Blair Underwood to Narrate Audiobook of Mother Marilyn’s Biography Alongside His Sister Marlo (Exclusive)

**Blair Underwood to Celebrate His Mother’s Legacy in Upcoming Biography**

Blair Underwood is set to release a heartfelt tribute to his late mother, Marilyn A. Underwood, with his impending biography titled *A Soldier’s Wife: My Mother, the Marvelous Mrs. Marilyn A. Underwood*. The book, which he co-writes with Ylonda Gault, is scheduled for publication by HarperCollins imprint Amistad on April 14.

The biography not only highlights Marilyn’s remarkable journey from her roots in Buffalo, New York, to her illustrious career in the fashion industry but also celebrates her role as a devoted spouse to Lieutenant Frank Underwood. In what can be described as a family affair, both Blair and his sister, Marlo, will lend their voices to the audiobook version, further emphasising the personal nature of the project.

In the narrative, the siblings aim to paint a vivid and authentic picture of their mother’s life, showcasing how she broke barriers as the first Black female executive at Barmon Brothers Company. The book recounts her journey through her schooling at the Traphagen School of Fashion and traces her evolution from an assistant designer to a leader in a predominantly white industry.

Marlo Underwood articulated the significance of the book, stating, “Blair didn’t just write a book; he preserved our mother’s legacy.” The siblings have worked closely together, and for Marlo, co-narrating the audiobook with her brother is a meaningful task given her professional background as a voice actor and audiobook narrator.

Blair expressed his longing for readers and listeners to truly understand the woman who shaped their lives. “I hope listeners come to know the woman we knew: a woman ahead of her time, one who balanced family and ambition with a quiet power that shaped us all,” Marlo shared. Her experience with HarperCollins encompasses not only memoirs but also young adult fiction, further solidifying her qualifications for the project.

Blair Underwood is no stranger to the audiobook realm himself; he has previously garnered prestigious accolades for his narration work, including a Grammy Award for his contribution to the audiobook of Al Gore’s *An Inconvenient Truth*, as well as an Audie Award for his work on Lionel Richie’s memoir. His credentials add a layer of expertise to the narration of his mother’s story, one he holds dear to his heart.

In a recent statement, Blair conveyed deep admiration for his mother, referring to her as “elegance and strength in motion.” He highlighted her forward-thinking nature, noting, “In the 1950s, she was already a visionary, an entrepreneur, a fashion designer who broke barriers at Bowman Brothers,” illustrating the challenges she faced and overcame during a time when such achievements were rare for women of colour.

This biography, according to Blair, is intended not only as a commemoration of Marilyn’s legacy but also as an exploration of the foundations upon which he and Marlo were raised. He poignantly remarked, “This book is her legacy and everything I am began with her,” indicating the profound impact she had on their lives.

As fans and followers eagerly await the book’s official release, it is now available for pre-order through various book retailers. *A Soldier’s Wife: My Mother, the Marvelous Mrs. Marilyn A. Underwood* promises to be an enlightening read, offering insights into Marilyn’s extraordinary life and the indelible mark she left on those who knew and loved her.

This biography not only acknowledges the pivotal role that Marilyn played in her family’s life but also enshrines her story within the wider narrative of women’s empowerment and resilience in professional spaces. Through this detailed account, both Blair and Marlo aim to ensure that their mother’s legacy endures, inspiring future generations.