Mary Mary

Mary Mary is an American contemporary gospel duo consisting of sisters Erica Atkins-Campbell and Trecina "Tina" Atkins-Campbell. Here are some key facts about them:

1. Formation and Early Career: Mary Mary was formed in Inglewood, California, in the late 1990s. Erica and Tina Atkins, who are sisters, grew up in a family with a strong Christian background and were actively involved in their church's music ministry from a young age. Inspired by gospel music legends like The Clark Sisters and Andraé Crouch, the sisters decided to pursue music professionally as Mary Mary. Their unique blend of contemporary gospel, R&B, and hip-hop influences set them apart in the gospel music scene.

2. Debut Album "Thankful" and Commercial Success: In 2000, Mary Mary released their debut album, "Thankful", which was met with critical acclaim and commercial success. The album featured hit singles such as "Shackles (Praise You)" and "Can't Give Up Now", both of which became gospel music anthems and crossed over to mainstream success. "Thankful" earned Mary Mary numerous awards, including a Grammy Award for Best Contemporary Gospel Album.

3. Subsequent Albums and Hits: Following the success of their debut album, Mary Mary released several more albums, each showcasing their dynamic vocals and contemporary gospel sound. Albums such as "Incredible" (2002), "Mary Mary" (2005), and "The Sound" (2008) produced hit singles like "Heaven", "Yesterday", and "God in Me", which further solidified Mary Mary's status as one of the leading acts in contemporary gospel music.

4. TV Show "Mary Mary": In addition to their music career, Mary Mary ventured into television with their reality TV show, "Mary Mary", which premiered on WE tv in 2012. The show followed Erica and Tina Atkins-Campbell's personal and professional lives as they navigated the challenges of balancing their music careers with their roles as wives and mothers. The show was well-received and provided fans with a behind-the-scenes look at the lives of the talented sisters.

5. Legacy and Influence: Mary Mary's impact on contemporary gospel music extends beyond their chart-topping hits and successful albums. As pioneers of the contemporary gospel genre, Erica and Tina Atkins-Campbell have inspired countless artists with their innovative sound and empowering lyrics. Their ability to infuse traditional gospel themes with modern production and urban influences has earned them a dedicated following of fans and cemented their legacy as trailblazers in the gospel music industry.