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Being Told “You Can’t” Inspired Mary J. Blige’s New Book, “Mary Can!”
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Being Told “You Can’t” Inspired Mary J. Blige’s New Book, “Mary Can!”

Introduction

Stephen Colbert welcomes Mary J. Blige to the show and introduces her as a nine-time Grammy Award-winning artist and the Queen of Hip-Hop Soul. She has written a children's book called "Mary Can!".

Meeting at the White House

  • Stephen mentions that he met Mary briefly in 2014 at the French State Dinner at the Obama White House where she also performed.
  • He asks Mary what she is most proud of in her illustrious career, which includes winning an Emmy and being nominated for two Oscars.

Mary's Accomplishments

Mary talks about her accomplishments, including being nominated for two Oscars, writing a children's book, and singing in church.

Being Nominated for Two Oscars

  • Mary says that she is proud of all her accomplishments but was particularly surprised by being nominated for two Oscars.
  • She did not expect to be nominated for acting and it blew her away.

Writing a Children's Book

  • Stephen asks about Mary's new children's book "Mary Can!" which is inspired by hard times in her life.
  • The idea came from someone telling her that she couldn't do something.
  • Her mother gave her faith in herself and ability by letting her sing around the house when she was young.
  • She started singing in church when she was young and wrote church songs with others.

Strength of a Woman Festival

Mary talks about hosting the second annual Strength of a Woman Festival on Mother's Day in Atlanta.

Celebrating Women on Mother's Day

  • Stephen asks Mary about the Strength of a Woman Festival and what it means to her.
  • Mary says that women are the strongest creatures on the planet and bring children into the world.
  • She believes that mothers are everything and without them, there is nothing.

Mary's Style Icon Status

Stephen talks about Mary's style icon status, particularly her boots.

Mary's Boots

  • Stephen shows pictures of some of Mary's boots and asks her which pair she would choose if she could only have one or two pairs for the rest of her life.
  • Mary says that she has too many boots to choose from and cannot answer that question.

Mary J. Blige talks about her shoes

In this section, Stephen and Mary J. Blige talk about her shoes.

Mary's Shoes

  • Stephen asks Mary if her shoes feel like sneakers to her.
  • Mary confirms that they do feel like sneakers.
  • Stephen jokes that he would love to see her play basketball in those shoes.
  • Mary responds by saying that he should see her perform in them.

Quick Break

  • Stephen announces a quick break before continuing the show with Mary J. Blige.
Video description

Nine-time Grammy-winner Mary J. Blige joins Stephen to discuss her iconic career in music and film, and her new children’s book, “Mary Can!” Stick around for more with Mary J. Blige and grab a copy of the book which is available everywhere now! #Colbert #MaryCan #MaryJBlige --- Subscribe To "The Late Show" Channel: http://bit.ly/ColbertYouTube Watch full episodes of "The Late Show": http://bit.ly/1Puei40 Listen to "The Late Show Pod Show" podcast: https://link.chtbl.com/Awagtx95?sid=yt Like "The Late Show" on Facebook: http://on.fb.me/1df139Y Follow "The Late Show" on Twitter: http://bit.ly/1dMzZzG Follow "The Late Show" on Instagram: http://bit.ly/29wfREj Watch The Late Show with Stephen Colbert weeknights at 11:35 PM ET/10:35 PM CT. Only on CBS. --- Stephen Colbert brings his signature satire and comedy to THE LATE SHOW with STEPHEN COLBERT, the #1 show in late night, where he talks with an eclectic mix of guests about what is new and relevant in the worlds of politics, entertainment, business, music, technology and more. Featuring bandleader Louis Cato and “THE LATE SHOW band,” the Peabody Award-winning and Emmy Award-nominated show is broadcast from the historic Ed Sullivan Theater. Stephen Colbert took over as host, executive producer and writer of THE LATE SHOW on Sept. 8, 2015.