Who Is Mary Mary?

This Black Music Month we recognize Gospel’s most popular sisters, Mary Mary for their iconic contributions to Music, TV, and Business.

Source: Anacleto Rapping / Getty

Mary Mary, comprised of sisters Erica Atkins-Campbell and Trecina Atkins-Campbell, was formed in 1998. The duo has sold over 8 million records worldwide and won 4 Grammy Awards (nominated for 11.) The name Mary Mary was coined to honor the two Mary’s of the Bible, Mary– Jesus Mother and Mary Magdalene.

After inking a deal with EMI with producer Warryn Campbell, the duo wrote and recorded several songs for movie soundtracks like Dr. Doolittle and The Prince of Egypt. However, Mary Mary really made a splash as a musical entity when they penned several tracks for 702 and Yolanda Adams’ Mountain High… Valley Low.

In 2000, Mary Mary gained mainstream recognition with the release of their debut album Thankful featuring hit lead single “Shackles (Praise You).” The song charted on the Billboard Hot 100 and got airplay on MTV– the first Gospel song in 5 years to do so.

Source: Earl Gibson III / Getty

After four more albums, Mary Mary premiered their own television series, Mary Mary, on WEtv in March 2012. Two years later, the group decided to take a hiatus and Erica Campbell released a solo project Help which won Best Gospel Album at the 57th Annual Grammy Awards. In 2015 she released another, Help 2.0. Tina Campbell released her debut solo project It’s Personal to coincide with the release of her memoir I Need A Day to Pray.

Erica now hosts a morning radio show, Get Up! Mornings with Erica Campbell owned by Radio One with comedian Arlen “Griff” Griffin, since 2016. That same year, Mary Mary released a new joint single “Back to You” and made their reunion performance début at the 2017 Stellar Awards.

Erica Campbell and husband announced their upcoming new series premiering on TVOne this Fall.

But back to the music. You decide…

Which Song is Mary Mary’s Greatest Hit?

1. Shackles (Praise You)
2. God In Me
3. Go Get It
4. Can’t Give Up Now
5. Walking

Vote here after the jump

Shackles (Praise You) (2000)

“Shackles (Praise You)” became a crossover hit, being popular with Gospel, R&B, and Pop audiences.

It was a top 10 R&B (the first in five years) and top 40 Pop hit, and peaked at number 28 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart.

It also gained wide exposure on the MTV video cable channel.

Next Song ➔

God In Me (2008)

“God In Me” is the second single from Mary Mary’s fourth studio album The Sound, and features Kierra Sheard.

The single is the group’s first to chart on the Billboard Hot 100 since “Shackles” in 2000.

The song won Song of the Year at the 25th Annual Stellar Awards.

Next Song ➔

Go Get It (2011)

The album by the same name debuted at number ten on the Billboard 200, giving Mary Mary their third top ten album in the US with first week sales of 18,946 units.

Next Song ➔

Can’t Give Up Now (2000)

Here’s a live performance of “Can’t Give Up Now” from Mary Mary’s debut album Thankful.

Next Song ➔

Walking (2011)

Single from Mary Mary’s “Something Big Album.”

Won Soul Train Music Award for Best Gospel/Inspirational Song

Now, you decide, which song is Mary Mary’s Greatest Hit?

Vote Here ➔