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Mary Mary is the duo of sisters Erica and Tina Atkins, who grew up in Inglewood, CA in a family also containing five other sisters and a brother. Their parents were gospel singers, and before long the children were singing in the church choir, eventually turning up on the Bobby Jones Gospel show on BET. Erica and Tina Atkins joined the Michael Matthews traveling gospel show Mama I'm Sorry in 1995, followed by a second Matthews production, Sneaky. Each sister subsequently toured as a backup singer for a variety of R&B acts. Meanwhile, they wrote gospel material. A meeting with producer Warryn Campbell led to their signing a song publishing deal, and "Dance," a song they wrote and performed with Robin S., appeared on the soundtrack to Dr. Doolittle in 1998. Later the same year, their "Let Go, Let God" was used on The Prince of Egypt Inspirational, one of three soundtrack albums for the film, and their songs were also recorded by 702 and Yolanda Adams. They then signed to Columbia/C2 Records and released their debut single, "Shackles (Praise You)," a Top 10 R&B and Top 40 pop hit, followed by the album Thankful in May 2000. The album was a huge success with Christian audiences, offering a younger, hipper version of gospel that audiences could relate to. Two years later, they released Incredible, an album they not only perform but wrote most of the material on. Both of the sisters became mothers before their 2005, self-titled album appeared. ~ William Ruhlmann, All Music Guide |
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