career was immortalized on Friday as the R&B queen was inducted into the Walk of Fame at the legendary Apollo Theater.
The 50-year-old superstar beamed as she attended the ceremony to celebrate her induction at the Harlem music hall.
‘My very first time performing here at the Apollo, I was not on stage as myself. I was singing background for Jeff Redd. And from there it was all history,’ Mary said while accepting the honor.
Congratulations! Mary J. Blige’s storied career was immortalized on Friday as the R&B queen was inducted into the Walk of Fame at the legendary Apollo Theater
‘None of this is possible without the fans, so thank you to all the fans,’ she added.
Mary was wearing an emerald green and black sequin-embellished zebra-pattern halterneck Ashish jumpsuit.
The low-cut halter top showed off Blige’s ample cleavage and toned tattooed arms. She was also sporting a huge gold chain necklace and a strand of pearls.
Stylish: Mary was wearing an emerald green and black sequin-embellished zebra-pattern halterneck Ashish jumpsuit
Trendy: The low-cut halter top showed off Blige’s ample cleavage and toned tattooed arms. She was also sporting a huge gold chain necklace and a strand of pearls
She further accessorized her ensemble with gigantic gold hoop earrings, a stack of metallic bracelets, an over-sized silver and gold watch and several statement rings and bands.
The Real Love hitmaker’s long platinum blonde waves tumbled almost down to her waist as she held up her plaque.
Apollo Theater Executive producer Kamilah Forbes presented Mary with the permanent plaque to recognize her cultural significance as well as her long and massively successful career.
Icon: Apollo Theater Executive producer Kamilah Forbes presented Mary with the permanent plaque to recognize her cultural significance as well as her long and massively successful career
Fashion forward: She further accessorized her ensemble with gigantic gold hoop earrings, a stack of metallic bracelets, an over-sized silver and gold watch and several statement rings and bands
Fan love: Forbes spoke at the induction ceremony which was attended by a large crowd of Blige’s fans who gathered to see the star in person
Forbes spoke at the induction ceremony which was attended by a large crowd of Blige’s fans who gathered to see the star in person.
‘Miss Blige is more than the queen of hip-hop soul, she is a multi-talented artist who has paved the way for many of the artists we see today,’ Forbes said.
Mary joins a long list of icons on the Walk of Fame including Aretha Franklin, Quincy Jones, Smokey Robinson, Ella Fitzgerald, and the Temptations.
Legends: Mary joins a long list of icons on the Walk of Fame including Aretha Franklin, Quincy Jones, Smokey Robinson, Ella Fitzgerald, and the Temptations
Getting her start: As she noted in her speech, the nine-time Grammy Award winner launched her career at the historic venue while singing backup for Redd. Redd connected her to the Uptown Records CEO Andre Harrell, who signed her to the label as a backup vocalist in 1989
As she noted in her speech, the nine-time Grammy Award winner launched her career at the historic venue while singing backup for Redd. Redd connected her to the Uptown Records CEO Andre Harrell, who signed her to the label as a backup vocalist in 1989.
Following the success of her debut album, What’s the 411?, she first appeared on Showtime at the Apollo, a nationally syndicated television variety show that showcased new talent and was filmed in the Apollo theater, in 1992.
After performing a soulful rendition of the song You Remind Me from her first album, Blige’s debut at the Apollo would be followed by additional appearances on the show in 1995 and 2001.
Drawing a crowd: The Yonkers native performed a sold-out show at the Apollo in 2002 after she released her hit 2001 album No More Drama
The Yonkers native performed a sold-out show at the Apollo in 2002 after she released her hit 2001 album No More Drama.
In addition to her Grammys, the internationally famous singer also has eight multi-platinum albums, two Academy Award nominations, two Golden Globe nominations, and a SAG nomination.
A documentary about her life is in the works at Amazon Studios.
Raking in the accolades: In addition to her Grammys, the internationally famous singer also has eight multi-platinum albums, two Academy Award nominations, two Golden Globe nominations, and a SAG nomination