Impacting the Culture
the legacy of mary brown
Mary Brown is an American, Grammy-Nominated Singer, Songwriter, Vocal Producer, Arranger, and Adjunct Professor at NYU Tisch School of the Arts; who is best known for writing Destiny’s Child “No, No, No”, as well as, co-writing Jaheim’s “Fabulous” and “Put That Woman First”.
BIOGRAPHY
the beginning
With 15x RIAA Platinum-Certified and 6x RIAA Gold-Certified credits, Brown was born with music in her soul. As the niece of McArthur Munford, a member of the Billboard-topping group, The Spellbinders, she began her journey studying music and voice early in life. As an operatically trained singer, the New Jersey-native secured the Governor’s Award as a teenager at the New Jersey Performing Arts Center Competition, which earned her a scholarship to Rutgers University for Music studies. During her first semester of college, Brown landed a record deal with Reprise Records as a member of Teddy Riley’s girl-group trio Abstrac’. The group’s hit-single, “Right and Hype”, was listed on the Billboard Hot 100 for six weeks and also appeared on the Hot Black Singles chart, achieving a position of 23 and appearing for 17 weeks.
"One love, one heart, one destiny."
- Bob Marley
After the disbandment of her group, Brown began session and background work for a young Brandy Norwood, Bobby Brown, Guy, Whitney Houston; as well as working on Hi Five’s hit single “I Like The Way (The Kissing Game)” for which Brown is the main vocalist on the hook.
Her tenacity, talent and hard work on previous projects provided her with the opportunity to work with Destiny’s Child, writing the group’s first Billboard #1 Single and smash hit “No, No, No”, which trampolined them into global success. With this notoriety and her work on various singles, albums and movie soundtrack placements, Brown became a highly sought after songwriter and vocalist, due to her ability to consistently deliver hits.
THE MARY BROWN EFFECT
creating nothing but hits...
Brown’s songwriting and vocal ability was co-signed on national television when she appeared as a guest songwriter and vocal producer/arranger on MTV’s hit television shows, “Making Da Band” and “Making The Band 3”.
“Mary Brown... she’s got a mean pen game”.
She used that pen game to co-write Day26’s debut single “Got Me Goin” and “Come In (My Door is Open)”, and the second single for Danity Kane titled, ”Bad Girl” ft. Missy Elliott; as well as, “Ecstasy” Featuring Rick Ross, on their Platinum and Billboard topping album “Welcome to the Dollhouse”.
THE REWARDS
AWARDS & HONORS
Brown has amassed career credentials that have solidified her as a phenomenal creative force and an innovator. She is the recipient of multiple 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.
While the lists of industry giants she has worked with and projects she has poured her craft into thus far is quite extensive, some of her most notable collaborators include 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, Syleena Johnson, and her fellow Jersey native Whitney Houston. In addition, she also 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”.
INFLUENCING GENERATIONS OF MUSIC
continuing the legacy
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 Jack Harlow sampling Brown’s first hit “No, No, No” for “Talk Of The Town”, which became the intro of his record-breaking, 3x Grammy nominated LP, “Come Home The Kids Miss You”. Other recent placements include YBN Nahmir’s song, “Still (Family)” featuring Ty Dolla $ign, Roddy Rich’s “Ballin” featuring DJ Mustard, Summer Walkers’ single “Body”, and DVSN’s “Flawless (Do it Well)”.
BUILDING AN EMPIRE
She's got the Formulah...
In addition to her work as a songwriter, Brown provides opportunities to other talented individuals through her music publishing company, Ms. Mary’s Music. The company has an established dream team of in-house talent she lovingly calls, “The Formulah”, where her musical canvases come to life.
Throughout the years, Brown has held many titles from Producer, Vocal Coach, Executive, and A&R, to Mentor, Philanthropist, and more. In 2023, Brown agreed to serve as Co-Chair for the Recording Academy’s Songwriters & Composers Wing of the NYC Chapter.
STAYING CONNECTED WITH THE COMMUNITY
giving back
With all her success, she has never left her community behind. Whether it be enlightening the next generation of artists, songwriters, and industry professionals through various workshops focusing on music structure, the music business, voice, and songwriting throughout the US and other parts of the globe; or the time spent volunteering at various non-profit organizations, such as GrassROOTS.org (a non-profit founded by Black Thought of The Roots); Brown remains committed to being a catalyst for the success of her community.
Recently, she appeared at the United Nations Women For Peace Associations’ Annual Awards Ceremony where she spoke and performed Aretha Franklin’s classic smash, “Natural Woman”.
“Sharing your knowledge is the best way to be a steady and consistent source of creativity in the game,”
Brown continues to thrive for being better, living better and loving better.
She has also been developing her acting chops, studying alongside Emmy Award Winner Joe Morton (“Scandal’s”) and Acting Coach Tracey Moore, who are the creators of the show, “Inside The Black Box”. Brown has also studied with famed Director, Actress, and Acting Coach, Tasha Smith; in which she plans to use these skills in her future endeavors.
WHAT'S NEXT
making an impact
Currently, Brown is an Adjunct Professor at the NYU Tisch School of Arts through the Clive Davis Institute of Recorded Music.
Partnering with the NYC Mayor’s Office of Media and Entertainment, she will deliver two programs during NYC Music Month 2024, at which she will announce the public release of her educational workshop series, The Recipe, which is focused on developing the skills and business acumen of both teen and adult talent.
Additionally, after over 20 years behind the scenes, Brown is preparing for the release of her highly anticipated debut solo Pop/R&B album, which takes many cues from her Jersey roots.
The Discography
Mary Brown is a proven hitmaker, creating music across various genres. Check out all of the amazing work in her creative portfolio.
