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Mary Mary is an American urban contemporary gospel duo formed in 1998, consisting of sisters Erica Atkins-Campbell and Trecina Atkins-Campbell.[1] Their name is inspired by two biblical figures: Mary, mother of Jesus, and Mary Magdalene.[2] They are credited with expanding the reach of urban contemporary gospel in the 2000s by blending elements of soul, hip-hop, funk, and jazz.[3] The duo has been nominated for eleven Grammy Awards, winning four, including Best Gospel Performance and Best Contemporary Soul Gospel Album.

Key Information

Mary Mary received mainstream success following the release of their debut album, Thankful (2000), which featured their breakthrough hit "Shackles (Praise You)". Their follow-up album, Incredible (2002), topped the Top Gospel Albums chart. In 2005, they released their self-titled third album, Mary Mary, which produced multiple number-one gospel hits and led to a performance at the White House that same year.

Their fourth album, The Sound (2008), continued their success with hits like "Get Up" and "God in Me". In 2011, they released their fifth studio album, Something Big, followed by the compilation album Go Get It (2012) before going on hiatus. In 2012, they premiered their reality television series, Mary Mary, on WE tv.

Early years

[edit]

The Atkins sisters, born Erica Monique and Trecina Evette, grew up in a large family with seven siblings in Inglewood, California.[4] Their mother, Thomasina Atkins, is an evangelist and choir director at the Church of God in Christ. Their father, Eddie A. Atkins, was also a member of the Church of God in Christ, and a youth counselor, before he died in 2013.

Due to their proximity in age, the two sisters grew up closer to one another than to any of their siblings:[1] Darrell Atkins (born 1965, the only living boy – the second boy died as a child), Maliea Atkins (born 1967), Erica (born 1972), Tina (born 1974), Delisa Atkins-Brown (born 1977), Thomasina Atkins (born 1978), Alana Atkins-Jamison (born 1985), and Shanta Atkins (born 1986). Later, they would work creatively with over half of their siblings; Thomasina, Alana, Delisa and Shanta Atkins all sing background on Mary Mary's albums and during stage performances and Delisa was originally a member of the group but left before they started recording professionally due to pursuing college.[1] Eventually, all eight Atkins children united on the Bobby Jones Gospel show on BET.

During this time, Erica and Trecina entered the world of church choirs, traveling gospel shows, and television productions. The sisters enrolled at El Camino College to study voice. There they encountered the division between rigorous academic study of music versus the popular musical world. "We had to study classical and sing arias, which was fine," Erica told Times, "but the teachers would tell us if we sang anything else it would damage our instrument."[5] In 1995 the two toured with Michael Matthews' traveling gospel shows, Mama I'm Sorry and Sneaky. Each sister subsequently toured as a backup singer for a variety of R&B acts, including Brandy.

Career

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1999–2001: Thankful

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After meeting producer Warryn Campbell, a publishing deal was reached with music conglomerate EMI. This led to a series of their songs being on movie soundtracks; they wrote "Dance" and performed it with Robin S. for the soundtrack to the 1998 film Dr. Dolittle, they performed "Let Go, Let God" for The Prince of Egypt, and several of their songs were recorded by 702. However, the sister's profile really started to rise in the gospel industry when their songs "Time To Change" and "Yeah" were recorded by Yolanda Adams on Mountain High... Valley Low. During this time, Mary Mary as a musical entity formed.

The duo was subsequently signed to Columbia Records and decided to perform under the name Mary Mary, honoring Mary, the mother of Jesus, and Mary Magdalene.[6] They were the first gospel act to record for the industry giant Columbia Records since Tramaine Hawkins in the mid-1990s. Their first single "Shackles (Praise You)" became a crossover hit; enticing gospel, R&B, and pop audiences. It ranked Top 5 in R&B, Top 10 for pop hit, and peaked at number 28 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart. It became the first gospel song in five years to crack the R&B top ten and gained wide exposure on MTV. Their debut album Thankful was released in May 2000; it peaked at number one on the Gospel Album Chart and climbed to 59 on the overall Top 200 chart. Overall, the album was certified 2× Platinum for shipments of two million copies in the United States, it went on to win the Grammy Award for Best Contemporary Soul Gospel Album. While the second single "I Sings" features rapper BB Jay, both were hits in the UK and Europe. Their only Top 10 UK hit to date is "Shackles (Praise You)" which reached number five on the UK Singles Chart in June 2000. The follow-up "I Sings" peaked at UK number 32.[7]

2002: Incredible

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With their second album, Incredible, the duo was able to maintain their success. Soon after its release in July 2002, it was number one on the Gospel Albums Chart and entered the Top 20 of the Top 200 album chart. Incredible was later certified Gold for selling 500,000 copies in the United States. The album's singles were "In The Morning" and "I Try". While this album charted higher than their debut, sales were lower. The duo attributed the lower sales to less aggressive promotion due to label switch-overs and the advent of music piracy. In November 2003, they released their biography Transparent.[8]

