Casino Connection Nevada

Queen of Soul

by Caitlin McGarry

In 1992, a tough New Yorker named Mary J. Blige debuted with a record that would change the face of music. The album was called What’s the 411? and it positioned Blige to inherit the throne of Aretha Franklin. The debut was a combination of soul and rap, showcasing Blige’s musical chops and a new side of hip-hop.

More than 15 years later, Blige is still producing landmark records, though she has grown older and more sophisticated in the years since her inaugural album. LPs like 2001’s No More Drama and 2005’s  The Breakthrough revealed Blige’s confessional side, a quality that fans have identified with and embraced. With last year’s Growing Pains, Blige continued in the personal vein she has previously explored, but this time with greater stylistic experimentation.
 
Blige’s success lies in her ability to bring people back for more, all with the power of a few expressive songs and, of course, her voice.

Mary J. Blige plays the Pearl Concert Theater at Palms Casino Resort October 17 at 8 p.m. Tickets are $100, $125 and $200.