The "Queen of Hip Hop Soul" Mary J Blige performed the last scheduled concert for Good Morning America’s 2011 SummerStage concert series. The soulful Diva kicked of her dynamic performance in Central Parks’ Rumsey Field with her hot new single “25/8” from her latest LP ‘My Life II: the Journey Continues
Between songs the nine time Grammy award winner discussed with ABC’s Elizabeth Vargas, her upcoming album, My Life II: the Journey Continues. Ms Blige stated: “My Life II was not created to try and out do “My Life”, it is a continuation of the first installment because it helped so many of my fans and I come in contact with each other and basically help save us.” My Life II is scheduled for release in November.
Ms Blige also spoke about her upcoming role in the smash rock and roll drama ‘Rock of Ages’ which she’s co-starring in with cinema heavyweights Tom Cruise, Alec Baldwin, Catherine Zeta-Jones and Russell Brand. The film is based on the book written by Chris D'Arienzo, the book is built around classic rock hits from the 1980s, particularly from the famous Glam/Metal bands of the decade.
The ageless Mary J, plays ‘Justice Charlier’, the owner of a gentlemen’s club, not only is she acting in this highly anticipated film, she will also be performing 80’s classics, Journey’s “Any Way You Want It” and Pat Benetar’s “Shadows Of The Night.”
Mary also spoke about landing the starring role in the upcoming MTV Films long awaited epic biopic on jazz great and civil right’s activist singer/pianist Nina Simone.
Ms Blige has stated: “Playing a character like Nina Simone will be like playing me,” “because Nina Simone was a manic depressive, drug addict, alcoholic, that I was, but very talented.”
She also went on to say: “I relate to Nina Simone’s courage in standing up for what she believed in and for being a vocal civil rights activist.”
After interviewing with GMA’s crew, Ms. Blige returned to the stage with another one of her current hits ‘the Living Proof’ from the motion picture soundtrack for the ground breaking film “The Help,” Her fans all agreed that Mary’s beautiful vocals are timeless. Ms. Blige stated: "this was a very personal recording for her because she had siblings who worked as a maid in the past and had to deal with the same struggles.
The stunning Ms Blige rounded out her spectacular performance with her past hits, the ever popular crowd pleasers, “Just Fine” and “Family Affair.” Once again Gma’s SummerStage concert series included several explosive performances from some of today’s biggest and brightest recording artists for thousands of lucky fans who were in the right place at the right time.
The Nina Simone Biopic is scheduled for release in 2012.
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