An In Depth Interview with Mary Jo Curry
Mary Jo Curry is an electrifying, engaging, entertaining, powerhouse blues vocalist based in Central Illinois. Legendary, BMA nominated, international recording artist, James Armstrong, said that “Mary Jo has a voice, confidence, and stage presence that is hard to find these days.”
Mary Jo has just completed recording her first CD, simply titled “Mary Jo Curry.” The CD was produced by the incomparable James Armstrong. The CD provides the listener a great cross section of the type of music you will hear when you attend a Mary Jo Curry live performance. The CD features 4 original songs written or co-written by Mary Jo, and 5 outstanding blues compositions where Mary Jo puts her stamp on songs previously recorded by female blues greats that have inspired her. Mary Jo’s talent has been recognized by having the honor of receiving the 2016 Kankakee Area Music Awards, “Best Blues Artist.”
Ms. Curry’s college training was in theater performance and voice. Her professional career started as lead singer in a popular rock cover band. While doing a show with a local theater group, Mary Jo was “discovered” by theater talent scouts who wanted Mary Jo to audition for a role in a major touring troupe; this audition led to a stint as a professional theater performer. Five years ago she fell in love with blues music, and was soon invited to join a Central Illinois blues band. The band quickly realized that Mary Jo was the real deal, and the band restructured itself to feature Mary Jo as the lead vocalist.
Mary Jo is joined onstage by her husband, Michael Rapier, who plays lead guitar, acts as band leader, and shares in the songwriting duties. The last 5 years have been the incubator to allow Mary Jo to shape her sound and her direction as a blues performer, and she is now ready to bring her blues to the world.
