MARY MARY RETURNS: SISTERS ANNOUNCE ‘STILL THANKFUL’ — FIRST ALBUM IN 15 YEARS

By iPraiseRadio.com Staff | Powered by @gospelnewsroom on YouTube

Los Angeles, CA – In one of gospel music’s most anticipated announcements, legendary sister duo Mary Mary has revealed plans for “Still Thankful,” their first new album in 15 years. The historic project, set for release in 2026, marks not only the reunion of Erica Campbell and Tina Campbell as Mary Mary, but also represents the duo’s first-ever live album—a full-scale worship experience designed to commemorate more than 25 years of groundbreaking ministry.

A 15-Year Journey: From Hiatus to Historic Reunion

The last time Mary Mary released an album as a duo was 2011’s Something Big, which debuted in the top 10 of the Billboard 200 Albums chart and produced hit singles “Walking” and “Sunday Morning”. Following that release, the sisters pursued individual solo careers while maintaining periodic reunions for special performances and their hit WE tv reality series Mary Mary, which ran for six seasons.

During their time apart, both sisters flourished individually. Erica Campbell’s solo debut album Help won a Grammy Award for Best Gospel Album, establishing her as a powerhouse in her own right. She also became the host of the nationally syndicated radio show “Get Up! Mornings with Erica Campbell,” expanding her influence beyond music.

Tina Campbell independently released her solo debut album It’s Personal in 2015, which won an NAACP Image Award for Outstanding Gospel Album. Her follow-up It’s Still Personal and the single “Too Hard Not To” received a Grammy nomination for Best Gospel Performance/Song.

Despite their successful solo ventures, fans never stopped hoping for a full Mary Mary reunion. “We quit Mary Mary at least six times a year but always come back because we realize that what we have together works. It’ll be more effective together,” Tina once said. “Plus, we can’t break the family up”.

Now, that hope has become reality.

“Still Thankful”: More Than an Album—A Sacred Gathering

Still Thankful is being described as “a bold live-recording concept envisioned to commemorate more than 25 years of ministry from gospel trailblazers Mary Mary”. But calling it simply an “album” doesn’t do justice to the vision behind this project.

“This is more than a reunion—it is a sacred gathering,” states the project’s official description. “A moment for supporters to show out for the Marys and My Block Inc., and for a new generation to witness the faith, fire, and sisterhood that changed gospel music forever”.

The live recording will capture Mary Mary performing before a multigenerational audience of worshipers and supporters, taking fans on a musical journey through the duo’s iconic catalog. The setlist promises to blend:

• Chart-topping hits that defined a generation
• Beloved deep cuts treasured by longtime fans
• Special surprise moments
• Brand-new material

The Dream Team: Adam Blackstone, Babyface, and Rodney Jerkins

To bring Still Thankful to life, Mary Mary has assembled a dream team of musical excellence:

Musical Director: Adam Blackstone
Under Blackstone’s direction, the live production promises “cinematic arrangements, dynamic band orchestration, and a spirit-filled atmosphere worthy of their impact on gospel and mainstream culture alike”. Blackstone, renowned for his work with everyone from Jay-Z to Janet Jackson to the Super Bowl halftime shows, brings a level of musical sophistication that will elevate Mary Mary’s signature sound while keeping it rooted in authentic worship.

Studio Tracks: Babyface and Rodney Jerkins
In addition to the live recording, Still Thankful will include brand-new studio tracks that reunite Erica and Tina with two of the most legendary producers in music history:

• Babyface (Baby Dubb): The 12-time Grammy-winning producer has crafted hits for everyone from Whitney Houston to Toni Braxton
• Rodney Jerkins (Darkchild): The hitmaker behind classics from Michael Jackson, Beyoncé, and countless R&B legends

These collaborations promise to “blend the soul of their classic sound with contemporary creativity,” honoring the sound that introduced Mary Mary to the world while pushing their ministry forward with fresh conviction.

The Complete Experience: Merchandise, Packaging, and Community

Still Thankful extends beyond the music itself. The project will feature:

• Special physical packaging designed as a collectible experience
• Thankful-themed merchandise created to be worn during the live recording
• A unified visual testimony of gratitude, praise, and legacy
• A complete worship atmosphere that transforms the album release into a sacred event

“The Still Thankful experience would also feature special physical packaging, collectible releases, and Thankful-themed merchandise designed to be worn during the show—turning the live recording into a unified, visual testimony of gratitude, praise, and legacy,” according to the project vision.

