premiering in March 2012 and airing on cable network WE tv. The show follows the sisters in their daily lives as they work to do it all – busy career women touring the country to promote their album and walking red carpets, but also as sisters and mothers who strive to balance hectic careers with growing families.
This fall, the duo announced a strategic partnership with Pillsbury to launch new frozen breakfast items. Mary Mary is also the featured artist behind the campaign’s catchy jingle, “Brand New Morning,” accompanying the new Pillsbury Frozen Breakfast TV spots, which began airing nationwide in September.
For more information please contact:
Plan A Media LLC Columbia Records
Patti Conte Mike Navarra
212 337 1406 ext. 16 212 833 7545
PattiConte@nyc.rr.com Mike.Navarra@sonymusic.com
Daria Coppock
212 337 1406 ext. 10
DariaCoppock@planamedia.com
Gabby Cudjoe Wilkes
212 337 1406 ext. 15
Gabby.PlanaMedia@gmail.com
www.mary-mary.com
www. ilovemarymary.com
www.facebook.com/marymary
www.twitter.com/therealmarymary
www.ColumbiaRecords.com