Mary Millben

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Mary Millben
photo by Blake Belcher Photography
Born(1982-03-04)March 4, 1982
Oklahoma City, OK
Alma materPutnam City High School; The University of Oklahoma
Occupations
  • Actress
  • Singer
  • Entrepreneur
Musical career
GenresWorld Music
Instrument(s)Vocals, violin
Years active2008 – present
Websitemarymillben.ihubapp.org

Mary Jorie Millben is an American singer,[1] actress and media personality. Millben has performed for three consecutive U.S. Presidents: George W. Bush, Barack Obama and Donald Trump.[2][3] In addition, Millben has been a featured soloist for notable international royalty including Queen Noor of Jordan and Princess Basmah bint Saud Al Saud.[4] Millben is the founder and CEO of JMDE Enterprises. She is featured in the online series Impact Now.[5] Millben is a 2010 Helen Hayes Award Nominee.

Early life and education[edit]

Millben was born and grew up in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. She is the daughter of Michael Millben, a Baptist and Pentecostal minister. 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.[6] Millben studied opera at the University of Oklahoma under tenor Don Bernardini.[7] 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.[8]

Career[edit]

In 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. In 2009, Millben left the government and accepted the role of Wanda in an equity show, Crowns, at Arena Stage.[9] Millben was a guest soloist, with Grammy Award winner Tramaine Hawkins, for the inauguration of The Honorable Barbara Lee (D-California) at the Congressional Black Caucus ceremonial swearing-in at the United States Capitol in Washington, D.C., a back-up singer for Bruce Springsteen and Beyonce in the 2009 “We are One” Obama Lincoln Memorial inaugural concert,[10][11] and backup singer for the Super Bowl XLIII halftime show with Bruce Springsteen. Millben performed alongside Bill Cosby at the 2010 Best of Black Business Awards ceremony. She starred as Sister Pauletta Denise Jones in the Washington, D.C., 2010 premiere of a new musical, Sanctified.[12][13][14] A review in the Washington Examiner praised her strong soprano voice.[15] In 2013, Millben headlined a solo concert for Europe's celebration of Black History Month in Zagreb, Croatia.[16] 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 21 November 2019.

In August 2020, Millben performed India’s national anthem Jana Gana Mana for the 74th anniversary of India's Independence. In June 2023, Millben performed the National Anthem of India at the Ronald Reagan Building during the US visit of Prime Minister Narendra Modi.[17] After the 2023 Manipur violence, Millben tweeted in support of Prime Minister Modi and criticized the Indian opposition for speaking out against Modi.[18]Milliben echoed support for Citizen Ammendment Bill passed by Indian parliament and called it a true democratic move.

Personal life[edit]

Millben is a devout Christian.[19] Millben has three sisters, Micthea Millben-Ireland, twin sister Michelle Millben, and sister-in-law Melissa Millben along with one brother, Malachi Millben.

References[edit]

  1. ^ "Composer brings unique, fun approach to musical ‘Sanctified’", Washington Examiner, by Emily Cary, 10/17/2010
  2. ^ "58th Presidential Inauguration Victory Celebration Reception (President Donald J. Trump)". Retrieved 14 February 2017.
  3. ^ "Oklahoma native Mary Millben to perform national anthem tonight at President Trump's reelection campaign kickoff rally". The Oklahoman. 18 June 2019.
  4. ^ "Video: Oklahoma native and gospel singer Mary Millben makes national TV debut, releases debut single". NewsOK.com. 21 April 2017.
  5. ^ "Oklahoma native Mary Millben to be featured on new online series 'Impact Now'". Oklahoman.com. 18 June 2020.
  6. ^ "Putnam City Student Attending Girls Nation". NewsOK, July 23, 1999
  7. ^ "Oklahoma native Mary Millben appear in world premiere musical 'Jubilee' in Washington, D.C." The Oklahoman. 4 June 2019.
  8. ^ "More minority students become leaders". The Oklahoman. 23 September 2002.
  9. ^ Theater Review: Arena Stage Revives Musical Crowns' at the Lincoln Theatre. Washington Post
  10. ^ "Congressional Black Caucus Ceremonial Swearing-In". C-Span, January 6, 2009
  11. ^ "Congresswoman Lee is New CBC Chair". Savannah Tribune, 2009-01-07
  12. ^ Theater review of 'Sanctified' at the Lincoln Theatre. Washington Post.
  13. ^ "Pro2Play Production Sanctified". ShowBizRadio, By Mari Davis • Oct 28th, 2010
  14. ^ "Sanctified". DC Theater Schene, October 29, 2010 by Carol Chastang
  15. ^ "Sanctified’ a lively look at gospel music's role in church". Washington Examiner, By Barbara Mackay • 10/31/2010
  16. ^ "Programs and Events". Zagreb, Croatia - Embassy of the United States. Retrieved 12 December 2016.
  17. ^ "Watch | Singer Mary Millben sings Jana Gana Mana in presence of PM Modi in Washington". India Today. Retrieved 2023-06-24.
  18. ^ ""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.
  19. ^ "Legacy continues to be inspiration". The Oklahoman. 21 January 2002.
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