Music Monday on Empty Streets: Mary J. Blige

Today am featuring a very special artist to me. Mary J. Blige is that artist, for many reasons but one thing stands out for all of her fans including myself - she has touched our hearts through her songs and has continued to do so all the way.

Here are a couple of things that you may not know about this fab singer:
Mary Jane Blige born January 11, 1971, is an American recording artist, record producer and actress. She has sold more than forty eight million albums worldwide. She has received over twenty-six Grammy Award nominations for her work, winning nine, and has been awarded the World Music Legends Award for combining hip hop and soul together. Blige's vocal range registers from alto to mezzo-soprano, but mostly performs in the mezzo-soprano range. Blige cites Anita Baker and Aretha Franklin as two of the most influential vocalists in her life.

In 2009 Mary J. Blige performed "Lean On Me" at the Presidential Inauguration Committee's, "We Are One: The Obama Inaugural Celebration at the Lincoln Memorial". Blige also performed "Just Fine" with a new intro at the Neighborhood Inaugural Ball after Barack Obama was sworn in as the first black president on January 20, 2009.
Blige was honored at the 2009 BET Honors ceremony and was paid tributes and honors by Anita Baker and R&B singer Monica.

While Blige toured with Robin Thicke, she worked on her upcoming ninth album. The first single titled "Good Love" was released on June 5, 2009. Blige's ninth studio album is expected for a release on August 18, 2009. She recently performed at Hot 97's 2009 Summer Jam Concert.

Here is a remix of one of her singles for you to enjoy:

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