ABOUT
Mary Cross
Award-Winning Vocalist
Producer • Songwriter • Bandleader
• Classic Soul
Award-winning vocalist Mary Cross is a New Jersey singer-songwriter, arranger, producer, bandleader, and arts advocate whose rich contralto voice and soulful performances have captivated audiences for more than twenty years. Blending jazz, classic soul, and R&B, she is celebrated for elegant performances that honor musical legends while showcasing her own original artistry.
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A repeat recipient of the NJPAC North to Shore Community Arts Award, Mary has built an impressive independent career producing acclaimed, sold-out tribute concerts honoring icons including Phyllis Hyman, Roberta Flack, Angie Stone, Oleta Adams, and Mahalia Jackson. She leads the Mary Cross Jazz Ensembles, one of the region's few female-led jazz groups with an ongoing residency at Eddie V's Prime Seafood, and has performed at festivals and venues across the country alongside artists including The Stylistics, The Manhattans, Regina Carter, Catherine Russell, Marcus Johnson, Raheem DeVaughn, Carl Thomas, Gerald Veasley, Eric Roberson, and Denise King.
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Her original recordings include the jazz EP Sentimental Journey and the line dance single Steppin' 2Gether, while her nonprofit Muzikworks reflects her passion for mentoring emerging artists and expanding access to live music in local communities.
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Born in Camden, New Jersey, and raised in foster care, Mary has built her career through faith, perseverance, and an unwavering commitment to authenticity. Whether performing beloved classics or her own original music, she creates memorable experiences that celebrate the enduring power of jazz, soul, and timeless storytelling.
An Artist Rooted in Passion
20+ Years
Professional Performer
Sold-Out
Tribute Productions
Female-Led
Jazz Ensembles
NJPAC
Community Arts Award
43rd Annual
Willingboro Jazz Festival
The Journey
Behind every performance is a story of resilience, passion, and an unwavering commitment to preserving the timeless beauty of jazz and soul music.
From Humble Beginnings
Born in Camden, New Jersey, and raised in foster care from just six days old, Mary transformed a difficult beginning into a life defined by resilience, compassion, and purpose. Music became her refuge, her healing, and ultimately her calling—a way to connect people across generations through timeless songs and authentic storytelling.
Building an Independent Career
Guided by her mantra, "No Agent. No Manager. No Sponsors. Just Pure Love & Passion for Music," Mary has built a remarkable independent career grounded in faith, perseverance, and artistic integrity.
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She launched her professional career by founding the 10-piece band 2NspireU before expanding her vision with the Mary Cross Jazz Quartet and Mary Cross Jazz Quintet, collectively known as the Mary Cross Jazz Ensembles. Today, they hold the rare distinction of being one of the few female-led jazz ensembles with a 3+ year residency at the Darden Family Eddie V's Prime Seafood franchise, performing regularly in Princeton, Cherry Hill, and King of Prussia.
Performing Across the Country
Mary continues to perform on stages throughout the region and beyond. She returns this year to perform at the
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43rd Annual Willingboro Jazz Festival
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and has appeared at the
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Edelman Fossil Park and Museum
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New York Gotham Jazz Festival
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Chicken Bone Beach Jazz Festival
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Clef Club
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South Jazz Kitchen
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the Pennsylvania Convention Center
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Community Education Center
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Wiggins Waterfront Park
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Adventure Aquarium
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Scottish Rite Theatre
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Zeider's American Dream Theatre
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NY Gotham Jazz Festival
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Nicetown Festival
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Germantown Festival
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Hotels and Country Clubs
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NJ Soul Line Dance Festival (Burlington Waterfront)
and numerous performing arts venues. She has shared the stage with acclaimed artists including
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The Stylistics
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The Manhattans
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The Blue Notes
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Catherine Russell
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Regina Carter
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Marcus Johnson
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Raheem DeVaughn
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Carl Thomas
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Gerald Veasley
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Eric Roberson
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Denise King
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Ella Ghant
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Matt Baker
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Donald Robinson
and many others.
Signature Tribute Productions
Mary's signature tribute productions have become some of the region's most celebrated concert events. As a repeat recipient of the NJPAC North to Shore Community Arts Award, she has produced self-funded, sold-out tributes honoring
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Phyllis Hyman
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Roberta Flack
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Angie Stone
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Oleta Adams
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Mahalia Jackson
Praised for their emotional depth, elegance, and authenticity, these performances introduce timeless music to new audiences while rekindling treasured memories for longtime fans.
Inspired by legendary artists including
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Phyllis Hyman
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Sarah Vaughan
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Nancy Wilson
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Roberta Flack
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Gladys Knight
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Natalie Cole
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Nina Simone
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Oleta Adams
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Gregory Porter
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Lizz Wright
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Angie Stone
Mary's own vocal style is warm, expressive, and instantly recognizable. Frequently compared to Phyllis Hyman for the richness of her tone, she brings both reverence and originality to every performance.
Original Music
Alongside her live performances, Mary continues to expand her catalog of original music. Her releases include the singles In Love There's a Risk, Promise, and Say It; the jazz EP Sentimental Journey
and her first line dance single, Steppin' 2Gether, produced with acclaimed drummer and producer Stix Bones and featuring the "CROSS Step," choreographed by renowned instructor Kenny J. She is currently developing new jazz, soul, holiday, and collaborative recording projects.
Community Impact
As CEO and Founder of 2NspireU, LLC, Mary Cross Music, and Muzikworks, Mary has produced sold-out concerts, curated livestream performances during the pandemic, partnered with organizations including the IDEA Center for the Performing Arts and the Trumpet Chics, and created meaningful opportunities for independent musicians across the Delaware Valley.
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Her commitment to service extends well beyond the stage. A proud member of Musicians' Local 77-274, Mary is a passionate advocate for live music and for ensuring working musicians have opportunities to share their gifts with audiences. She also supports initiatives benefiting mental wellness through NAMI Philadelphia, foster children, youth in the arts, seniors, veterans, and St. Jude Children's Research Hospital. Portions of proceeds from her tribute concerts help support these causes, and her dedication to community service earned her a commendation from the Camden City Council.
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A lifelong student of music, Mary continues to refine her craft through professional development, including the annual Vocal Jazz Summit, NY Hot Jazz Camp, and the annual APAP Conference in New York City and Voices of Philadelphia. She believes that growth as an artist never ends and remains committed to learning, evolving, and inspiring others through music.
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​Whether leading her jazz ensembles, presenting acclaimed tribute productions, or performing her original music, Mary Cross brings authenticity, elegance, and heartfelt connection to every stage she graces.
"Using the new to protect the timeless—keeping jazz, classic soul, and R&B alive not just as entertainment, but as a living, breathing legacy."
Featured At
Mary has performed at renowned festivals, concert venues, and performing arts centers across the region.
