Born and raised in Middleton, Ohio, Marlena Smalls grew up singing in her father's church. After attending Central State University she decided to embark on a music and acting career.
Profoundly influenced by her Gullah roots, in 1984 she moved to Beaufort, SC so she could be near the South Carolina sea islands. In an effort to promote and share Gullah music and culture she founded the Gullah festival in 1985, and the Hallelujah singers in 1990.
Marlena has also been very active in the development of school programs to educate children about the Gullah culture.
As well as her musical interests, Marlena is also an actress. She played the role of Bubba’s mama in the film "Forest Gump."

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