Mary Brown

Grammy-Award nominated Singer/Songwriter Mary Brown has always been a quiet storm within the industry. This multi-talented, soft spoken New Jersey native has held many titles over the years. Executive, Producer, Vocal Coach, A&R, Mentor, Philanthropist, and more. On MTV’s runaway hit MakingTheBand3, the head-honcho/superstar-maker, Sean “P. Diddy” Combs hailed Mary’s songwriting style and melodic nature... Knighting this young woman’s ability with a PLATINUM co-sign on national television. I believe the phrase he used was, quote- “Mary Brown... she’s got a mean pen game”- unquote. She used that pen game on the show to co-write Day26’s debut single “Got Me Goin”, on their self-titled album. Again Mary co-wrote the second single for Danity Kane, ”Bad Girl” ft. Missy Elliott as well as, “Ecstasy” Featuring Rick Ross on their album, “Welcome to the Dollhouse”. Both groups had gold & platinum Billboard chart topping albums. Mary’s self-named publishing company, Ms. Mary's Music, has an established dream team of in-house talent she lovingly calls, “The Formulah”, where her musical canvases come to life.

Born with music in her soul, Mary, an operatically trained singer, began her journey studying music and voice before securing the Governor's Award as a teenager at the New Jersey Performing Arts Center Competition, thus earning her a full scholarship to Rutgers University. She steered in a slightly different direction shortly thereafter and landed a record deal as 1/3 of a promising (but short-lived) girl group. After the disbandment of her group, Mary began session and background work for a young Brandy Norwood, Bobby Brown, her fellow Jersey native Whitney Houston and Guy. Some hard work and a short while later, Mary got an opportunity to invest herself in one more girl group: the one and only “Destiny’s Child". The result for the [formally 3x’s dropped] group was her writing their first Billboard #1 Single and international smash hit “No, No, No”, which trampolined them into success! Various singles, albums, and movie soundtrack placements later, Mary became the songwriter/arranger to see.

Mary has amassed career credentials that have solidified her as a phenomenal creative force and an innovator. Her body of work has stood the test of time and her catalog remains highly valued and frequently sampled by today’s hottest stars. The most recent of these being heartthrob Jack Harlow sampling Mary’s first hit (there goes that “No, No, No” again!), on his record breaking, Grammy nominated new LP, “Come Home The Kids Miss You”- on the albums’ intro no less [Talk Of The Town.] Also, YBN Nahmir's, “Still” (Family) featuring Ty Dolla $ign. Mary’s vocals can be heard on Roddy Rich & DJ Mustard, “Ballin’” and Summer Walkers’, “Body”. While the list of industry giants Mary has worked with and art she has poured her pen & voice into thus far is quite extensive, she has had some notable collaborators: Mary J. Blige, Wyclef Jean, Jaheim, Queen Latifah, Slightly Stoopid, Anthony Hamilton, Macy Gray, Maggie Rose, Diana Ross, Patti LaBelle, LL Cool J, 702, SWV, Usher, and had the pleasure of lending her gift to the King of Pop himself, Michael Jackson, on what would be his final studio album while living, “Invincible”, and more.

Mary is the recipient of several awards including the Soul Train’s coveted Lady of Soul Award and four (4) BMI Publisher & Songwriter’s Awards, one of the highest honors in the music industry. Holding the seat as Co-Chair for the Recording Academy’s Songwriters & Composers Wing of the NYC Chapter 2022-2023 allows Ms. Brown to make a difference behind the scenes for fellow creators as a devoted advocate.

Though Mary went on to have more hit records and many successes in the music industry, she has never left her community behind, whether it be enlightening today’s industry up and comers, or time spent volunteering at various non-profit organizations, such as GrassROOTS Org. (a non-profit founded by Black Thought of “The Roots”). Mary also consults at various workshops (including her own), focusing on music structure, the music business, voice and songwriting throughout the US and other parts of the globe. As an adjunct professor, Mary loves to dip into the well of knowledge she’s amassed and share it with this next generation of talented youth. Additionally, Mary recently appeared at the United Nations Women for Peace Associations’ Annual Awards Ceremony where she spoke and performed Aretha Franklin’s classic smash, Natural Woman.

Ms. Mary Brown continues to thrive for being better, living better and loving better; “Sharing your knowledge is the best way to be a steady and consistent source of creativity in the game,” she says. Perhaps her “storm” isn't so quiet after all.