Mary Cross Makes ‘The Promise’ Real in New Single
South Jersey performer Mary Cross. Photo courtesy of Mary Cross.
AC JosepH Media
CAMDEN — South Jersey’s own Mary Cross has released her sophomore single, entitled “Promise,” featured earlier this month after partnering with Grammy-nominated producer Donald Robinson, who has worked with the likes of Grover Washington, Jr. and Phyllis Hyman.
Highlighted on the single are renowned local musicians Carl Cox on saxophone; Randy Bowland on guitar; Marcus Myers on drums; Cedric Napolean on bass; Donald Robinson on keyboard; and Kathy Thomas and Alberta Douglas on strings.
The official music video for the single, which premiered Jan. 15, was shot locally at South Jersey’s popular wedding venue Lucien’s Manor in Berlin and edited by 50 Plus 1 Music and Film.
“Promise” has already moved to No. 1 on the Amazon UK Hot New Releases chart.
“I wrote the song to celebrate couples who’ve made the commitment to one another, inspired by my marriage of 25 years,” Cross said. “After reflecting about the growth, changes we as a couple experienced and many of my beloved married friends and family who also made the PROMISE. Once the wedding is over, no one really focuses on the day-to-day or year-to-year life of the two who became one — with the PROMISE. What is obvious: Marriage never goes out of style — even during a pandemic. I attended/sang in three weddings in 2020.”
Cross, a self-professed hopeless romantic, said she also was moved by the coronavirus pandemic and being reminded of how precious life is, regardless of what stage we are in.
“Working in management at Rowan School of Medicine for 20 years, I now see the recent impact of the pandemic and the overwhelming responses, some of desperation, when I volunteer at the vaccination clinic. Life is fragile, to be treasured and people want to live.
“I want to inspire, share optimism, hope and encouragement through my music to celebrate the values that were once no-brainer thoughts … true love stories, renewed vows, engagements, shared life experiences and treasuring memories of those lost and the good times … memories is how music connects us,” she continued.
Cross said “the Promise” takes “a lot of courage, power, and selflessness” during challenging times in a marriage. She said she wanted to celebrate the couple who can see through those times.
“That’s what the outro video represents,” Cross said of a second video that features some of her friends who have been married as long as 55 years. “Personal friends and family — real people I know who made the Promise. That commitment to the Promise is essential in a world quick to devalue and discard humanity, emotions, etc., so thoughtlessly. We can change the fabric of America and such behavior … and remind people of what it means to ‘faint not’ but endure.”
Cross will be honored in Atlantic City on Feb. 27 at the Tri State Black History Awards from 7:30-10:30 p.m. along with entertainment legend Melba Moore and others. Singing icon Angela Burton will host the ceremony.
“On Valentine’s Day, I have the privilege of representing Over the Top Universal (OTTU) Network,” Cross said about a second appearance. “The founders want to present entertainment by showcasing some phenomenal independent artists/vocalists from across the globe. I will be hosting, interviewing guests and performing. A virtual Valentine’s concert special accompanied by my band via Roku TV.”
Cross can be found on social media through her website: www.marycross.org.
Along with:
Instagram: @2NspireU
Twitter: @marycrosssings
Facebook: www.facebook.com/Crossmary
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mary-cross-8406b3107/
Her music is also available for purchase on all media platforms and at
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