Chai Style Home: Star Power, Healing & Honey
As a teen, Mali Wilson was touted as “a combination of Diana Ross and Barbra Steisand” … see how she turned out.
After 37 years with the Atlanta Journal-Constitution and now with the AJT, , Jaffe’s focus is lifestyle, art, dining, fashion, and community events with emphasis on Jewish movers and shakers.
Mali Wilson is “all that.” Duluth is home base for the magic of this superpower talent who is brimming with Tikun Olam and an informed exuberance that reflects both her Jewish and African American heritages. Of that she said, “Studying Torah deepened my understanding. I’m Judeo-Christian. My Christian faith is my rock, and I cherish my Jewish identity.”
Her full body of work has her appearing one day with Rabbi Peter Berg furthering Jewish/Black harmony, next working with “A-listers,” then mentoring young girls, and gathering honey from her apiary.
After decades of producing music and opening doors for others, Mali entered a new chapter as a recording artist. Her debut album, “Retro in Real Time,” is a personal celebration of “love, faith, resilience and the extraordinary joy of finding one’s own voice when least expected.”
Wilson, also a film star, is an example of how fortune favors the bold. In terms of her estate décor, that’s also inspiring. On her sprawling 10 acres with a sunny yellow house behind “the hedges,” Wilson says this about style, “True luxury isn’t about beautiful things. It’s making someone feel welcomed, valued and loved.”
Take the tour as Wilson takes the stage …
Marcia: How did you accumulate the Duluth properties?
Mali: During the pandemic, I heard G-d say, “You need land.” Hours later, I discovered a former Montessori school with beautiful gardens and fruit trees. I called my realtor and longtime banker, Eric Wilson. I envisioned a sanctuary for Earth Angel Worldwide, where young people and artists could discover their potential. What I didn’t anticipate was falling in love with my banker! Eric had lost his wife, and I’d nearly given up on finding love. Darlin’, I was looking for land, and G-d had another blessing waiting!
Marcia: Describe the ranch interior.
Mali: My father was an architect/interior designer. I inherited his appreciation for beautiful spaces. Think vintage Hollywood glamour, timeless antiques, gorgeous China and plenty of soul! Eric designed our Butler’s Cabin a la Augusta’s Masters, creating space for legacy-building conversations.
Marcia: Share your upbringing and Atlanta journey.
Mali: I’m a Midwest girl from North Chicago and Waukegan, surrounded by music, family, and faith. My father was the oldest of 11. Family barbeques became outdoor jam sessions, with musicians playing while everyone cooked and laughed. Atlanta became home in 2006, but Chicago will always be part of my soul.
Marcia: How do you embrace your Black and Jewish heritage?
Mali: My parents taught me never to choose between the beautiful parts of myself. My mother’s Jewish ancestry traces to Eastern Europe; my father is African American. At 18, performing at Highland Park’s Apple Tree Theatre, I experienced tremendous encouragement from the Jewish community, including Gene Siskel and his sister. Eric is a church deacon, and his mother has lived in Jerusalem for 30 years. My song “No More Silence,” is another expression of my belief that music can bring communities together … understanding who we are recognizes the humanity in others.
Marcia: So musically you bloomed? Drop some names.
Mali: I wrote my first song at 4 with my father (also a singer, songwriter) and produced professionally at 21. Whitney Houston was an angel. She’d sometimes hide in my office for peace. Ne-Yo is my “brother”; T-Pain, Ludacris, and Future are “family.” My production company and I earned a Grammy nomination for Chris Brown and Usher’s, “New Flame.”
Marcia: Carly Simon?
Mali: I helped bring her memoir, “Boys in the Trees,” across the finish line and supported its press tour. I refused payment, much to Carly’s frustration! She painted me a beautiful stool and sent treasured letters and gifts. Helping celebrate her legacy was compensation enough.
Marcia. Tell us about “Retro in Real Time.”
Mali: Darlin’, I spent decades helping other people. I never imagined finding my own voice again through love. Stepping from behind the scenes to the microphone frightened me. Eric heard me singing around the house and said, “You have a gift, and you need to use it.” He believed before I did. We wrote most of it together. It’s our love story, with all its heartache, healing, forgiveness, and joy. My single, “Tonight,” is now playing on Atlanta’s Majic and V-103. Hearing my own voice on the radio is extraordinary.
Marcia: You’re in film?
Mali: Billy Bob Thornton, a longtime friend, directed and cast me in a role in “Jayne Mansfield’s Car.” I appeared alongside Billy Bob, Kevin Bacon, and Robert Duvall. More recently, I portrayed opera singer Marguerite d’Alvarez in a Bessie Smith production.
Marcia: You were on “The Today Show” with the AJT’s Robyn Spizman Gerson?
Mali: Cooking is another love language. I’ve created more than 250 original recipes over 15 years, and my cookbook is coming. I spent time with Anthony Bourdain in Atlanta. His wisdom about food and storytelling stayed with me. Whether it’s elegant seafood, caviar, or my vegan grilled cheese, I want guests leaving loved and well-fed!
Marcia What happens during late-night sessions at StoneWood Studios?
Mali: We pray before every session. Then comes music, laughter, sometimes tears, and fabulous food! Someone picks up a saxophone, somebody joins on bass, and suddenly magic happens.
Marcia: Last word.
Mali: During courtship, Eric’s messages read like love songs. I encouraged him to write. Our partnership is compared to Ashford & Simpson and Sonny & Cher. We found each other. Our lyrics became songs. It’s never too late to become who we’re meant to be. Dreams don’t have expiration dates, and G-d’s timing is always greater than our own.
comments