2005–06: Mary Mary and A Mary Mary Christmas

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After taking time off to have children, Mary Mary released their self-titled third album Mary Mary in July 2005. It became the duo's first album to enter the Top 10 on Billboard and was later certified Gold for selling in excess of 500,000 copies. The first single, "Heaven," contained a sample from seventies song "Want Ads" from soul trio the Honey Cone's. "Heaven" made history and broke chart records as it had an unprecedented nine-week run at number one on Billboard's Gospel Radio Chart. Their second single, "The Real Party (Trevon's Birthday)," debuted at number 43 on the Gospel Radio Chart with a third, "Yesterday," becoming a hit on the Adult R&B Chart and peaking at number 10. On the R&B/Hip Hop Chart, the song became their second biggest hit since "Shackles (Praise You)" in 2000 reached number 50. The album's final single, "Believer," indicated testimonies of being a Christian and hit number 33 on the Gospel Radio chart.

2007–10: Sunday Best and The Sound

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On October 21, 2008, they released their fifth studio album, The Sound.[9][10] The lead single, "Get Up," was released digitally via ITunes on July 15, 2008. Mary Mary's The Sound achieved great success in the mainstream market and sold over 37,000 copies in its first week, making it their best charting album to date. It debuted at number seven on the Billboard 200, number two on the US R&B chart, and topped both gospel and country music charts. The album held the number one position on the Billboard's Gospel Album Chart for over six months since its release.[11] Warryn Campbell produced the album and collaborated with many professionals: Kierra Sheard-Kelly, David Banner, Marvin Winans, Daryl Coley, Andrae Crouch, The Rance Allen Group, Dorinda Clark-Cole, Joe Ligon, Walter Hawkins, Tramaine Hawkins, and Karen Clark-Sheard. In spring 2009, "God in Me" achieved crossover success by reaching number five on the R&B/Hip-Hop Chart and number one on the Hot Dance Club Play.

2010–12: Something Big, Go Get It, and reality show

[edit]

In 2009, Mary Mary began recording their sixth studio album. In April 2010, they released a book entitled, Be U via Simon & Schuster.[12] In the fall of 2010, they released "Walking" as the lead single from their forthcoming album. Originally titled OMG, the project was renamed Something Big after the success of R&B singer Usher's hit single, "OMG" in 2010. Their album was released on March 29, 2011. Mary Mary debuted the title track "Something Big" on the BET's Celebration of Gospel 2011.

In efforts of promoting "Go Get It," Mary Mary announced a Go Get It Tour. The tour was in ten different cities across the United States, beginning in Jacksonville, Florida, on October 25, and ending in Hampton, Virginia, on November 17. Supported acts included: Isaac Carree, VaShawn Mitchell, Anthony and Group Therapy, and Sunday's Best finalist Jessica Reedy and Anita Wilson.[13]

2014–present: Group hiatus and solo projects

[edit]

In 2014, Erica Campbell released a solo album titled Help, which won Best Gospel Album at the 57th Annual Grammy Awards. Her follow-up album titled Help 2.0 was released in March 2015. Erica also hosts a morning radio show, Get Up! Mornings with Erica Campbell owned by Radio One with comedian Arlen "Griff" Griffin. In May 2015, Tina released her debut solo album It's Personal. The album coincides with the release of her memoir I Need a Day to Pray.[14]

In July 2016, Mary Mary released a new single called "Back to You" from the upcoming Ben-Hur movie soundtrack. In August 2017, Tina released a deluxe edition of her first album, titled It's Still Personal. In 2018 Mary Mary made their reunion as a duo on the 2018 Stellar Awards on TV One, performing a medley of their hits.[15]

In 2018, Erica Campbell and her husband Warryn announced their upcoming series premiering on TVOne. This announcement came on the heels of Mary Mary ending their WeTv reality show.[16]

In 2022, Mary Mary, accompanied by the Youth Orchestra of Los Angeles, performed "Lift Every Voice and Sing" at Super Bowl LVI and had a tribute to honor Black History Month gospel music by Faith City Music, Tim Bowman Jr. and Kim Burrell. Mary Mary also performed at a special Easter Verzuz, competing against gospel duo BeBe & CeCe Winans.[17]

Personal lives

[edit]

Both sisters are married to musicians with the same last name: Warryn Campbell and Teddy Campbell.[18] Tina married Teddy in 2000. Together, they have four children: daughter Laiah Simone (born September 9, 2003),[19] daughter Meela Jane (born June 11, 2007),[20][21] son Glendon Theodore II (born October 20, 2009),[22][23] and son Santana (born August 4, 2012).[24]

Erica married their record producer Warryn on May 26, 2001. They have three children: Krista Nicole (born September 13, 2004), Warryn III (born April 24, 2010),[25] and Zaya Monique (born January 24, 2012).[26][27] The following year, Warryn was ordained as a pastor. In 2015, the couple founded the California Worship Center in North Hollywood, Los Angeles.[28][29]

