Queen Esther Marrow facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Queen Esther Marrow
Background information
Birth name	Queen Esther
Born	(1941-02-12) February 12, 1941 (age 84) Newport News, Virginia, U.S.
Genres	Soul, R&B, gospel, jazz
Occupation(s)	Singer
Instruments	Vocals
Years active	1965–present
Labels	Fantasy, Open Door, Edel, Chordant, Intershow, Flying Dutchman

Queen Esther Marrow (born February 12, 1941) is a famous American singer. She is known for her powerful soul and gospel music.

A Life in Music

Queen Esther Marrow was born in Newport News, Virginia. She started her singing career when she was 22 years old. The famous musician Duke Ellington discovered her amazing voice. She first performed with him on his "Sacred Concert" world tour.

Queen Esther and Duke Ellington became great friends. They toured together for four years. She has also sung with many other music legends. These include Lena Horne, Ella Fitzgerald, B.B. King, Ray Charles, and Bob Dylan.

Singing for Change

In 1965, Queen Esther Marrow joined the civil rights movement. This movement worked for equal rights for all people. She performed in Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s World Crusade. There, she met her hero, Mahalia Jackson, a famous gospel singer. They later shared the stage.

Other important people on the crusade were Jesse Jackson and Sidney Poitier. Queen Esther used her voice to support important causes.

On Stage and Screen

Queen Esther Marrow has also been a star in musicals, jazz shows, and on TV. She played Auntie ‘Em in the Broadway show The Wiz. She also starred as Mahalia Jackson in the national tour of Sing Mahalia Sing.

She appeared in the movie The Last Dragon. On TV, she was in Sesame Street as Oscar the Grouch’s mother. In 1990, Queen Esther wrote and starred in Truly Blessed. This musical was about Mahalia Jackson. It was performed on Broadway and earned three awards nominations.

Performing for Leaders

Queen Esther Marrow has sung for many important people. She performed for Presidents Ronald Reagan, George H. W. Bush, and Bill Clinton. She also gave a special show for the British Royal Family. She sang at the Vatican for Pope John Paul II several times.

The Harlem Gospel Singers

More recently, Queen Esther started The Harlem Gospel Singers. This gospel group tours all over the world. They became very popular. On July 7, 1998, they made history. They were the only gospel group to perform at the Montreal Jazz Festival. Over 100,000 people came to watch them!

In 2015, Queen Esther performed at the 50th anniversary of Duke Ellington’s Sacred Concert. She was the only singer from the original 1965 show to be there. In 2025, her song “Walk Tall” was featured in Beyoncé’s Cowboy Carter Tour.

Music Albums

Here are some of the albums Queen Esther Marrow has released:

• 1971: Newport News, Virginia
• 1972: Sister Woman
• 1994: Queen Esther Marrow & the Harlem Gospel Singers
• 1999: Live in Paris
• 2000: Harlem Gospel Singers with Queen Esther Marrow
• 2002: God Cares

Awards and Honors

Queen Esther Marrow has received special awards for her amazing career.