Marsha sings at Rihanna's father's birthday party in Vegas
Marsha recently was chosen to be flown to Las Vegas and sing for Rihanna's father's birthday party. If you follow her Facebook page you will see pictures and more! WKBW Buffalo also covered this story, here. Late September/early October 2023
Marsha McWilson sings in the Caribbean on Tom Joyner's 2023 Cruise
Marsha McWilson has been singing on the Tom Joyner Fantastic Voyage annual cruise in the Caribbean for many years now, and 2023 was no exception. The cruise affords her the chance to sing in Jamaica, the Cayman Islands, Mexico and South Florida! It's like a whirlwind tour, while she also gets to meet and hang out with various singers and music fans too. Here she is pictured with Tom Joyner. You can also see her performing on the cruise ship…
Rona Mae Blues song gets press coverage, radio airplay
Marsha McWilson has lost numerous friends and family members to "the Rona." When she was on Channel 7 in Buffalo recently, she encouraged people to get vaccinated, sharing how she lost her beloved sister Vanessa to the Coronavirus. During that interview, she shared a taste of her new song about the experience of losing loved ones to "the Rona." Then Spectrum News profiled her recording of the song-- see the interview here. And Buffalo's WBLK 93.7FM wrote about the song here. The Niagara Gazette published an article about the song here. WUFO radio is playing it.
Marsha's son shot and killed January 21, 2023
On Saturday, January 21, 2023, Marsha McWilson's first born son, Jaylan, age 24, was shot multiple times outside Marsha's home in Niagara Falls, NY. He passed away; His killer was caught.
Here are some key links if you want to learn more:
https://obituaries.niagara-gazette.com/obituary/jaylan-mcwilson-1087079381
Batavia Downs: Another Successful Christmas Concert
Marsha McWilson's Motown Christmas concert at Batavia Downs, halfway between Buffalo and Rochester, was a success. Taking place on December 15th, the concert featured Joshua Vacanti from NBC's The Voice, as well as Harper Sinclair, Cameron Connor and the New Beginning Music Ensemble led by Ella Robinson. Songs like "Silent Night," "Someday at Christmas," and "Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas" wowed the crowd, as did Marsha's Etta James' impersonation on "Tell Mama" and "Anyway You Want It, Let It Roll." Marsha's new Christmas CD was for sale ($15) at this event, as well as new "bling" t-shirts ($25) featuring her name and face. If you would like to own the CD or a t-shirt, please use this website's contact page to inquire about getting your hands on 'em!
Marsha McWilson honored in Niagara County, Dec. 6 is her day!
The Niagara County Legislature recognized local celebrity Marsha McWilson at a meeting in 2022. She was lauded for her “outstanding contributions to the community.”
Niagara County Legislator Jeffrey Elder read a proclamation declaring Dec. 6 as “Marsha McWilson Day.”
Pictured, from left: Elder, McWilson, Legislature Minority Leader Chris Robins, Legislator Chris Voccio and Legislator Mark Grozio.
Entertaining Seniors at Christmas
Marsha helps make the season more merry as she sings "Etta" songs at Brompton Heights senior home, Dec. '22! She got a pic with Santa and Mrs. Claus!
Blues Queen of Niagara Falls/Marsha McWilson Day October 5
October 5, 2022 was a fantastic day for singer, songwriter, actress, businesswoman, community activist and the first Black woman to be inducted into the Niagara Falls Music Hall of Fame.
Marsha McWilson, the woman of many titles, received two proclamations from Mayor Robert Restaino, one declaring her BLUES QUEEN OF NIAGARA FALLS and the other designating October 5, 2022 MARSHA McWILSON DAY.
“I am humbled to receive this award. Never thought in a million years that I would have my own day and be named BLUES QUEEN OF NIAGARA FALLS!” McWilson added, “You can’t sing the blues unless you’ve been through something, and I’ve had my share, but God has turned them into blue skies for me.” --Reporting and Photos by Kim Webster
Kim Webster's Marsha Concert Recap July 2022
The Paul Robeson Theater located at 350 Masten Ave was the perfect “intimate” venue for singer, songwriter, actress, entrepreneur Marsha McWilson. Her July 29, 2022, concert there was a smashing success!
Yao Kahlil Newkirk was MC for the “affair.”
“I’m so honored to sing for you this evening,” she said with a smile. The stage set resembled a classy nightclub with roundtable and side seats for VIP guests. A ceiling chandelier was accented by two candelabras on each end of the set.
Ms. McWilson began the evening with a variety of songs from her Gospel roots including: “Lean On
Me,” “Oh Happy Day,” “Mary Don’t You Weep,” “How I Got Over,” and while off stage sung
an a’cappella version of “Yes Jesus Loves Me” joined by her on stage son Cameron. “I taught
him that song when he was 7-years-old,” she proudly said.
Floors vibrated as the audience stomped their feet and clapped their hands reminiscent of a traveling Church Revival while Ms. McWilson sang “God Is Trying To Tell You Something.”
A heartfelt moment was experienced by all when she dedicated “Amazing Grace” to Brenda Cunningham
who recently lost her husband Melvin Cunningham.
“I am going to have a musical experience with you,” and the evening was just that as Ms.
McWilson reflected on her song “Balance” which she performed for Tyler Perry. He was so
impressed that he chose her, from among 3,000 entrants, as the winner of the 2017 Tyler Perry
Movie Search Challenge. He also gave her an acting role on the acclaimed “If Loving You is
Wrong” cable TV series. She told stories of other life changing moments then took us to the
“Hole in the Wall,” and gave us “Down Home Blues,” spending our “Last Two Dollars,” making
us “Crazy.” “Tennessee Whiskey” was artfully changed to a song about decadent desserts and
we danced to “Tell Mama” and “Let it Roll.”
Other artists included songwriter, producer, sound engineer Cameron Connor performing his hit
“Suga Kream,” gospel artist Marchon Hamilton, Carlos Morgan, and Yao Kahlil Newkirk.
Interpretive dancer Jacqui Cherry performed as Ms. McWilson sang “Summertime” off stage.
Ms. McWilson was tearfully surprised when Mayor Byron Brown declared July 29, 2022
MARSHA McWILSON DAY in the city of Buffalo, NY.
If you were privileged to see this One Woman Show by 2020 Niagara Falls Music Hall of Fame awardee Marsha McWilson you know it was truly spiritual, entertaining and packed…standing room only!
PHOTOS BY Kim Webster:
Marsha McWilson with Mrs. Brenda Cunningham
Ron Cunningham brother of the late Melvin Cunningham who the show was dedicated to
Marsha McWilson with certificate
Marsha McWilson