Mary Mary’s Legacy: 25+ Years of Breaking Barriers

To understand the significance of Still Thankful, one must appreciate the revolutionary impact Mary Mary has had on gospel music and American culture.

The Groundbreaking Debut

Sisters Erica Monique Atkins Campbell (born April 29, 1972) and Trecina Evette Atkins Campbell (born May 1, 1974) grew up in Inglewood, California, singing in the Church of God in Christ choir. Their parents were gospel singers, and the sisters grew up immersed in church music and ministry.

After years of background vocals, writing for other artists, and performing in traveling gospel shows, the sisters formed Mary Mary in 1998. They named themselves after two biblical figures: Mary, the mother of Jesus, and Mary Magdalene—one considered perfect, the other flawed but redeemed. The symbolism was intentional: “Their name, they explain, comes from two notable women in the Bible: Christ’s mother Mary, who was widely considered perfect, and Mary Magdalene, whose flaws and life improved after receiving Jesus’ love”.

On May 2, 2000, Mary Mary released their debut album Thankful, produced by Erica’s husband, Warryn Campbell. The album was an instant phenomenon, quickly selling more than one million copies and changing gospel music forever.

The lead single, “Shackles (Praise You),” released on February 29, 2000, became one of the best-selling gospel songs of all time. The track achieved something unprecedented: it became a Top 10 R&B hit and a Top 40 Hot 100 hit on the Billboard charts, while also dominating in international markets including Australia, Denmark, Iceland, New Zealand, Norway, and the United Kingdom.

“Shackles” was revolutionary not just for its commercial success, but for its sound. Mary Mary blended traditional gospel with hip-hop, R&B, soul, and contemporary production in a way that felt fresh yet faithful. They proved gospel music could be cool, contemporary, and commercially successful without compromising its message.

At the 43rd Annual Grammy Awards in 2001, Thankful won the Grammy for Best Contemporary Soul Gospel Album, confirming that Mary Mary had not just made noise—they had made history.

A Decade of Dominance

The success of Thankful was no fluke. Mary Mary followed it with a string of acclaimed albums:

Incredible (2002)
Their sophomore effort reached #1 on Billboard’s Gospel Albums chart, #10 on the R&B/Hip-Hop Albums chart, and #20 on the Top 200 Albums chart. The hit single “In The Morning” became another gospel radio staple.

Mary Mary (2005) and A Mary Mary Christmas (2006)
These releases continued their chart dominance and expanded their repertoire to include holiday classics.

The Sound (2008)
This album marked another watershed moment. The single “God In Me,” featuring Kierra “Kiki” Sheard, became a massive crossover hit that peaked at #7 on the Billboard 200 Album Chart—their highest-charting album to that point. The music video featured pop-hip-hop stars Kanye West and then-girlfriend Amber Rose, symbolizing Mary Mary’s ability to pierce mainstream pop culture.

“God In Me” won the Grammy for Best Gospel Song in 2010, while “Get Up” from the same album won Best Gospel Performance at the 51st Annual Grammy Awards in 2009.

Something Big (2011)
Their sixth studio album sold over 42,000 copies in its debut week and reached the top 10 of the Billboard 200 Albums chart. Singles “Walking” (which won a Soul Train Award for Best Gospel Performance) and “Sunday Morning” dominated gospel radio, with “Walking” peaking at #3 on the Hot Gospel Songs chart.

The Awards Cabinet: A Testament to Excellence

Over their 25+ year career, Mary Mary has accumulated one of the most impressive collections of honors in gospel music history:

Grammy Awards:

• 4 wins from 11 nominations
• Best Contemporary Soul Gospel Album (Thankful, 2001)
• Best Gospel Performance (“Get Up,” 2009)
• Best Gospel Song (“God in Me,” 2010)
• Best Gospel Song (“Go Get It,” 2013)

Other Major Honors:

• 2 American Music Awards (Favorite Contemporary Inspirational Artist, 2005 and 2009)
• 4 NAACP Image Awards (including Outstanding Gospel Artist, 2009, and Outstanding Song for “God in Me,” 2010)
• 4 Soul Train Awards
• 10 Stellar Awards
• 7 Dove Awards
• 3 BET Awards
• 2 Lady of Soul Awards
• 2 MOBO Awards
• 1 ASCAP Golden Note Award (2011)

Commercial Success:

• Over 6 million albums sold worldwide
• 37 total projects (as Mary Mary and solo)
• Multiple crossover hits reaching mainstream R&B and pop charts

Cultural Impact: Changing the Sound of Gospel

Mary Mary didn’t just make gospel music—they revolutionized it. “They are credited with expanding the reach of urban contemporary gospel in the 2000s by blending elements of soul, hip-hop, funk, and jazz,” their official bio states.

