Here is my upcoming project shining a light on the forgotten blues singer, West Side blues legend, Mary Lane. Her documentary, "I Can Only Be Mary Lane" and her recording, "Travelin Woman" on Woman of the Blues Records will premiere on Friday, November 16th at Buddy Guy's Legends. She is one of the unsung heroes of the blues who migrated to Chicago from Arkansas following her mentor, Howlin Wolf. She stayed in Chicago with her vision of becoming a well known blues
singer while singing beside Buddy Guy and Junior Wells. Aretha, Koko and others have taken center stage while she has never been noticed. This documentary will tell her story and traces her path to the recording studio in hopes of getting a record deal. This recording, "Travelin Woman" is only her second recording featuring 10 songs co-written with award winning producer, Jim Tullio (Mavis Staples, Richie Havens, Tom Rush) although she has been a featured artist on many compilation CDs.
Women of the Blues Records launched in October to support the 83 year olds musical journey and her record will be available on November 16th at the premiere of her documentary, "I Can Only Be Mary Lane."
Please let me know if you would be interested in a feature story.
What Legends are Saying About Mary Lane
Buddy Guy:
“Mary Lane is the last of the blues singers who came up from the south to Chicago. She is the real deal."
Bobby Rush:
"Mary Lane is way over due for what she planned to do. She is making a statement for all the blues women. At 83 years old she still has the guts to get out there and sing the blues. This is a strong record, one of the best I have heard, she sounds like she is 33 not 83 years old."
