With a powerfully unique voice and a definitive sound, Mary Griffin consistently delivers soul stirring performances that captivate audiences around the world. Using her past as a spring board, Mary channels memories into melodies that are proud and strong. Her rich melodic sound and exciting performance style are rooted in the story of a pastor’s daughter with a passion for singing good music.

Born in Texas but raised in Louisiana, Mary was the eldest of three girls. As her voice matured, Mary developed a desire to sing beyond the walls of her father’s church. After attending North Eastern Louisiana University for two years, Mary was scouted by Grambling State University to receive a full scholarship and be a musical liaison for their performing arts department.

In 1987, after Mary’s first semester at Grambling, she became pregnant with her son. She decided to continue her education at Grambling, while singing, and making a way for her and her son. She would sing classical music during the day and belt soulful ballads at night in smoky clubs.

Singing for Grambling opened the door for Mary to sing on stages with Nancy Wilson, Phyllis Hyman, Bobby Blue Bland, Johnny Taylor, Betty Wright, The Temptations, and many more. Each performance increased Mary’s vocal confidence and brought her closer to her dream of singing internationally.

After opening for Millie Jackson, she received a compliment that led to her first professional tour. On stage Millie lovingly expressed that Mary had done such an exceptional job singing before her that she had made it hard for her to come behind her and that if anyone could do that, they could sing with her.

In four quick years, Mary completed her undergraduate degree and fluctuated between openings for major artists to singing in New Orleans Cabarets. Discovered by a writer at one of her performances, Mary was introduced to Michael Curb of Curb Records.

With Curb Records, Mary began singing for Movie soundtracks and was even featured in the movie Studio 54 where she portrayed the artist Amy Stewart and sang “Knock on Wood” for the soundtrack. She performed “Can’t Take My Eyes Off of You” with Frankie Valley for the closing credits of Conspiracy Theory. Mary also sang “I Wanna Get Back With You” for the movie Driven starring Burt Reynolds. Other notable movies that feature Mary’s voice include: Coyote Ugly and Ballistic X vs Sever.

After returning from Europe promoting and shooting the video for “Ain’t No Living Without You” by Louis Biancaniello and Sam Waters from Color Me Badd, she was privileged to have one of her songs selected by Celine Dion. “I Surrender” was an instant success with Celine and further drove Mary’s writing and singing out front. 

Tired of singing in the background for movie credits and burnt out on casting coins into her music wishing well, Mary received a call that rejuvenated her spirits. Now Mary was going to receive a continued education from the Doctor of soulful, spiritual, and sensational singing, Patti Labelle.

Touring with Patti Labelle brought exciting memories as well as lessons in music, love, and living. In 1998 Mary married her best friend and kept her commitments to family and music. However, in 2004 they divorced but remained the best of friends. She moved back to New Orleans and continued doing gigs and opening for internationally acclaimed artists.

Only after a year of being home, Hurricane Katrina ripped through Mary’s city and home forcing her to make a 21 hour drive to Houston, Texas. She didn’t have many contacts in Houston but she had to maintain her commitments with Patti Labelle. Mary was homeless but not hopeless. Her son was thankfully in college in Monroe, Louisiana so she only needed to find a place for her to sleep.

After a month of living like a nomad, Mary was asked to sing for Christina Aguilera in Johannesburg. Relieved to receive a long term gig that would provide a great sum of income and a place to stay, she was thankful. 

When Mary got back to Houston, she felt God directing her to a specific apartment complex where she was able to sign a lease. She didn’t have furniture, but at least she had a roof over her head.

Soon she was blessed with a gig at a jazz café in Houston. Samuel Pink, the owner of the jazz café, loved her voice and introduced her to her current management Ernest Walker.
Ernest opened doors for Mary to sing in churches, at political events, and concerts.

Singing at venues such as The National Gospel Music Heritage Month Celebration sponsored by Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee, Bill White, Mayor of Houston’s inauguration, and the birthday celebrations for the City of Houston, Mary keeps charging forward. Recently performing at The Galveston County Hope foundation with T.D. Jakes and Fred Hammond, Mary’s heart was moved to do more for others.