In 1961, she recorded her debut studio album titled Marilyn...the Most, which attracted the attention of Steve Allen.

[3] Meet Marvelous Marilyn Maye was recorded in 1965 at Webster Hall, a performing venue and nightclub in New York City.

The liner notes were written by Steve Allen, who concluded by calling it "the best damned vocal album of 1965".

[7] According to an article from Billboard magazine, Meet Marvelous Marilyn Maye was given regular promotion from RCA Victor shortly after its release.

[8] After its original release, Billboard magazine highlighted the album as a "Pop Special Merit" pick.

[2] Will Friedwald of the book The Great Jazz and Pop Vocal Albums praised the project by saying, "Nearly every other aspect of her work is already in place here in 1965."

Friedwalkd further highlighted Maye's vocal delivery and found her to be a seasoned Jazz vocalist by the time of the album's release.