Their fashion was as bold as their sound. “Boasting a fresh take on Gospel music by mixing standards with contemporary flavor, the sibling duo’s edgy fashion also reflected their fresh style,” noted Essence Magazine.

Mary Mary influenced countless artists across genres, from gospel to R&B to pop. They performed at the White House for President George W. Bush and First Lady Laura Bush in 2005, celebrating Black Music Month. They collaborated with mainstream artists, appeared on major television shows, and proved that gospel artists could compete at the highest levels of the music industry without compromising their message.

Why Now? The Vision Behind “Still Thankful”

After 15 years, why reunite now? According to those close to the project, Still Thankful represents more than nostalgia or a greatest hits package. It’s a testimony to faithfulness, perseverance, and the power of gratitude.

“This is a vision cast to help make disciples,” the project description declares. In an era when gospel music faces questions about commercialization, authenticity, and relevance, Mary Mary’s return feels both timely and prophetic.

The live album format is particularly significant. Unlike a studio album where every element can be polished and perfected, a live recording captures raw worship, spontaneous moments, and genuine connection between artists and audience. It’s Mary Mary in their most authentic form—ministering, worshiping, and celebrating with God’s people.

“More than an album, Still Thankful is a celebration of legacy, testimony, and gratitude,” states the official announcement. “With collectible packaging and themed merchandise planned, the release invites both longtime fans and new listeners to rejoice in the faith, sisterhood, and influence that Mary Mary has brought to gospel and beyond”.

The Sisterhood: Erica and Tina’s Unique Dynamic

One of the most compelling aspects of Mary Mary has always been the authentic sister dynamic between Erica and Tina. They don’t pretend to be perfect—they openly discuss their disagreements, their different personalities, and their occasional desire to quit.

“The sisters say they have their feuds, particularly over song choice and administrative and creative issues, but also about simple things like time,” NPR reported in 2011.

But it’s precisely this authenticity that makes them relatable. They’re not just gospel singers—they’re “devoted wives and mothers who feel completely blessed to have such a longstanding and acclaimed career in music, while inspiring countless people through their faith”.

Their differences complement each other. Erica’s smooth, jazzy vocals paired with Tina’s powerful, soulful delivery create the unmistakable Mary Mary sound. Their harmonies are tight, their energy is infectious, and their ministry is genuine.

Special Guests and Surprises

While specific guest artists haven’t been announced yet, the Still Thankful vision includes “select special guests would join throughout the night, celebrating how Mary Mary’s music has shaped artists, worship leaders, and communities across decades”.

Given Mary Mary’s influence on contemporary gospel and praise & worship, potential collaborators could include anyone from Kirk Franklin to Kierra Sheard (who collaborated on “God in Me”) to younger artists who grew up inspired by the sisters’ groundbreaking work.

The inclusion of special guests would honor how Mary Mary’s ministry has rippled through generations, influencing everyone from church choir directors to Grammy-winning artists.

Bridging Past and Present: The New Studio Tracks

The decision to include brand-new studio recordings alongside the live material speaks to Mary Mary’s commitment to remaining relevant while honoring their roots. Working again with Babyface and Rodney Jerkins—legendary producers who helped define the R&B and pop sound of multiple generations—signals that these new songs will blend classic Mary Mary sensibilities with contemporary production.

“These new songs would bridge past and present—honoring the sound that introduced Mary Mary to the world while pushing their ministry forward with fresh conviction,” the vision states.

The Legacy of “Thankful”: Coming Full Circle

The title Still Thankful is a direct callback to Mary Mary’s debut album Thankful from 2000. It’s a statement: After 25+ years, after millions of albums sold, after Grammy Awards and cross