Mary J. Blige in Atlanta

Mary J. Blige is an American R&B and soul singer, songwriter and actress, born in New York City in 1971 and raised in Yonkers. Her 1992 debut, What’s the 411?, set her gospel-rooted vocals against hip-hop production, while My Life deepened the personal writing that became a hallmark of her work. Her best-known songs include “Real Love,” “Not Gon’ Cry,” “Family Affair” and “Be Without You.” The 2008 Heart of the City Tour paired her with Jay-Z for a North American arena run. She co-headlined The Liberation Tour with D’Angelo in 2012, then returned to arenas in 2022 on the Good Morning Gorgeous Tour, supported by Ella Mai and Queen Naija. Madison Square Garden in New York is part of her arena history. At festivals, she has performed at New Orleans’ Essence Festival and on Glastonbury’s Pyramid Stage.