Mary Zilba was born in Ohio and has been in the public spotlight nearly her entire life and not unlike many popular artists today, she was born a diversified entertainer, whose career has spanned from television personality to International recording artist. Armed with a Bachelors degree in Television Broadcasting and Journalism, Mary was also blessed with a voice that has commanded the attention of some of the music industry’s elite.
Her career began in Ohio, where after graduation from The University Of Toledo, she began a career in television hosting and producing. She was offered a position at the local ABC affiliate WDHO in Toledo as a special reporter, and began taking on-air freelance jobs, as a host of numerous specialty programs. During the same time, Mary also won the hearts of the state of Ohio, by capturing the coveted Miss Ohio/Miss America crown, where she traveled as the state ambassador performing for sell-out crowds, as well as hosting countless television and radio shows. Her journey eventually landed her in Ft. Lauderdale, Florida, where Mary’s career took an interesting turn. She decided to start her own production company, and began producing, writing and hosting travel shows throughout southern Florida and along with her business partner, created the show “Eye On Fort Lauderdale”, which ran for 3 seasons. While her television career was underway, Mary still had an intense passion for music, so she simultaneously started moonlighting in the Miami music scene. It was then that she was introduced to famed Miami producer, Luis Martinee , (Gloria Estefan, Pet Shop Boys), who cut her first demo’s. That year, the Orange Bowl Committee also invited her, to sing the US National Anthem at the Federal Express Orange Bowl for the National Championship game, to a sell-out crowd of over 80,000 in the stands alone. It was this landmark occasion that changed Mary’s path.
She moved to Los Angeles in 1995, after recognition from the Orange Bowl and the coercing of a music executive, and the move proved to be a smart one. Opportunity was abundant. Mary decided to continue her Television hosting dreams by securing an agent and began the auditioning process. She sharpened her skills in both the acting and singing fields as well, by enlisting industry heavyweights, Ivanna Chubbuck for acting and the famed Seth Riggs for vocal lessons. She landed quite a few commercials and was later cast in the short-lived Steven Boshco series, Cop Rock as a regular and was cast as a fashion reporter on the Gary Collins, “Home Show", which was about to unfortunately, end its last season. It was then, however, that a twist of fate and an introduction to famed music mogul, Irving Azoff, who was impressed with Mary’s singing talent that led Mary to switch gears and pursue music full time. She hooked up with some of the top writers and producers in the country, including Diane Warren, Shelly Pieken, Ric Wake and many more. Mary was well on her way in Los Angeles, cutting demo’s under a Giant Record development deal, until yet another twist of fate, brought her to Vancouver, Canada, whereby for personal reason she relocated full-time. It was here that she met Grammy-winning producer Ian Prince, who was to craft, along with Mary, her highly praised debut album, Out Of The Blue in 1999/2000 on Sextant/EMI Records, Her first single, "Do Me Right", was a smash hit in Canada and her follow up singles “Seduction” and “See You Again” charted top 40 in the country as well. Her videos were seen in heavy rotation on Much and MuchMore Music. Mary has been on the Canadian charts with heavy hitting performers and has stood on her own. In 2004 she hooked up with Troy Samson and released her second album, Fly, which again produced 3 top 40 hits including, “Put Your Arms Around Me", “Give It Up” and the hit dance cover of “All Out Of Love” by Air Supply. In 2009 she released Flashback Fast Forward , a compilation of old and new tracks, including the single "Little Miss Reckless". Mary has also contributed songs for a few movie soundtracks as well and can most recently be heard in the Meg Tilly movie Deluxe Combo Platter. She was also a featured in the Buried Heart Project, along with Colin James, Bif Naked and many industry veterans, on the song "The Streets Where You Live", found on the Women & Songs 6 CD.
Currently in the studio working on her latest Cd, Mary has been collaborating with multi-platinum producers Sean Hosein, Dane DeViller, along with Steve Smith and Anthony Anderson, who have crafted and/or produced hits for: Jessica Simpson, Kelly Rowland, Amy Grant, Stacie Orrico and 98 degrees, just to name a few. They have completed two songs so far, one of which has been already creating buzz at radio called, “Unconditional".
Stay tuned for more updates, as Mary continues to work on her third CD to be released on Prism/Universal Records and Itunes soon.
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