Mary J. Blige Says Music ‘Saved’ Her in ‘My Life’ Biopic Trailer

Mary J. Blige talks about the redemptive power of music in the trailer for the upcoming documentary Mary J. Blige’s My Life. The Amazon Prime Video feature directed by Oscar-winner Vanessa Roth (Freeheld) is an exploration of Blige’s landmark 1994 sophomore album, which included her signature songs “You Bring Me Joy,” “Be Happy,” “I’m Goin’ Down” and “Mary Jane (All Night Long).”

“My Life is probably my darkest album at one of the darkest times I’ve had,” she says in the emotional trailer that dropped on Tuesday (June 1). “Most of the time I was just depressed and didn’t want to live. I had it all inside and I was able to sing it and write it, and I didn’t know that so many people felt the same way.” The doc is a celebration of the 25th anniversary of My Life and includes footage of Blige performing the album live for the first time.

Over the strains of Blige singing “I’m Goin’ Down” to a packed arena, the R&B superstar says, “The only thing I think that kept us guided was the music… it just saved you.” The early look then pivots to a rundown of Blige’s career highlights, interspersed with clips form her iconic music videos for songs such as “Real Love” and interviews with early collaborator Sean “Puffy” Combs, as well as Alicia Keys and actress Taraji P. Henson.

Blige and Combs executive produced the 82-minute film, with music legend Quincy Jones serving as executive music producer.

Watch the My Life trailer below.