Watch gospel's finest, Mary Mary, sing stirring rendition of ‘Lift Every Voice’ at Super Bowl LVI
Mary Mary sings “Lift Every Voice and Sing” at Super Bowl LVI Sunday, Feb. 13, 2022 (Source: EEW Magazine Online)
By Annette Bennett // Gospel // EEW Magazine Online
For gospel lovers, one of the biggest highlights of Super Bowl LVI was hearing Grammy-winning gospel duo, Mary Mary, deliver a stirring rendition of “Lift Every Voice and Sing,” best known as the “Black National Anthem.”
Erica Campbell, 49, and Trecina Atkins-Campbell,47, filled the SoFi Stadium with melodious harmonies and gospel pride, as they belted the iconic hymn arranged by Derrick Hodge.
Mary Mary poses for a snap with Derrick Hodge who arranged the version of the “Black National Anthem” the Grammy-winning pair sang on Super Bowl Sunday. (Credit: Instagram/Mary Mary)
Adorned in matching sparkling blue outfits, their voices rang with the harmonies of liberty with the pair hitting each note flawlessly while accompanied by the Youth Orchestra of Los Angeles, conducted by Thomas Wilkins.
After they finished their rousing performance, Mary Mary shared their excitement on Instagram, posting, “God is so good! We’re just thankful for this incredible experience.”
Mary Mary poses with conductor of Youth Orchestra of Los Angeles, Thomas Wilkins, on Super Bowl Sunday. (Credit: Instagram/Mary Mary)
Fans showed their appreciation online, and in the stadium, as applause broke out, and social media comments flowed in noting how “beautiful” the ladies sounded.
Styled by their younger sister, Thomasina “Goo Goo” Atkins, it was a family affair to be sure. The always fashion forward Goo Goo, 43, chose ensembles featuring glittering sequins, with Erica Campbell wearing a sophisticated jumper and Tina Atkins-Campbell perfectly complementing her sister’s elegance with a chic jacket and pants set with white sneakers.
Credit: EEW Magazine/Screen Capture
As previously reported by EEW Magazine Online, when it was first announced that Mary Mary would be performing in the stadium based in Inglewood, CA, their hometown, they let it be known that it was a huge honor—and on Sunday, they took full advantage of the honor and rose to the occasion spectacularly.
During Sunday’s performance, though the sisters, who have sold eight million records worldwide and won four Grammys, were out front, they remembered to thank Hodge and Wilkins for lending their “talents to a wonderful performance today!”
Mary Mary added, “From the arrangement to the orchestra accompaniment and everything in between, we are greatly appreciative!! It’s been wonderful working with you all over the past few months.”
“Lift Every Voice and Sing” was written in 1899 by James Weldon Johnson. His brother, John Rosamond Johnson, composed the music. The song was prominently used as a rallying cry during the Civil Rights Movement of the 1950s and 1960s.
Thus, it was both fitting and powerful for Mary Mary to sing it during Black History Month.