Artist Biographies

Watch videos of Mary J. Blige performing live on Private Sessions.

Global superstar, actress, singer/writer/producer Mary J Blige, is a nine-time Grammy award winning singer and songwriter, with eight multi-platinum records and over 40 million albums sold since her 1992 debut of the modern classic What's the 411. She has helped to redefine R&B, and more importantly has been an artist that uses her gift of song to lift spirits and touch lives while bringing her heart, soul and truth to those who are willing to listen. She is loved for her passionate, chart-topping hits like "Be Without You," "No More Drama," and "Family Affair" all of which have made her a force in music. Blige's newest contribution, Stronger With Each Tear, is due for release on December 22, 2009.

Vanity Fair's Lisa Robinson recently called Mary "the empresses of soul." That she is; but Mary is so much more. As a multi-faceted mogul – Mary owns Matriarch Records, which produced the soundtrack for the heavily buzzed about film "Precious – Based on the Novel Push By Sapphire" and co-owns Carol's Daughter along with Will Smith, Jada Pinkett and Jay-Z. Mary has also worked her celebrity in the world of philanthropy starting with the M-A-C AIDS Fund as a Spokesperson as well as starting her own foundation, FFAWN, The Foundation for the Advancement of Women Now, that she co-found with Steve Stoute in 2008. FFAWN focuses on inspiring women of all walks of life to reach their full potential and recently opened the Mary J. Blige Center for Women, based in her hometown of Yonkers, NY.

One who's star never fails to shine; Mary has become more involved with her TV and film career. She most recently was a part of the cast for Tyler Perry's "I Can Do Bad By Myself" and has recently appeared on hit TV shows such as 30 Rock and Entourage. Her own Matriarch Entertainment, home to Matriarch Records, has also formed a TV and Film component that has begun developing projects to be released in the near future.

Only on A&E's Private Sessions- Mary J. Blige sits down for an exclusive interview with Lynn Hoffman. Plus, exclusive performances of greatest hits "No More Drama" and "Be Without You" as well as latest hits, "I Am" and "I Can See In Color"! And surprise guests, Elton John, Anita Baker and director, Lee Daniels.