Discography

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Awards and nominations

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References

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Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia
from Grokipedia
Mary Mary is an American urban contemporary gospel duo composed of sisters Erica Atkins-Campbell and Trecina "Tina" Atkins-Campbell, renowned for blending R&B influences with gospel themes to appeal to both secular and spiritual audiences. Formed in 1998 in Inglewood, California, the duo rose to prominence with their debut album Thankful (2000), which featured the breakthrough hit single "Shackles (Praise You)" and earned them their first Grammy Award for Best Contemporary Soul Gospel Album. Over their career, Mary Mary has released five studio albums, including notable works like The Sound (2008) and Something Big (2011), achieving commercial success with multi-platinum certifications and chart-topping singles such as "Get Up" and "God in Me." The group has garnered widespread acclaim, securing four , two , multiple Dove Awards, and an Image Award, establishing them as one of the most commercially successful contemporary gospel acts of the and beyond. Their innovative sound and empowering messages have also led to ventures like their reality series Mary Mary (2012–2017), which chronicled their personal and professional lives. As of 2025, the duo continues to perform and celebrated their 25th anniversary.

Background

Early life

Erica Monique Atkins-Campbell and Trecina Evette "Tina" Atkins-Campbell, known professionally as the gospel duo Mary Mary, were born in , to parents Eddie Aaron Atkins Jr. and Thomasina Atkins. Erica was born on April 29, 1972, while Tina followed on May 1, 1974. They grew up as two of nine children—seven daughters (including themselves) and two sons—in a large family, in a strict Pentecostal household affiliated with the . Their mother, , served as an evangelist and director at the , where the family attended regularly and participated in worship services. Their father, Eddie, worked as a , , , and youth counselor at the church until his death from cancer in 2013. From a young age, Erica and Tina were immersed in , singing in the church alongside their siblings and performing during family gatherings and services, which fostered their early vocal talents and deep-rooted faith. The family's large size contributed to financial hardships during their upbringing in Inglewood, where resources were limited amid straitened circumstances. In this environment, faith and became central mechanisms, providing spiritual solace and a as the sisters navigated the challenges of their Pentecostal home life.

Formation

Erica and Tina Atkins, later known as Erica and Tina Campbell, pursued formal musical training after high school by enrolling at in , where they studied voice to hone their skills for a professional career in . In the mid-1990s, the sisters gained early professional experience as backup vocalists for several R&B artists, including Brandy, Eric Benet, , , and , while also participating in touring gospel stage productions such as Mama, I'm Sorry and Sneaky. Their work in these secular and sacred contexts highlighted their versatility and desire to blend gospel with contemporary sounds. The duo's formation began in 1998 when the sisters connected with producer —later Erica's husband—through their involvement in the gospel play Mama, I'm Sorry. Campbell, recognizing their talent, collaborated with them on songwriting and production, helping to shape their style and securing a with , making them the label's first gospel act since in the mid-1990s. Originally envisioning a larger ensemble, the project evolved into a sister duo as other potential members stepped away. They chose the name Mary Mary to honor the biblical figures of Mary, the of , and , symbolizing their deep sisterly bond and commitment to faith-centered music.

Musical style and influences

Musical style

Mary Mary's music is characterized by a fusion of traditional with contemporary urban genres, including hip-hop, R&B, , , and , creating an upbeat and danceable sound that incorporates positive, faith-based lyrics. This blend positions their work firmly within urban contemporary , allowing crossover appeal to broader audiences through rhythmic, energetic tracks that maintain spiritual depth. Their production approach emphasizes modern accessibility, often in collaboration with producer , who employs polished, high-energy beats, rap verses, and call-and-response patterns to engage younger listeners. This technique infuses gospel conventions with street-savvy elements, as seen in songs featuring layered percussion and infectious hooks that prioritize communal praise over solemnity. Vocally, the duo's harmonies highlight the sisters' complementary styles: Erica Campbell's powerful lead belts convey raw emotion and authority, while Tina Campbell's supportive alto provides rich, grounding depth. These dynamics underscore themes of , divine , and navigating everyday challenges, delivering messages of perseverance and triumph in an uplifting, harmonious framework. Over time, Mary Mary's sound evolved from the choir-inflected gospel roots of their 2000 debut Thankful—exemplified by the crossover hit "Shackles (Praise You)"—to increasingly pop-infused arrangements in later releases like The Sound (2008), and continued in albums such as Something Big (2011) and Go Get It (2012), blending urban flair with unwavering spiritual content. As of 2025, marking their 25th anniversary, they continue this fusion in upcoming projects.

