Discovering Mary Mary: The Inspiring Journey Of Gospel Duo Erica And Trecina
Le Gospel duo Mary Mary Être celle que Dieu a crée FemmEsprit Magazine
Mary Mary is not just a name; it’s a legacy in the realm of urban contemporary gospel music. This dynamic duo, consisting of Erica Campbell and Trecina Atkins-Campbell, has been captivating audiences with their powerful voices and heartfelt lyrics since they burst onto the scene in 1998. The sisters are set to perform “Lift Every Voice and Sing” with LA Phil’s Youth Orchestra Los Angeles at Super Bowl LVI, marking yet another milestone in their remarkable career.
With a rich history and a bright future, Mary Mary embodies the essence of gospel music, blending traditional spirituals with modern sounds that resonate with fans worldwide. As we dive deeper into their story, you’ll discover their unique journey, personal lives, and the incredible impact they've had on the gospel genre!
They’re Real Sisters
Mary Mary (Rob Latour/Shutterstock).
The gospel duo was born Erica Monique Atkins and Trecina Evette Atkins into a family of seven siblings in Inglewood, California. Their mother, Thomasina Atkins, served as an evangelist and choir director, while their father, Eddie A. Atkins, held roles in youth counseling at the church. With such a nurturing background, it’s no wonder that Erica and Trecina developed a passion for music early in life.
Being so close in age (Erica born in 1972 and Trecina in 1974) fostered a special bond, allowing them to grow together as both sisters and musical partners. Their upbringing in a religious environment further encouraged their love for gospel music, setting the stage for their future in the industry.
Their Last Names Are ‘Campbell’ by Coincidence
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Interestingly, both Erica and Trecina carry the last name “Campbell,” which can be confusing since they are biological sisters. They adopted their husbands' surnames after marriage, but their spouses are not related. Erica is married to record producer Warryn Campbell, and Trecina is married to musician Teddy Campbell, known for his role as a drummer on American Idol. The sisters seem to have a preference for partners with the same last name and shared interests in the music industry!
They’ve Been in the Music Business Since 1998
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Mary Mary officially entered the music industry in 1998 after meeting producer Warryn Campbell, who is also Erica's husband. Their big break came with a deal from EMI, allowing them to contribute to various movie soundtracks like Dr. Dolittle and The Prince of Egypt. As their popularity grew, they signed with Columbia Records and adopted the name Mary Mary, honoring biblical figures Mary, the mother of Jesus, and Mary Magdalene.
Throughout the 2000s, they released several chart-topping albums, establishing themselves as a significant force in the gospel world. Erica once shared with the Los Angeles Times, “I’m not a big fan of fluff-and-stuff music. There are times for that, when you just want to affirm that you’re happy. But life is ups and downs, and sometimes you need something to help you feel like you’re not going crazy all by yourself.”
They’ve Won Numerous Accolades
Over the years, Erica and Trecina have been nominated for a total of eleven Grammy awards, winning four, including prestigious titles like Best Gospel Performance and Best Contemporary Soul Gospel Album. Their success doesn't stop there; they've also garnered nominations and wins for various awards from the American Music Awards, BET Awards, Image Awards, NAACP Image Awards, and many more.
They Had Their Own Reality Show & Other Solo Projects
