Mary J. Blige

1xtra

Born 11 January 1971.

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Mary J Blige - Interview with Ronnie Herel

American singer / songwriter Mary J Blige is in the 1Xtra studio with our Ronnie!

Featured on BBC MUSIC SHOWCASE
 

Biography

Mary Jane Blige (born January 11, 1971), better known as Mary J. Blige, is an American singer-songwriter, record producer, and occasional rapper and actress. Starting her career as a background singer on Uptown Records in 1989, Blige released her first album, What's the 411?, in 1992 and has since released ten studio albums. Blige further rose to national prominence with the release of the My Life album in 1994.

A recipient of nine Grammy Awards, eight of Blige's albums have reached multi-platinum status in the United States. My Life, in particular, is considered among the greatest albums ever recorded according to Rolling Stone, Time, and Vibe. For her part in combining hip-hop and soul in the early-1990s and its subsequent commercial success, Blige received the Legends Award at the World Music Awards. Blige also received the Voice of Music Award from music publishing company ASCAP, with its official Jeanie Weems stating that "[Blige's] music has been the voice of inspiration to women worldwide in both struggle and triumph.". Blige made Time magazine's "Time 100" list of influential individuals around the world in 2007.

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Links & Information

Personal Relationships

Latest News Stories

News from the BBC

  1. Mary J. Blige 'may do rock album'

    Wed 13 Jun 2012 10:38

    The R&B singer says she may end up recording some rock tracks after her role in the...
  2. Mary J. Blige chicken ad pulled

    Thu 5 Apr 2012 13:50

    A fast food chain is criticised for being "stereotypical" of the black community after...

BBC Reviews

  1. My Life II … The Journey Continues (Act I) 2011

    Review of My Life II … The Journey Continues (Act I)

    Reviewed by Lloyd Bradley

    Blige’s most enjoyable, exciting and consistent album in years.
  2. Stronger with Each Tear 2010

    Review of Stronger with Each Tear

    Reviewed by Daryl Easlea

    Blige remains as relevant as any of her more recent contemporaries.
  3. Growing Pains 2008

    Review of Growing Pains

    Reviewed by Talia Kraines

    One thing's for sure, Mary's still keeping it real.
  4. The Breakthrough 2005

    Review of The Breakthrough

    Reviewed by Matilda Egere-Cooper

    ...begging for some of the finger-clicking attitude that we used to expect from the...
  5. Love & Life 2003

    Review of Love & Life

    Reviewed by Keysha Davis

    Back in a big way, back in a significant way this CD marks a decade since she caught...
  6. No More Drama 2001

    Review of No More Drama

    Reviewed by Daryl Easlea

    Well-made, extremely personal and exceptionally heartfelt.
  7. Mary 1999

    Review of Mary

    Reviewed by Daryl Easlea

    Mary J. Blige’s greatly accomplished fourth album.
  8. What's The 411? 1996

    Review of What's The 411?

    Reviewed by David O'Donnell

    Remains one of Blige's finest albums.
  9. My Life 1994

    Review of My Life

    Reviewed by Daryl Easlea

    Still cutting-edge of sound, My Life is one of Blige’s most compelling records.

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