Influences

Mary Mary's gospel roots are deeply embedded in the innovations of urban contemporary gospel pioneers. They drew significant inspiration from Kirk Franklin's fusion of hip-hop rhythms with traditional messages, which helped modernize the genre for younger audiences. Traditional groups like also shaped their emotive delivery and family-oriented performance style, emphasizing joyful, communal worship. In addition to their gospel foundations, Mary Mary incorporated elements from secular R&B and hip-hop artists to broaden gospel's appeal. Their upbringing in urban , exposed them to hip-hop and R&B, motivating them to modernize gospel for mainstream accessibility. Personal experiences played a pivotal role in forming their artistic vision, rooted in their upbringing in . The church environment, where they sang in their father's Pentecostal choir alongside eight siblings, instilled a sense of discipline and spiritual purpose in their music. Family singing traditions, led by their gospel-singing parents, fostered early harmonies and a commitment to faith-based expression. The duo's collaboration with producer , Erica's husband, further bridged and contemporary sounds through his production techniques. Campbell's style incorporated hip-hop beats and rhythmic grooves, drawing from urban influences to create infectious, radio-friendly tracks that maintained spiritual integrity. This approach was evident in their debut Thankful, where his beats helped propel songs like "Shackles" to crossover success.

Career

1999–2001: Thankful

Mary Mary's debut studio album, Thankful, was released on May 2, 2000, by Columbia Records. The project was primarily produced by Warryn Campbell, who crafted a sound blending traditional gospel with contemporary R&B elements. It debuted and peaked at number one on the Billboard Top Gospel Albums chart, holding the position for several weeks and marking a breakthrough for the duo in the genre. The album achieved commercial success, certified 2× Platinum by the RIAA for sales exceeding 2 million copies in the United States. The lead single, "Shackles (Praise You)", was released on February 29, 2000, and became a crossover hit, reaching number 28 on the chart and number 5 on the chart. The track's infectious energy and positive message propelled it to significant airplay on both gospel and secular radio stations. Its accompanying , directed by , featured the sisters performing in urban settings, further amplifying its visual appeal and contributing to the song's broad reach. To promote Thankful, Mary Mary embarked on tours alongside prominent gospel artists and made high-profile appearances, including a live performance on in 2000. The album received widespread acclaim for its innovative crossover appeal, bridging gospel roots with mainstream R&B sensibilities to attract diverse listeners. In recognition of their debut success, the duo won the Stellar Gospel Music Award for Duo/Group of the Year in 2001. Thankful had a profound cultural impact, positioning Mary Mary as pioneers in and achieving notable pop radio penetration—the first major gospel act to do so since Kirk Franklin's crossover successes in the late 1990s. By introducing faith-based themes through accessible, upbeat production, the album expanded the genre's audience, influencing subsequent artists and revitalizing interest in within broader pop and R&B contexts.

2002: Incredible

Mary Mary's second studio album, Incredible, was released on July 16, 2002, by . The project debuted at number one on the Billboard Top Gospel Albums chart and peaked at number 20 on the , selling 43,000 copies in its first week. It was later certified by the RIAA on September 30, 2003, for shipments of 500,000 units in the United States, though sales fell short of the platinum success of their debut Thankful. The album's lead singles, "In the Morning" and "I Try," both achieved significant on gospel radio stations, earning a Dove Award for "In the Morning" in the Contemporary Gospel Recorded Song category. However, unlike the mainstream crossover appeal of "Shackles (Praise You)" from their debut, these tracks had limited penetration into broader R&B and pop charts. Building on the urban contemporary sound established in Thankful, Incredible featured production primarily by , Erica Campbell's husband, alongside contributions from Mike City and . Lyrically, the album emphasized themes of perseverance, faith, and everyday spiritual struggles, with standout tracks like "Hold On" and "Trouble Ain't" delivering messages of encouragement amid adversity. Critics praised the duo's growth, noting the album's cohesive blend of , R&B, and hip-hop elements that showcased their matured vocal harmonies and songwriting. Incredible received a Grammy nomination in for Best Contemporary Soul Album at the .

2005–06: Mary Mary and A Mary Mary Christmas

In 2005, Mary Mary released their self-titled third studio album on July 19 through , marking a significant in their sound with polished production led primarily by . The album debuted at number 8 on the chart, achieving their highest mainstream positioning to date, while simultaneously topping the Top Gospel Albums chart and becoming the best-selling debut of the year. It was later certified gold by the RIAA, reflecting sales of 500,000 units in the United States. The , "," became a standout hit, dominating Billboard's Airplay chart for a record-setting nine weeks and showcasing the duo's blend of contemporary urban with infectious rhythms. Tracks like "And I" featuring and the funky "Believer" highlighted innovative elements, including influences and vocal arrangements, earning praise for their sincerity, intimacy, and relevance in bridging with broader appeal. Critics lauded the album's production as the duo's strongest yet, solidifying their status as mainstream innovators. That same year, on June 6, Mary Mary performed at the during a Black Music Month celebration hosted by President and First Lady , joining other gospel artists like and in the . This high-profile event, along with appearances at the 2005 where they won for Favorite Contemporary Inspirational Artist and performed at the , boosted their media visibility and led to extensive touring across the U.S. In October 2006, the duo followed with their holiday album, A Mary Mary , released on October 10 via , featuring R&B-infused covers of classics like "" and originals that expanded their signature urban style. The project peaked at number 2 on the Top Albums , receiving acclaim for its vibrant reinterpretations and large-scale that maintained the group's progressive edge. This release further enhanced their crossover prominence, with subsequent unplugged holiday tours and media spots reinforcing their growing influence in both and contemporary Christian circles.

