Mary Mary brings 'Something Big' to gospel music (VIDEO)

theGRIO VIDEO - Grammy-winning gospel duo Mary Mary say gospel music is still fighting traditional labels...

Luther Vandross was outed as gay after his death.

New York, NY – The Grammy-winning gospel duo Mary Mary are clear about their message: life is about overcoming obstacles and remaining faithful.

The message has been a consistent part of the real-life sisters’ success since their debut album Thankful in 2000.

Their latest effort, Something Big was released earlier this year and has been generally well-received by critics and fans alike. The sisters, Tina and Erica Campbell, released the album’s second single, ‘Survive’ this week.

“It’s most important for us to reach as many people as possible because our message is powerful,” Tina Campbell told theGrio’s Todd Johnson. “It inspires and encourages. It just helps you redirect your attention towards what’s positive in life.”

Mary Mary also announced this week they’ll be partnering in the future with the American Red Cross to raise awareness of the plight of disaster victims. The duo’s latest video ‘Survive’, is inspired by their time performing in Alabama, which had just been hit by a series of devastating earthquakes.

The group said the experience was eye-opening.

“We were able to see the devastation but also see the hope,” Tina said. “We decided to [partner] with Red Cross and show some of the efforts where people are pulling things back together and helping those who are in worst scenarios.”

Erica Campbell, who on Wednesday said she was pregnant with her third child, said the group’s success comes from ‘being tested.’ Despite the group’s widespread success, she says they haven’t been above criticism or struggle.

“There have been some doors that are closed to us just because we’re singing about God,” Erica said. “We’re not everybody’s preference so that’s cool. I don’t take that as a slight because we are so…kinda connected to our fans. We know that the impact is real.”

Follow theGrio’s Todd Johnson on Twitter at @rantoddj

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