Mary Jorie Millben is an American singer,[1] actress, and media personality. Millben has performed for four consecutive U.S. Presidents: George W. Bush, Barack Obama, Donald Trump, and Joe Biden.[2][3] Millben is the founder and CEO of JMDE Enterprises, Incorporated. Millben is a 2010 Helen Hayes Award Nominee.
Mary Millben | |
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| Born | March 4, 1982 |
| Alma mater | Putnam City High School; The University of Oklahoma |
| Occupations |
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| Musical career | |
| Genres | World Music |
| Instrument(s) | Vocals, violin |
| Years active | 2008 – present |
| Website | www |
Early life and education
editMillben was born and grew up in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. She is the daughter of Rev. Michael Millben. Her mother, Althea Millben is a classically trained soprano and a retired Pentecostal music pastor. Millben started singing at the age of five in the children's choir at Wildewood Christian Church in Oklahoma City. Her parents divorced in 1987 and Millben was raised by her mother. Millben attended Putnam City High School and is an Oklahoma Girls State/Girls Nation alum. [4] Millben studied opera at the University of Oklahoma under tenor Don Bernardini.[5] Millben was elected the second OU African-American female Student Body President in 2004 and the first OU African-American female vice-president in 2003. Millben earned a Bachelor of Fine Arts from the University of Oklahoma’s prestigious Weitzenhoffer Department of Musical Theatre, a minor in political science, and completed studies and fluency in Mandarin in China - Xi'an University, Kunming University, Peking University, and Fudan University.[6]
Career
editIn 2005, Millben worked as a summer White House intern for President George W. Bush and as a White House presidential appointee for President Bush from September 2006 to January 2009. Millben was invited by former First Lady Laura Bush as a guest soloist for the 2008 White House Holiday Season, birthing her professional career.
A review in the Washington Examiner praised her strong soprano voice.[7] In 2013, Millben headlined a solo concert for Europe's celebration of Black History Month in Zagreb, Croatia.[8] Upon invitation from Cui Tiankai, the Chinese Ambassador to the United States, Millben performed The Star-Spangled Banner and the March of the Volunteers for the 40th Anniversary of U.S.–China Student Exchanges at the Embassy of China in Washington, D.C., on November 21, 2019.
October 2022, Millben returned to the theatrical stage playing the historical figure Elizabeth Keckley in the world premiere of The Lincolns of Springfield debuted at Center Stage Theater in Santa Barbara, CA. Millben made her New York debut at the Westchester Broadway Theatre starring in Ray Roderick’s Gershwin musical ‘S Wonderful. June 2019, Millben starred in the world premiere of Tazewell Thompson’s play Jubilee at Arena Stage’s premieres of Sophisticated Ladies and Crowns, for which she received a Helen Hayes Award nomination. Millben has headlined solo concerts at popular New York venues including The Copacabana, Joe’s Pub at The Public Theater, The City Winery, The Cutting Room, and featured at the Iridium.
In June 2023, Millben performed the National Anthem of India at the Ronald Reagan Building during the US visit of Prime Minister Narendra Modi hosted by President Joe Biden.[9] After the 2023 Manipur violence, Millben tweeted in support of Prime Minister Modi and criticized the Indian opposition for speaking out against Modi.[10]Milliben echoed support for Citizen Ammendment Bill passed by Indian parliament and called it a true democratic move.
On July 18, 2024, Millben performed the US national anthem on the last day of the 2024 Republican National Convention prior to President Donald Trump accepting the GOP nomination.[11][12]
Personal life
editMillben is a devout Christian.[13] Millben has three sisters, Micthea Millben-Ireland, twin sister Michelle Millben, and sister-in-law Melissa Millben along with two brothers, Malachi Millben and brother-in-law JT Ireland.
References
edit- ^ "Composer brings unique, fun approach to musical ‘Sanctified’", Washington Examiner, by Emily Cary, 10/17/2010
- ^ "58th Presidential Inauguration Victory Celebration Reception (President Donald J. Trump)". Retrieved 14 February 2017.
- ^ "Oklahoma native Mary Millben to perform national anthem tonight at President Trump's reelection campaign kickoff rally". The Oklahoman. 18 June 2019.
- ^ "Putnam City Student Attending Girls Nation". NewsOK, July 23, 1999
- ^ "Oklahoma native Mary Millben appear in world premiere musical 'Jubilee' in Washington, D.C." The Oklahoman. 4 June 2019.
- ^ "More minority students become leaders". The Oklahoman. 23 September 2002.
- ^ "Sanctified’ a lively look at gospel music's role in church". Washington Examiner, By Barbara Mackay • 10/31/2010
- ^ "Programs and Events". Zagreb, Croatia - Embassy of the United States. Retrieved 12 December 2016.
- ^ "Watch | Singer Mary Millben sings Jana Gana Mana in presence of PM Modi in Washington". India Today. 24 June 2023. Retrieved 2023-06-24.
- ^ ""He will always fight for your freedom": US singer Mary Millben supports PM Modi over Manipur issue". The Economic Times. 2023-08-11. ISSN 0013-0389. Retrieved 2023-08-11.
- ^ News, ABC. "Video Mary Millben sings the national anthem at RNC". ABC News. Retrieved 2024-07-19.
{{cite web}}:|last=has generic name (help) - ^ "Renowned singer Mary Millben to perform US national anthem at Trump's GOP nomination ceremony". The Times of India. 2024-07-15. ISSN 0971-8257. Retrieved 2024-07-19.
- ^ "Legacy continues to be inspiration". The Oklahoman. 21 January 2002.