2007–10: Sunday Best and The Sound

Mary Mary's fourth studio album, The Sound, was released on October 21, 2008, by . The project debuted at number seven on the chart, marking the highest position achieved by any duo up to that point, and sold 37,800 copies in its first week. It also topped the Albums and Top Christian Albums charts, underscoring its crossover appeal in blending , hip-hop, and elements. The album's lead single, "Get Up," released in July 2008, encouraged listeners to rise above challenges with an energetic, upbeat vibe, and its dance remix by Karmatronic further amplified its club and radio play, contributing to its mainstream traction. The track earned Mary Mary the Grammy Award for Best Gospel Performance at the 51st Annual Grammy Awards in 2009. Follow-up single "God in Me," featuring Kierra Sheard and released in 2009, celebrated themes of inner strength and divine favor through its infectious rhythm, peaking at number one on the Billboard Hot Gospel Songs chart and number ten on the Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart. It received a Grammy nomination for Best Gospel Song, highlighting the duo's ability to fuse spiritual messages with pop accessibility. During this period, Mary Mary expanded their visibility beyond music by serving as judges on BET's Sunday Best gospel competition series from 2007 to 2012, including seasons two through four in 2008–2010, where they mentored emerging talents and connected with a broader audience. Their performances at high-profile events, such as BET's Celebration of Gospel in 2008 and the 2009 BET Awards alongside , further broadened their fanbase among gospel enthusiasts and mainstream viewers at festivals and televised specials. The Sound solidified Mary Mary's position as a leading act in contemporary , with its themes of , , and God's favor resonating across diverse listeners and driving sustained chart dominance. The album's success, including multiple Grammy recognitions for its singles, affirmed their innovative approach to that appealed to both churchgoers and secular audiences.

2010–12: Something Big, Go Get It, and reality show

In 2011, Mary Mary released their fifth studio album, Something Big, on March 29 through My Block Records. The album debuted at number 10 on the chart, selling 42,390 copies in its first week, and peaked at number 2 on the Top Gospel Albums chart. The , "Walking," was released on December 7, 2010, and reached number 3 on the Hot Gospel Songs chart, featuring an upbeat, motivational message that aligned with the duo's contemporary sound. Produced primarily by , Something Big blended infectious rhythms with faith-based lyrics, earning praise for its energetic production and accessibility to broader audiences. Following the success of Something Big, Mary Mary issued the Go Get It on May 8, 2012, also via My Block Records. This project collected select motivational tracks from their catalog alongside new recordings, emphasizing themes of perseverance and empowerment. It debuted at number 1 on the Top Gospel Albums chart, number 3 on the Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums chart, and number 16 on the , with first-week sales of 18,946 units. The title track, "Go Get It," served as the , released on February 28, 2012, and became a staple in their live for its anthemic . To promote Go Get It, Mary Mary embarked on the headlining Go Get It Tour in fall 2012, performing across 10 U.S. cities from October 25 in , to November 17 in . The tour featured high-energy live sets, special guest appearances by artists such as and VaShawn Mitchell on select dates, and opportunities for direct fan interaction, fostering a through shared performances of their hits. The reality series Mary Mary premiered on March 29, 2012—the one-year anniversary of Something Big's release date—chronicling the sisters' efforts to balance demanding careers with family responsibilities and personal pressures in the music industry. Produced by eOne Television, the show offered behind-the-scenes glimpses into their professional collaborations and domestic lives, including tour preparations and relational dynamics. It was renewed for multiple seasons, with season 2 (2012–13) reaching 5.2 million total viewers, a 16% increase from season 1. As the series progressed, it increasingly spotlighted Erica and Tina's distinct personal narratives and challenges, subtly highlighting the evolving tensions that would later influence their career trajectories.

