Meet Mary Cross | Classic Soul Singer / Songwriter / Recording Artist / Stylista

What makes me happy?  MUSIC!   WHY? Music is the Universal Language throughout the world! I recognized the significance of music as a survival mechanism from a young age. I fell in love with every aspect of music…listening to it, performing it and discovering there is soo much of it and many interpretations!  My greatest reward is the privilege to perform before a LIVE audience and their desire to enjoy my gift of song. It is indescribable!

Connecting with people is my greatest attribute! It is a gift to be able to connect with people and genuinely love on them. Seeing them as extensions of one’s self. We all want to be seen, heard, understood and loved. Music is the Universal language and it is encouraging to know one can touch a listener through their interpretation of a song!  The privilege to perform before a live audience is a natural high…from the first note to the very last!   Music excites me for it is the Gift that keeps on giving!
My childhood was tumultuous.   I was in foster care from birth through adulthood.  Music served as my therapeutic escape from the abusive situations  I was in.   I thank GOD for music!

Through feeling as if you never fit in or belonged…determination to fight the sense of rejection through over zealous attempts to please others – such coping skills were awful behavioral habits to practice – because I sought validation.  Attempts to mask the pain, being misunderstood, called peculiar and rejected served as my fuel.  Music served as my way of escaping the pain and hurt from those formidable years. I CHOSE to live, forgive and make a difference in the world by being a productive contributor to society exercising Gratitude, Peace, Love and Joy.

Music is both therapeutic and powerful. There is nothing else in the earth that can jolt a memory and take listeners back to a specific place and time. Even if only a few bars of the melody are shared!  And then there are the lyrics …how magnificently the mind brings words back to one’s remembrance as a song plays.

I am humbled to be counted among creative beings worldwide who create and express through lyrics and song! On the stage, there is nothing more wonderful than an audience member who sings along with you (whether delivering an original or cover song).  For me, it is all about how the listener felt in that moment. I believe in creating an ‘experience’. Time is a precious commodity and once spent, you cannot get it back.
This life journey provides lessons not do-overs and we must participate! This is not a spectator sport!  Dr. Maya Angelou penned: “People Will Forget What You Say, People Will Forget What You Do, But They’ll Never Forget How You Made Them Feel”. That is the sum of my  WHY!  ‘BECOMING’ is a lifelong process and Music helps me spread LOVE, JOY, PEACE & KINDNESS and every good thing before mankind.  Music is my guilty pleasure and provides an indescribable joy coupled with Passion

It takes alot of courage to choose music as a career path.  History has shown the road can be lonely and full of challenges for so many artist genius’ including Karen Carpenters, Captain and Tenielle, Nancy Wilson, Nina Simone, Phyllis Hyman, Teena Marie, Prince, Dorothy Dandridge, Amy Winhouse, to name a few.

What makes me happy?…Joy on the face of an audience member who has lent me their ear and feel what I am trying to convey in song with my vocal instrument. There is nothing more rewarding than that!

In addition to being Founder of 2NspireU, LLC which is not only they business name but my mission statement and the band name… as Founder of the band, I manage the song lists, rehearsals, performance bookings, and work with my team for the production of shows.

What I’d like to share with the world about my brand and story is simple. Throughout our lives we will meet people. First impressions are important. But just as important is our role in treating people with respect, kindness and courtesy – with no ulterior motive and expecting NOTHING  LESS for ourselves.  We are worthy and deserving of every good thing.  Your mistakes don’t define you and its important to develop a team of people with integrity (often times who are NOT part of your dna).  A small circle is far greater and more effective than a large circus of personalities with hidden agendas or mess you can’t manage.  Learn the gift of goodbye. No matter who they are!  Lastly, learn to do what needs to get done so you don’t have to rely (wait) on others to make progress.  Edit your website, create a flyer, post video footage, etc.  If those with the know how are unavailable you must be empowered to handle things as the BOSS you are!  All can agree that becomes part of the set back.  And as a woman, in a male dominated environment, know your worth and walk away when they respond to your quote to perform — with a ridiculous counter offer.

When I established my LLC, the purpose/mission statement was simple.  It must be easy to remember and state my objective clearly.   The ultimate goal remains 2NspireU.  Accomplishing that ensures I have a purpose driven, fulfilling life and that I leave the earth well spent.