Mary Millben facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Mary Millben
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Millben in 2019
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| Born | March 4, 1982 |
| Alma mater | Putnam City High School; The University of Oklahoma |
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| Musical career | |
| Genres | World Music |
| Instruments | Vocals, violin |
| Years active | 2008 – present |
Mary Jorie Millben is an American singer, actress, and media personality. She is known for her powerful voice and for performing for many important people. Mary Millben has sung for five U.S. Presidents: George W. Bush, Barack Obama, Donald Trump, and Joe Biden. She also leads her own company, JMDE Enterprises, Incorporated. In 2010, she was nominated for a Helen Hayes Award, which is a big honor in theater.
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Early Life and Education
Mary Millben was born and grew up in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. Her father is Rev. Michael Millben. Her mother, Althea Millben, was a trained singer and a music pastor. Mary started singing when she was just five years old in her church choir.
She went to Putnam City High School. Later, she studied opera at the University of Oklahoma. While there, she was elected as the Student Body President in 2004. This made her the second African-American female to hold that position at the university.
Mary Millben's Career
Mary Millben has had an exciting career, performing for leaders and audiences around the world.
Starting Her Career
In 2005, Mary worked as an intern at the White House for President George W. Bush. From 2006 to 2009, she continued to work for President Bush. Her professional singing career began when former First Lady Laura Bush invited her to sing at the White House during the 2008 holiday season.
International Performances
Mary Millben has performed in many different countries. In 2013, she sang a solo concert in Zagreb, Croatia, for Europe's celebration of Black History Month.
In 2019, she was invited by the Chinese Ambassador to the United States to perform. She sang The Star-Spangled Banner (the U.S. national anthem) and the March of the Volunteers (the Chinese national anthem). This performance was for the 40th Anniversary of U.S.–China Student Exchanges.
Recent Performances and Music
In February 2020, Mary Millben released her first song, “Grace Will Lead Me Home.”
In June 2023, she performed the National Anthem of India at the Ronald Reagan Building and International Trade Center in Washington, D.C. This was during the visit of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who was hosted by President Joe Biden.
Mary Millben also performed the U.S. national anthem in January 2024. This was for the 45th Anniversary of diplomatic relations between China and the United States. It was also part of the 2024 Chinese New Year celebration.
On July 18, 2024, Mary Millben sang the U.S. national anthem at the 2024 Republican National Convention. She performed just before President Donald J. Trump accepted his nomination.
On August 31, 2024, Mary Millben released her new song, “On To Victory.”
Most recently, on January 20, 2025, Mary Millben performed at the 60th Presidential Inauguration Official Liberty Ball. This event was hosted by the 47th President of the United States, Donald J. Trump, and First Lady Melania Trump.