2014–2025: Hiatus, reunions, and solo projects

Following the release of their final collaborative single "Go Get It" in 2012, Mary Mary entered an informal hiatus in 2014, with no new group album forthcoming as the sisters pursued individual artistic endeavors. The break was driven by a desire for personal and professional growth, including Erica Campbell's interest in solo music and Tina Campbell's focus on travel and family. The duo has remained on amicable terms, occasionally collaborating but without committing to a full group comeback by late 2025. Erica Campbell launched her solo career with the album Help in March 2014, which debuted at No. 1 on the Gospel Albums chart and earned her the Grammy Award for Best Gospel Album in 2015. She followed with Help 2.0 in 2015, a reimagined version featuring live elements and new tracks that also topped gospel charts. In September 2023, Campbell released I Love You, her third studio album, emphasizing themes of faith, love, and positivity through songs like "Positive" and collaborations with artists such as . In 2025, she joined the announced Live Breathe Fight tour alongside , David Mann, , and others, though the multi-city event was ultimately canceled in May due to unspecified reasons. Tina Campbell debuted as a solo with It's Personal in May 2015, which entered at No. 1 on the Gospel Albums chart and included personal tracks reflecting her life experiences, such as the lead single "Me, Myself and Him." In , she issued the follow-up It's Still Personal, a deluxe edition expanding on the original with additional songs like "Destiny" and "Too Hard Not To," maintaining her top-five presence on gospel charts. That same year, Campbell released her I Need a Day to Pray, a candid account of her spiritual journey, family restoration, and overcoming personal challenges through faith. In 2024, she announced her third solo album Testify, set for release in 2025 and positioned as a testimony of her ongoing personal and spiritual growth; its lead single "Pray for Me" reached No. 1 on the Gospel Airplay chart in early 2025. Despite the hiatus, Mary Mary reunited for select performances, including a joint appearance at the 2018 Stellar Gospel Music Awards where they opened the show with hits like "Shackles (Praise You)." In 2016, they released the single "Back to You," marking their first new material in four years and signaling ongoing connection. The duo performed "Lift Every Voice and Sing" at Super Bowl LVI in February 2022, accompanied by the Youth Orchestra Los Angeles, reaching an audience of over 100 million. Later that year, on Easter Sunday, they participated in a Verzuz battle against BeBe & CeCe Winans, delivering a celebratory set of gospel classics that highlighted their enduring chemistry. Since 2021, the sisters have engaged in sporadic collaborations, such as joint tracks and appearances, culminating in a performance at the Tom Joyner Fantastic Voyage cruise in October 2025, where they celebrated their 25th anniversary, but no full-scale group tour or album has materialized as of November 2025.

Personal life

Erica Campbell

Erica Atkins-Campbell married , a Grammy-winning , on May 26, 2001. The couple has three children: daughter Krista Nicole, born September 13, 2004; son Warryn Campbell III, born April 24, 2010; and daughter Zaya Monique, born January 24, 2012. In 2015, Erica and Warryn co-founded the California Worship Center in North Hollywood, California, launching services on Easter Sunday, April 5, at the Hotel. As and co-pastor, Erica supports her husband's leadership in a congregation that emphasizes and community growth, which has expanded to over 700 members and relocated to a permanent facility in San Fernando during the . Beyond her musical pursuits, Erica has authored the book More Than Pretty: Doing the Soul Work that Uncovers Your True Beauty (2019), which explores , , and inner strength for women. She also hosts the syndicated radio program Get Up! Mornings With , a four-hour morning show featuring inspirational music, interviews, and discussions on and daily life, which debuted in 2016 and continues to air on multiple stations nationwide as of 2025. Erica has openly shared her journey overcoming health challenges, including significant achieved through natural methods like healthier eating and exercise after an initial procedure. She advocates for rooted in faith, encouraging authenticity, perseverance, and spiritual growth through events like her annual Laugh, Cry, Heal conference and on mental wellness and family purpose. In March 2025, Erica participated in a transformative trip to with World Vision's Chosen sponsorship program, accompanied by two of her children. The experience, which she described as "life-changing" and "heartbreaking," deepened her faith and empathy by highlighting global challenges like access to clean water, while fostering greater appreciation for resources within her family. Her solo albums serve as extensions of these personal testimonies on resilience and belief.

Trecina Campbell

Trecina Evette "Tina" Atkins-Campbell married drummer Teddy Campbell in August 2000. The couple has four children together—Laiah Simone (born 2003), Meela Jane (born 2007), Glendon Theodore II (born 2009), and Santana (born 2012)—and Tina serves as stepmother to Teddy's daughter Cierra (born 1994) from a previous relationship, forming a blended family that she has described as a key source of strength and unity. During the mid-2010s hiatus from Mary Mary, Tina publicly shared her struggles with severe depression and marital challenges, including discovering her husband's in 2014, which led to suicidal thoughts and a desire to end her life and harm her family. She credited and with her recovery, stating that a 40-day fast helped her process the pain and rebuild her marriage. In 2015, Tina released the devotional book I Need a Day to Pray, a collection of personal prayers written during her crisis that explores themes of , , and renewed faith in . Drawing from this experience, she has become an advocate for restoration, speaking at conferences and events about healing through vulnerability and spiritual discipline. Beyond music, Tina has pursued interests in fashion, often showcasing her personal style influenced by her family's creative background, and wellness, emphasizing faith-integrated fitness as a path to resilience. She frequently co-hosts or guests on discussions about family and spirituality, including episodes of Better Together on TBN, where she shares insights on building enduring relationships. Her solo albums, including It's Personal (2017) and Testify (2024)—the latter featuring the single "Pray for Me," which reached No. 1 on the Billboard Gospel Airplay chart in January 2025—echo these personal themes of healing and redemption.

