In fluence : E N T E R T A I N M E N T E X C L U S I V E
influential-magazine.com
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t’s not uncommon these days to hear
Kim knew she had a gift for dance and was determined
about
their
to make her dream a reality. She hopped on a plane to
horizons outside of the world of music
Hollywood. After three lengthy interviews with Rick
into things like fashion, cosmetics, acting,
James’ brother, she was asked to come to the studio
or reality television. But how often do you hear about
and formally meet with the funk and R&B legend
a musician, who grew up wanting to entertain others
himself. After arriving at the studio, Kim became
through dance and song, becoming a celebrity chef
excited about the music and started to dance. That’s
to the stars and cookbook author all the while gaining
when Rick noticed what she could bring to the table.
new music fans as a solo artist? That is the amazing
In no time at all, Kim was asked if she wanted to join
I
musicians
broadening
journey Mary Jane Girls singer Maxi B. found herself on. How did this happen you ask? Well, it all started with a love of music and chance encounter with a funk and R&B legend. Growing up in Pittsburgh, Maxi B.’s (born Kimberly Wuletich) home was filled with musical sounds of Motown along with other influential sounds and artists. But her favorite musicians were Smokey Robinson, Diana Ross, and Tina Turner. Watching these creative talents perform on “The Ed Sullivan Show” inspired young Kim longing for dance lessons
the group, the Mary Jane Girls. She quickly said yes. As a Mary Jane Girl, she had an opportunity to look at four different costumes provided for the members of the group. Three had already been spoken for. This left the remaining outfit which consisted of black leather and a whip. Feeling confident she could pull the look off Kim accepted the outfit, and Maxi B. was born. The Mary Jane Girls climbed to the top of the charts with “All Night Long,” “In My House,” and “Candy Man”. Currently, the Mary Jane Girls reign as the most sampled/covered girl group in music history.
so she could one day find herself performing on the stages of Broadway. However, being of humble
Being a Mary Jane Girl had its share of challenges…
means, Kim was unable to take lessons. She instead
the greatest one being the color of her skin. Many
began imitating the many dance moves she saw on
blacks would say, “Why is there a white girl singing
television and became a self-taught dancer.
in this R&B group?” or the whites would say “Why
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