RnB icon Mary J Blige has been inducted into the Apollo Theater’s Walk of Fame. On Friday, May 28 in New York City’s Harlem, the nine-time Grammy award-winning singer was honoured with a plaque for her contributions to pop music, American and Black culture, while continuing to bring generations together and inspire young artists around the world.
Fans and media gathered in front of the historic building, as the theatre’s executive producer Kamilah Forbes introduced Blige with a celebratory run-through of her legendary career and accomplishments. The Family Affairs singer accepted the historic honour in a black and green, zebra-pattern, sequined halterneck jumpsuit by Ashish.
“Thank y’all so so much. I want to thank my fans. Man, none of this is possible without the fans, so thank you to all the fans,” Blige said, as she stood before a glass podium. “And I’ve got something special coming for y’all [on] June 25th. It’s the My Life documentary.”
After thanking the Apollo, Blige shared how her first rubbing the “Tree of Hope” stump was as a backup singer. “My very first time performing here at the Apollo, I was not on stage as myself. I was on stage singing background for Jeff Gray. And then from there on, it was all history, Mary J. Blige history, so, thank y’all so so so much for everything.”
Amazon Studios and eOne reportedly picked up My Life under Blige’s own production company, Blue Butterfly. The Umbrella Academy actress was the co-executive producer of the autobiographical project with Sean “Diddy” Combs. The film will expectedly give “a personal and never before seen look into the emotional journey of Mary J Blige’s past struggles with poverty, abuse, addiction, and heartbreak.”