Discography

Studio albums

Mary Mary's studio albums blend contemporary gospel with R&B, hip-hop, and pop influences, showcasing the duo's signature harmonies and songwriting. Their releases consistently topped the Gospel Albums chart, demonstrating their dominance in the genre while achieving crossover success on the . The duo's debut album, Thankful, was released on May 2, 2000, by . It peaked at number one on the Gospel Albums chart, number 22 on the Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums chart, and number 59 on the , selling over two million copies and earning 2× Platinum certification from the RIAA. Their sophomore effort, Incredible, arrived on July 16, 2002, also via . The album reached number one on the Gospel Albums chart and number 109 on the , achieving Gold certification from the RIAA for sales exceeding 500,000 units. Mary Mary, the self-titled third studio album, was issued on July 19, 2005, by . It debuted at number one on the Gospel Albums chart and peaked at number eight on the , later certified Gold by the RIAA. The fourth album, The Sound, came out on October 21, 2008, under . It topped the Billboard Gospel Albums chart and debuted at number seven on the , marking one of the highest debuts for a gospel album that year. Something Big, their fifth and final group studio album, was released on March 29, 2011, by . It hit number one on the Billboard Gospel Albums chart and debuted at number 10 on the , with first-week sales of 42,390 copies. Following the duo's hiatus, the Campbells pursued solo projects that extended Mary Mary's musical legacy. Erica Campbell's debut solo album, Help, was released on March 25, 2014, by eOne Music, topping the Billboard Gospel Albums chart and reaching number six on the Billboard 200. A reissue, , followed on March 31, 2015, also via eOne Music, which topped the Billboard Gospel Albums chart. Trecina "Tina" Campbell followed with It's Personal on May 21, 2015, via Gee Tree Creative, which debuted at number one on the iTunes Gospel chart and peaked at number 90 on the Billboard 200. Her second solo album, It's Still Personal, was released on September 29, 2017, independently, peaking at number 22 on the Billboard Gospel Albums chart. Erica's third solo album, I Love You, arrived on September 15, 2023, via My Block Inc./SRG-ILS Group, peaking at number 10 on the Billboard Gospel Albums chart.

Compilation and holiday albums

Mary Mary's inaugural holiday release, A Mary Mary Christmas, arrived on October 10, 2006, via Columbia Records. Produced by Warryn Campbell, the album comprises 11 tracks blending original compositions with reinterpreted Christmas classics, offering a contemporary gospel perspective on seasonal music. Key highlights include the upbeat opener "'Tis the Season," the reflective "Only One," and a modern remix of the traditional "O Come All Ye Faithful." Other standout features are "Merry Little Christmas" with trumpet accents by Dontae Winslow and "Still the Lamb," a meditative piece guest-starring Bishop Kenneth Ulmer. The project earned acclaim for its joyful fusion of faith and festivity, charting on the Billboard 200 during the 2006 holiday season. In 2012, the duo issued Go Get It, a on that curated fan-favorite tracks from prior releases like Thankful, Incredible, Mary Mary, The Sound, and Something Big, supplemented by fresh material. Released on May 8, it debuted at number one on the Billboard Gospel Albums chart, number three on the Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums chart, and within the top 20 of the , driven by first-week sales exceeding 20,000 units. New additions emphasized empowerment themes, such as the title track "Go Get It"—a high-energy motivational single—and "Little Girl," alongside "," which addressed personal struggles with resilience. The album's release coincided briefly with promotional efforts from their reality series, amplifying its inspirational reach. Beyond these, Mary Mary contributed a guest vocal appearance on the 2006 project BeBe & CeCe Winans Presents Tim & Deon, but the duo has not released additional major compilation or holiday albums since 2012.

Singles

Mary Mary's debut single, "Shackles (Praise You)", released in 2000 from their Thankful, marked their breakthrough into mainstream audiences by blending gospel with . It peaked at number 28 on the chart and achieved platinum certification by the RIAA for sales exceeding one million units. The duo's follow-up single "In the Morning", from the 2002 album Incredible, topped the Gospel Airplay chart, showcasing their ability to maintain strong appeal within the gospel community while earning a Dove Award for Gospel Recorded Song of the Year. "", released in 2005 from their self-titled album Mary Mary, dominated the Gospel Airplay chart for 15 weeks, highlighting the duo's signature harmonious style and themes of spiritual upliftment. In 2008, "Get Up" from The Sound reached number 1 on the Billboard Gospel Songs chart, earning a Grammy nomination for Best Gospel Song and contributing to the album's status as the top gospel release of the year. "God in Me", featuring and also from The Sound in 2009, crossed over successfully by peaking at number 5 on the Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart and number 68 on the Hot 100, while holding the top spot on the Gospel Songs chart for seven weeks; it received a Grammy nomination for Best Gospel Song (Performance). "Walking", the 2011 lead single from Something Big, topped the Billboard Gospel Airplay chart, reinforcing the duo's influence in contemporary gospel with its energetic call to perseverance. Following a hiatus, Mary Mary reunited for the 2016 single "Back to You", featured on the Ben-Hur soundtrack, which served as their return to collaborative music without notable mainstream chart entries.

