Sister Act
Much has changed in recent years for Tina and Erica Campbell, the duo known as Mary Mary. But marriage, motherhood, and music haven't prevented them from becoming loving sisters and servants to the world.
by Andree Farias | posted 7/11/2005
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Most know them as the potent voices behind the smash single "Shackles," but there's much more to Mary Mary's Tina and Erica Campbell than their runaway 2000 hit. Since then, the sisters have recorded two albums (including their eponymous third effort, releasing July 19) and both have married and become mothers. Though their gospel stardom has opened incredible doors for them—platinum records, Grammy awards, and singing for President Bush—they've maintained normalcy in their lifestyle, avoiding the trappings of diva-like pretensions. In this candid interview with Christian Music Today, Erica and Tina tell us the secret behind this normalcy, and how keeping it all in the family is what does the trick for them.
A lot has changed in recent years for Erica (left) and Tina Campbell, but their sisterly bond and their singing are as strong as ever.
You first erupted on the scene when "Shackles" exploded on the radio in 2000. Have you ever been afraid of the "one-hit-wonder" title?
Tina Campbell We actually haven't. Our core fan base, the gospel and the CCM communities, knows us for much more than just that song. But many people do know us for "Shackles" because it was our breakout song. As long as our message is helping to change the lives of people in any community, then it's not about the one-hit wonder thing.
When your second album came out in 2002, sales had already started to wane. That album [Incredible] didn't match up to the commercial expectations set by your debut [Thankful].
Erica Campbell Not at all. I think the music speaks for itself. Some songs get lots of attention. Some songs don't, but they still have a positive impact and really change lives. That's what it's all about. I know that's what took place on the second record. The world at large wasn't that familiar with the record. [But] popularity isn't the most important thing for us. Changing lives is.
Tina Also, the business of music has changed drastically since the first record. There have been huge mergers, the advent of Napster, and downsizing of labels. Our second record came in the midst of all of that. When we were performing, people asked when we'd release our second album, even though it had already been out for six weeks. So I definitely think it may not have gotten the push the first one got.
Now you have a new album. In it, you explore many different sounds, including some 1920s, big band-type music. Was that your idea?
Tina That was Warryn Campbell's idea. When he came to us with it, we were a little resistant. But I'm always up to the challenge. I want to grow with different musical styles and different challenges. Regardless, we're always talking about God, and I think these different seasons show how awesome he is.
Gospel audiences are very protective and jealous of their own. They don't like to see their favorite artists on MTV or on a secular outlet, yet this album has a lot of mainstream potential. How do you deal with that?
Erica I think of it like this: When a mother has a son, he's always going to be her son. But when another woman comes into his life—a girlfriend, wife, whatever—the mother tends to protect him. I think that's what the gospel audience is doing—protecting their own from people who don't believe what they believe. At times it may come across as defensive and be viewed in a negative way. That's just the way it works. But it's okay as long as the music is well respected and well received for what it truly is. We don't acknowledge the negativity either way because it doesn't help our cause, which is that of Jesus Christ: his grace, his goodness, and his love.
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