Mary Mary

Did You Know?

• Mary Mary's name was inspired by two biblical figures: Mary, mother of Jesus, and Mary Magdalene.
• Mary Mary served as judges on the BET singing competition series Sunday Best from 2007 to 2011.
• In 2025, they were inducted into the Missouri Gospel Music Hall of Fame.

History

Erica Atkins appeared in the musical comedy Sister Act 2: Back in the Habit in 1992 as a member of an opposing choir in the gospel competition. She and Tina Atkins later studied classical singing and music at El Camino College. In 1995, they left college and toured with Michael Matthews' traveling gospel shows, Momma I'm Sorry and Sneaky, where they met music producer Warryn Campbell, who was the show's bassist. Through Campbell, the duo secured a publishing deal with EMI Music Publishing in 1998.

They debuted as Mary Mary in June 1998, a name inspired by Mary, mother of Jesus, and Mary Magdalene, releasing their first single "Dance" featuring Robin S on the soundtrack of the film Dr. Dolittle. They wrote songs for 702 and Yolanda Adams, and toured as backup singers for Brian McKnight, Brandy Norwood, Eric Benét, Terry Ellis, and Kenny Lattimore. On February 29, 2000, they released "Shackles (Praise You)", which peaked at number twenty-eight on the US Billboard Hot 100 and reached the top ten in several European countries.

Their debut album Thankful, released on May 2, 2000, peaked at number fifty-nine on the Billboard 200 and atop the Top Gospel Albums chart for seven weeks, selling over 350,000 copies in its first month. The album sold over two million copies in the US, earning a two-time platinum certification from the RIAA, and won a Grammy for Best Contemporary R&B Gospel Album at the 43rd Annual Grammy Awards. At the 16th Annual Stellar Awards in 2001, Mary Mary won New Artist of the Year and Group/Duo of the Year.

Artistry

Mary Mary built their catalog around gospel music, blending it with R&B, dance pop, EDM, blues, and hip hop. In a 2000 Ebony interview, Erica explained that their sound mixes urban hip-hop with gospel, noting they belong to hip-hop culture while keeping gospel central to their lives. Their songs like "Get Up" and "Go Get It" focus on empowerment, though "God in Me" drew criticism. They named The Clark Sisters, Shirley Caesar, The Winans, Aretha Franklin, and Stevie Wonder as major influences, and also looked to non-gospel artists for broader appeal.

Erica said in 2000 that they borrow from everyone, including rock, country, and R&B acts like Shania Twain, Eminem, and Dr. Dre, aiming for mass appeal without changing their beliefs. AllMusic’s David Jeffries called them a triple-threat with strong voices, songwriting, and producer choices, while Andy Kellman praised their upbeat, radio-friendly style as leading contemporary gospel. Their fashion was labeled edgy, with sister and stylist Thomasina "Goo Goo" Atkins describing it as fashionable yet comfortable, and Tina as more conservative.

Media critics often said their look was too secular or worldly for gospel artists. In 2014, Erica Campbell faced backlash for her debut solo album cover, which showed her in a white form-fitted dress seen as sexual; she swapped it for a close-up image.