Singer, Song Writer Mary Cross
July 3, 2022
There are few artists who are the very definition of a generational talent. Mary Cross is one of them...from smooth Jazz to Classic Soul & RNB her voice takes you on a journey. Whether on repeat or the next song on the playlist…sit back, relax, listen and believe the lyrics she utters in a personal serenade that is meant exclusively for the listener...
Mary is quick to share that she enjoys the music and vocals of such artists as: Nina Simone, Oleta Adams, Gladys Knight, Diana Krall, Burt Bacharach, Lizz Wright and many more.
This highly sought-after independent artist with a unique, instantly identifiable contralto vocal instrument is described by some as ‘the Mother of Cool Smoke’.
Mary is back to celebrate LOVE with her Sophomore ballad release entitled: ‘PROMISE’ -- which does not fail 2INSPIRE and bring JOY to listeners. This highly anticipated single was released on January 8, 2021 and the Official Music Video premiered January 15th.
Mary’s musical influence began when introduced to the music of Phyllis Linda Hyman and Nancy Wilson. The impression was not only their beautiful, iconic voices but the elegant attire they wore on stage while engaging audiences. Such great women of song solidified Mary’s commitment to create INSPIRING music.
Fresh off her debut single, In Love, There's A Risk, Mary is back with her highly anticipated single entitled PROMISE’. Captivating from the moment that you press play, it starts off with a lovely piano-led melody and the beautiful alto sax interpretation by the amazing Carl Cox and the further accompaniment of ‘lush’ strings.
PROMISE, written by Mary, is a timeless classic soul ballad with a smooth jazz feel. She has teamed up for a 3rd time, with Philadelphia's own Grammy Nominated Producer Donald Robinson (credits: Rachelle Ferrell, Nancy Wilson, Phyllis Hyman, Vanessa L. Williams and many other artists).
PROMISE is reminiscent of timeless classic soul music that takes its time to deliver and leaves you yearning for more. Mary rides the melody perfectly bellowing low registry vocal tonalities reminiscent of the late great Phyllis Hyman as she sings on the chorus, "promise to be faithful / promise to be grateful / promise that you love me / always thinking of me." The song is in celebration of EVERY person who has or shall ever make the PROMISE."
Mary’s rich and dynamic vocals consistently deliver show stopping performances across the United States. The NJ-born and raised singer-songwriter takes audiences on a journey, as she masterfully executes renditions of contemporary and old-school Jazz and Classic R&B. She has performed for the Jazz Fests, and served as opening act for Eban Brown (former voice of the Stylistics); Chris Thomas (The Mayor) Comedy Showcases; ‘Luther Relives’ concerts and is locally sponsored sold out concerts.
Mary founded the band 2NspireU which consists of 5 musicians and 3 vocalists the combined years of music expertise exceed 80 years. They perform everything from Jazz, Soft Rock, R&B, Classic Soul and Gospel. They have performed for many organizations including Robert Wood Johnson, Our Lady of Lourdes (now Virtua) Healthcare, Cooper University Medical Center, Country Clubs, private, public and community events sponsored by city, state and local government. She also headlined the NAACP & Gloucester County Sheriff’s Department Juneteenth event in 2020.
For more information, please visit www.marycross.org, marycrossmusic@gmail.com.
In addition to PROMISE hitting #1 on Amazon UK Hot New Releases, she has charted on a number of charts (UK Soul Chart, Urban Influencers Soul & RnB Charts, Teerexradioteerex, ACXIT and many more. Interviewed with many including Mary Cumming Jordan of WHYY’s NPR Radio Show (Radio Times). Mary has also been featured by in Frontrunner editorials, News Journals, television, Vlogs, Blogs and a multitude of Radio presenters and DJs worldwide.
