Mary Mary proved to be the perfect act to perform “Lift Every Voice and Sing” at Super Bowl LVI. The urban contemporary gospel duo, composed of sisters Erica Campbell and Trecina Atkins-Campbell, took over the SoFi Stadium with their powerful rendition of the iconic hymn known as the “Black National Anthem.” Accompanied by the Youth Orchestra of Los Angeles, Mary Mary, who dared to impress in sparkling blue outfits, hit every note flawlessly as they belted out the first lyrics, “Lift every voice and sing, Till earth and heaven ring.”
Mary Mary sing Lift Every Voice and Sing 🔥 #SuperBowl #nfl #BlackHistoryMonth pic.twitter.com/7lR3qfh8z4
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While the audience was moved by the emotional presentation, Mary Mary wowed them with their fearless fashion as well. The darling duo looked every inch the musical icons in their matching blue ensembles featuring a plethora of sparking sequins. One of the outfits was a sophisticated full-length dress, as the other was a casual, yet chic, jacket and pants set.
When it was announced Mary Mary would be taking part of the sports extravaganza at the new Inglewood, California stadium, the sisters, who were born in Inglewood, took to social media to relay their enthusiasm for the huge opportunity. “We’re so excited to represent INGLEWOOD at #SBLVI with our performance of Lift Every Voice and Sing,” the duo wrote on Instagram, alongside promo art for the performance. “Tune in. You won’t want to miss it!” Their fans will certainly be excited for the halftime show as well, as five music icons — Dr. Dre, Snoop Dogg, Mary J. Blige, Eminem and Kendrick Lamar — will perform together on one stage!
Look at Mary Mary! We need another album! #SuperBowl pic.twitter.com/fshAnsqlRe
— 𝚜𝚘𝚞𝚕 𝚝𝚛𝚊𝚒𝚗 𝚎𝚗𝚝𝚑𝚞𝚜𝚒𝚊𝚜𝚝. (@travisfromdabk_) February 13, 2022
Erica and Trecina first brought their musical talents together to form Mary Mary in 1998 and released their best-selling debut album, “Thankful,” two years later. It featured the hit single “Shackles (Praise You).” Since then, they have sold more than eight million records worldwide and have been nominated for eleven Grammy Awards, winning four times, including once for Best Gospel Performance and for Best Cotemporary Soul Gospel Album. The siblings have also garnered nominations and awards from the American Music Awards, BET Awards, Image Awards, NAACP Image Awards, and many more.
“Lift Every Voice and Sing” was written in 1899 by James Weldon Johnson, while his brother John Rosamond Johnson composed the music. According to the NAACP, where James was the civil rights organization’s first Black leader, the song is known as the “Black National Anthem.” The song has been considered both a lyrical history and vision of the future for Black Americans. It was prominently used as a rallying cry during the Civil Rights Movement of the 1950s and 1960s.