by Amazing Creations

Created on: October 03, 2009

Mary J. Blige has one of the best voices in rhythm and blues music to date.

She was born January 11, 1971 in The Bronx, New York. Many obstacles stood in Mary in her young life. Her father abandoned the family, after being physically abusive to her mother. She was also sexually abused at a young age.

Mary began singing in the Pentecostal church she attended. While at a mall, she recorded herself singing an Anita Baker song called "Caught Up In The Rapture". She did not know it at the time, but this would be the beginning of a successful music career.

Signed to Uptown Records in 1989, Mary was only 18. She was the younest female artist to sign with the label.

Until 1991, Mary performed mostly back up vocals for other artists. After a performance on Showtime At The Apollo, people began to pay attention to this new, fresh face.

After making her first appearance on MTV in 1992, she released her first disc, "What's The 411"? Real Love would be a top 10 hit for Mary. Selling 3 million copies, Sean Combs declared Mary "The Queen Of Soul".

My Life was released in 1994. This was a dark, gloomy look into Mary's life. She talks of her battles with drug addiction, abusive relationships, and alcoholism. The disc was certified platinum.

Her third effort, Share My Life, was released in 1997 as she was attempting to change her life. As a result, this disc featured happier, more upbeat songs.

In 1999, Mary was released. This disc showed the all new, more mature Mary. Instead of her usual hip hop sound, fans enjoyed a soulful Mary on the songs. This disc was certified double platinum.

2001 would bring No More Drama, a CD full of the joy Mary felt after overcoming the things in life that were holding her back. Although this disc did not do as well as the rest, it did bring such hits as "Family Affair" and "No More Drama". A 6th album, Love & Life, did even worse than No More Drama, producing no number one or top 10 singles.

2007 proved better for Mary. Her 7th release,Growing Pains, would debut at Number One on Billboard charts. A 9th album is in the works.

She has appeared on television shows debuting her acting abilities in addition to tours and being the spokeswoman for several companies.

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