Awards and nominations

Grammy Awards

Mary Mary has earned four Grammy Awards as a duo, spanning categories in and , and has received a total of 11 s throughout their career. These accolades recognize their innovative blend of with R&B, hip-hop, and pop elements, highlighting key albums and singles that achieved commercial and critical success. Additionally, secured Grammy wins in her solo capacity in 2015 and 2025, while Trecina Campbell received a nomination in 2018, extending the duo's legacy in the genre. Their first win came at the in 2001 for Best Contemporary Soul for their debut release Thankful, which introduced their signature and topped the Albums chart. Subsequent victories solidified their status: at the in 2009, they won Best Performance for the single "Get Up" from the The Sound. In 2010, at the , "God in Me" earned Best Song, a songwriting award shared with collaborator . Their fourth duo win arrived at the in 2013 for Best Song with "Go Get It," again co-written with , from the Something Big.
Year (Ceremony)CategoryWorkNotes
2001 (43rd)Best Contemporary Soul AlbumThankfulDebut win; remix of "Shackles (Praise You)" nominated for Remixer of the Year, Non-Classical (Maurice Joshua).
2009 (51st)Best Performance"Get Up" (The Sound)Lead single from third studio .
2010 (52nd)Best Song"God in Me"Featured ; songwriting .
2013 (55th)Best Song"Go Get It" (Something Big)Songwriting ; also nominated for Best .
Erica Campbell's individual achievements include a win at the in 2015 for Best Gospel Album for her solo debut Help, produced in part by and reflecting themes from her Mary Mary tenure. In 2025, at the 67th Annual Grammy Awards, she won Best Gospel Performance/Song for "One ." Trecina Campbell received a in 2018 at the for Best Gospel Performance/Song for "Too Hard Not To" from her solo album It's Still Personal. Among their 11 nominations, notable early recognition included a nod for Best Gospel Performance for "Shackles (Praise You)" in 2001, alongside the album win. Later nominations encompassed Best Gospel/Contemporary Christian Music Performance for "Go Get It" in 2013 and several for albums like Incredible (2003) and Mary Mary (2006) in categories such as Best Contemporary Soul Gospel Album. These honors underscore their consistent influence in evolving toward broader audiences.

Stellar Awards and other honors

Mary Mary has received numerous accolades from the Stellar Awards, the premier honors in gospel music, recognizing their innovative blend of contemporary R&B and traditional gospel sounds. Debuting in 2001 with their breakthrough album Thankful, the duo swept multiple categories at the 16th Annual Stellar Awards, winning New Artist of the Year, Duo/Chorus Group of the Year, Contemporary Female Artist of the Year, and Contemporary Choir of the Year, all for Thankful. These victories marked their immediate impact on the genre, establishing them as rising stars capable of bridging urban and inspirational styles. Throughout the 2000s, Mary Mary continued to dominate the Stellar Awards. In 2004, at the 19th Annual ceremony, they earned Contemporary Duo/Chorus Group of the Year for the single "Incredible" from their album Incredible. By 2006, during the 21st Annual Stellar Awards, they secured Urban/Inspirational Single/Performance of the Year for "Heaven," alongside wins for Group/Duo of the Year and Contemporary Album of the Year for their self-titled album Mary Mary. These honors highlighted their commercial success and artistic versatility, with "Heaven" exemplifying their ability to craft radio-friendly gospel anthems. The duo's momentum peaked in the 2010s. At the 25th Annual Stellar Awards in 2010, Mary Mary won four awards, including Song of the Year for "God in Me," Group/Duo of the Year, and Contemporary Album of the Year for The Sound. The track "God in Me," featuring Kierra "Kiki" Sheard, became a crossover hit, underscoring their influence on urban gospel. In 2013, co-hosting the 28th Annual Stellar Awards, they claimed five trophies out of nine nominations, tying for the most wins of the night; these included Group/Duo of the Year for Go Get It, Urban/Inspirational Single/Performance of the Year for "Go Get It," and Contemporary Album of the Year. They continued earning Stellar Awards in later years, including Traditional Gospel Recorded Song of the Year in 2020 and Song of the Year in 2021 for "All In His Plan" (with PJ Morton and Lea'Andria Johnson). Over their career, Mary Mary has amassed over 18 Stellar Awards, reflecting their enduring dominance in gospel music. Beyond the Stellar Awards, Mary Mary has garnered recognition from broader music honors, affirming their crossover appeal. They won two for Best Gospel Artist—in 2009 and 2013—celebrating hits like "God in Me" and their overall contributions to . At the , they received Outstanding Gospel Artist in 2009 and swept two categories in 2013: Outstanding Duo or Group and Outstanding Gospel Album (Contemporary or Traditional) for Go Get It. The Awards honored them with Best Gospel Performance awards in 2009 for "God in Me" and in 2011, where they also performed a tribute to . In the , Mary Mary earned victories for Contemporary Gospel Recorded Song of the Year in 2003 ("In the Morning") and Urban Recorded Song of the Year in 2004 ("Dance, Dance, Dance"), with additional wins including Song of the Year in 2009 for "Get Up." They also received an American Music Award in 2005 for Favorite Contemporary Inspirational Artist and a MOBO Award in 2009 for Best Gospel Act. These diverse honors illustrate Mary Mary's role in elevating gospel music's visibility across mainstream platforms while maintaining artistic integrity.

References

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