Marilyn Marshall (singer) facts for kids

Marilyn Marshall (born October 15, 1941 – died November 11, 2015) was an American singer. She was known for her amazing voice in jazz, rhythm and blues, and gospel music. Marilyn performed all over the United States, Canada, and the Bahamas. She was a talented performer on stage and television. In her home area of Burlington County, New Jersey, she was even named “Entertainer of The Year” three years in a row!

Her Early Life and Music

Marilyn Marshall was born in New York City on October 15, 1941. Her parents were Rev. William C. and Esther F. (Groce) McMillan. She started singing when she was only three years old. By age six, she could play the piano by ear. This means she could play without reading music! She took music lessons, but her teacher soon realized Marilyn was playing unusual chords better than she could. Marilyn also loved to write poems. Soon, she was writing lyrics for the songs she composed. She played both the piano and the organ.

In 1965, a bandleader asked Marilyn to join his group. She became their organist and lead singer. The group had shows booked at Officer's Clubs in New Jersey.

Performing on Stage and TV

Marilyn became the lead singer for many different groups. In the 1970s, she toured the Jersey shore with the Jackie Vee Band. She was also a special singer for the famous Count Basie Orchestra. Marilyn performed at Club Harlem in Atlantic City. There, she opened shows for big stars like James Brown and Junior Walker and the All-Stars.

Marilyn also appeared on television often. She was a regular entertainer on Dialing For Dollars with Larry Ferrari. She also appeared on Al Alberts Showcase on WPVI-TV 6 ABC in Philadelphia. She even made a guest appearance on Bill Cosby's You Bet Your Life TV show.

Marilyn shared the stage with many other famous artists. These included The Intruders, Delfonics, G.C. Cameron, The Blue Notes’ Gil Saunders, Bunny Sigler, Richard Street, and Damon Harris.

Her Music and Albums

Marilyn released her first album, Just Us Two, in 1996. A song from the album, "Give Me Back Romance," was played on local radio stations. These included WCBS FM, WDAS-FM, WBZC, and WRDV FM in Philadelphia.

Marilyn also wrote and produced her album, Hold On. Her songs and albums were featured in important music magazines. These included Billboard, Dance Music Authority, Blues and Soul Magazine, and In The Basement Magazine.

In the 1990s, she performed at Prospectors Night Club in Mount Laurel, New Jersey. She also opened for Jay-Z at Club Vegas in Philadelphia. She went on a summer tour to the Bahamas. There, she performed at Club Atlantis on Paradise Island. DJs still play her music at the annual DJ Times International Expo in Atlantic City, New Jersey.

Her album Reflections came out in 2011. It was produced by John Legend's horn arranger, Stephen Tirpak. The Palmer Jenkins Ensemble was her backing band for the album. This album included new dance mixes of her song "Hold On."

Giving Back to the Community

Marilyn used her talent to help others. She performed at many benefit concerts. In 2001, she helped the Damon Harris Cancer Foundation. In 2002, she supported the Linda Creed Breast Cancer Foundation. In 2003, she performed for the Bill Deal Cystic Fibrosis Fund. She also gave part of the money from her album Hold On to the Hold On To Education Foundation Inc. She also performed at their yearly fundraiser.

Awards and Honors

Marilyn received many awards for her work. In 2001, she was praised by the Seventh New Jersey Legislative District. This was for her 35 years in entertainment. Her hometown of Willingboro Township, New Jersey also honored her with a special proclamation from the Mayor.

In 2003, the Delaware Valley Chapter of the NAACP gave Marilyn the Humanitarian Award. This was for her charity work and her new teaching ideas in the classroom.

In July 2010, Marilyn was honored at "A Tribute to Legends." This event was held at the original American Bandstand studio in Philadelphia. The New Jersey Legislature honored her again on July 12, 2013. She received a Joint Legislative Resolution at a special dinner. She also received the Nora G. Fant Humanitarian Award for her charity work.

The Global Entertainment Media Arts Foundation recognized Marilyn in October 2015. They honored her for her humanitarian efforts, her music, and her dedication to helping young people. She received their Golden Mic Award. One of her last live performances was at the Golden Mic Awards Live Concert in Philadelphia on October 10, 2015. She performed with the DeVerne D. Williams Vintage Soul Orchestra and many other famous singers.

Educator and Choir Director

Besides her music career, Marilyn was also a dedicated educator. She taught Special Education and Fine Arts. She taught in the Burlington Township School District, Atco District, and the Willingboro Township Public Schools. Marilyn also earned her Doctorate in Education.

She was a founding member of the non-profit organization "Hold On To Education Foundation." She was also its first program director. For 21 years, Marilyn was the choir director for Union A.M.E. Church in Allentown, New Jersey.

Later Performances

Marilyn's more recent performances included the Willingboro Jazz Festival, where she performed with Spyro Gyra. She was also a presenter at the R&B Music Hall of Fame's first Awards Gala in August 2013.

Her Passing

Marilyn Marshall passed away on Wednesday, November 11, 2015. She was 74 years old. She died from congestive heart failure at Penn Presbyterian Medical Center in Philadelphia. Her family was with her.

Her funeral services were held on Saturday, November 21, 2015. They took place at Union A.M.E. Church in Allentown, New Jersey. Her Pastor, Rev. Carl Wade, led the service. Singer Nicolette Muse, who was on Marilyn's "Hold On" album, performed. Marilyn's original band of 40 years also attended. This included saxophonist Tyrone Belford, jazz guitarist Gary Little, and Apollo Theater keyboardist and trombonist Clarence Watson. Willingboro NJ Mayor Eddie Campbell Jr. presented a Proclamation. It honored Marilyn Marshall for her work as a musician, recording artist, singer, educator, and humanitarian.