Mary J Blige, 39, was born in New York. Her vocal talent was recognised at the age of 17, and she was quickly signed to Uptown Records. Since then, her singing and song-writing career has produced eight multi-platinum albums and nine Grammy awards. She has also acted in hit US shows 30 Rock, Entourage and Ghost Whisperer. A survivor of abuse and addiction, she opened the Mary J Blige Center in New York for abused women last year. Her new album is called “Stronger With Each Tear”. To buy Mary’s music
1. When were you happiest?
When I was little kid, before I knew what worrying was about.
2. What is your greatest fear?
I wouldn’t want to tell anybody that.
3. What is your earliest memory?
What music sounds like: I was four years old when I discovered Roy Ayers’ ‘Everyone Loves the Sunshine’.
5. What is the trait you most deplore in yourself?
Being shy.
6. What is the trait you most deplore in others?
Rudeness.
9. What is your most treasured possession?
My life.
10. Where would you like to live?
In New Jersey – I like it here.
11. What would your super power be?
To help people see their future.
12. What makes you unhappy?
When I see women hurting and insecure and not confident.
14. If you could bring something extinct back to life, what would you choose?
If something’s extinct I wouldn’t bring it back.
15. Who would play you in the film of your life?
I don’t know – I haven’t even seen that person yet!
16. What is your most unappealing habit?
Sometimes I frown and I don’t realise it. It’s a habit I’ve formed that I’m trying to get out of.
17. What is your favourite smell?
Food. I don’t have a particular favourite – it could be seafood, French food, soul food, English food, Italian food – I just love food, period. And great perfume. My favourite? My Life by Mary J Blige!
18. What is your favourite word?
Love.
19. What is your favourite book?
The Shack (by William P Young).
20. What would be your fancy dress costume of choice?
A cat or a superhero.
21. What is the worst thing anyone’s ever said to you?
There have been many – I can’t just say one.
22. Cat or dog?
Either. I like them both.
23. Is it better to give or to receive?
Give.
24. What is your guiltiest pleasure?
Carbs.
25. What do you owe your parents?
Respect.
26. To whom would you most like to say sorry and why?
To God, for not being obedient as a human being on this earth. I don’t always listen and end up in terrible situations that he doesn’t want me to be in. And I apologise for being ungrateful at times and not thankful and appreciative for what he’s done for me.
27. What or who is the greatest love of your life?
God.
28. What does love feel like?
It feels great to receive it and to give it, and it’s mostly an action – you have to do it.
29. What was the best kiss of your life?
The first one with my husband – we met in Detroit.
30. Have you ever said “I love you” without meaning it?
Never.
32. Who would you invite to your dream dinner party?
All my friends and family members and some of my peers in the music business that I know love me.
34. What is the worst job you’ve ever done?
I was sixteen years old and I was working at a department store called Modells. I was folding clothes and it was a long day. It wasn’t what I was supposed to do, so I didn’t last.
35. What has been your biggest disappointment?
Myself, at times. I was disappointed that I had such a lack of love for myself. Around 2001 I began to get an idea that I was supposed to love myself.
36. If you could edit your past, what would you change?
I wouldn’t change anything
37. If you could go back in time, where would you go?
I would go and sit next to my grandmother’s legs and watch The Young and The Restless with her in Georgia.
38. When did you last cry, and why?
I cried on Friday, watching Forrest Gump.
39. How do you relax?
Watching movies, reading a book or taking a nap.
42. What single thing would improve the quality of your life?
My health. I don’t have any health problems, but to keep your health good improves the quality of your life. Without your health – everything else means nothing. I eat well, take vitamins and drink a lot of water. I have occasional drinks now – when I go out with friends I have white wine.
43. What do you consider your greatest achievement?
My spiritual growth.
44. What keeps you awake at night?
Too many thoughts, or a good movie.
45. What song would you like played at your funeral?
Zoom by The Commodores.
46. How would you like to be remembered?
As someone who always wanted to help.
47. What is the most important lesson life has taught you?
To give unselfishly with the right motives.
48. Where would you most like to be right now?
Exactly where I am at – home, on my couch, relaxing.
50. Tell us a secret: I am not a Betty Crocker wife.