Mary Jo Curry

“I can’t think of any vocalist who sounds like Mary Jo Curry. She’s all gusto and fire with a beautiful instrument with which to spew the blues flames... This is the kind of singer and band that makes you want to see them live, up close and personal, preferably with a dance floor nearby.” - Martine Ehrenclou, Rock and Blues Muse (1)

The Mary Jo Curry Band is fronted by the distinctive, one-of-a-kind vocalist and entertainer, Mary Jo Curry. She is surrounded by a tight and powerful rhythm section delivering “blues with a rock and roll bite.” (1) Mary Jo’s original singing voice and lighting quick wit paired with this exceptional band, delivers an engaging live performance for blues aficionados and anybody that just wants to have fun!

This line-up came together in 2016. Mary Jo and guitarist/husband, Michael Rapier searched for a committed, professional rhythm section that shared their vision for the future. Mary Jo soon met two of the top players in her home area, drummer, Rick Snow and bassist, Chris Rogers. These two locked immediately to create the musical foundation Mary Jo and Michael were looking for and their lineup was complete. Whether on the road or in the recording studio, the band frequently welcomes the incredible talents of guitarist Timo Arthur and keyboardist Ezra Casey to deliver their sound.

In 2020, The Mary Jo Curry Band released Mary Jo’s second album, Front Porch, the first under the band’s name. Front Porch, finished at #15 on the 2020 Roots Music Report’s Blues Album Chart, #7 on the Contemporary Blues Album Chart and was #1 on the Illinois Album Chart for all genres.

(Some notable quotes about the album:)
Blues Blast Magazine:
“Mary Jo is a powerhouse vocalist with a distinctively different, honey-sweet attack who conveys the depths of emotion with each breath as she delivers modern tunes steeped with traditional feel.” - Marty Gunther, Senior Writer

Blues Matter Magazine:
“It’s (Front Porch) one of the best blues albums I’ve heard in a long time. Do yourself a favor, get it.” - Stephen Harrison

The band was honored to receive Blues Blast Magazine’s prestigious “Sean Costello Rising Star Award” for 2020. They were nominated for three Independent Blues Awards from “Making a Scene,” and hit numerous top twenty blues charts around the globe.

As 2021 rolled around, the band was busy writing and recording music for the follow-up to their highly touted album, Front Porch, when life had a different plan. With two songs already recorded, Mary Jo found herself being called to a higher purpose. One that would temporarily cease recordings, performances, and the status quo of life. Mary Jo learned Michael’s sister was extremely ill from a virus that had gone undetected for years. This virus attacked and destroyed her liver, and she was in dire need of a liver transplant. Mary Jo knew that living liver donation was possible and knew deep down she would be the match. She looked directly at Michael and said, “It’s me.” After an intense and lengthy screening process, the physicians at Chicago Northwestern Memorial Hospital confirmed what Mary Jo already knew. She was, “…not only a good match but a perfect match.” On July 14, 2021, Mary Jo and sister-in-law, Marti put all their faith in God and His medical team. Mary Jo was able to donate a little over 50% of her liver, giving Marti a second chance at life. Both have recovered remarkably well and in good time. Grateful and forever changed by the opportunity to be part of a miracle, Mary Jo is ready pick up where she left off.

Mary Jo and her incredible band are back to writing, recording, and scheduling live performances for late 2021 and beyond. Their future looks bright as they anticipate a full album release in 2022!

In the meantime, two of their new songs, “Idaho Bound” and “Rent,” will be featured on the upcoming Blind Raccoon / Nola Blue, Compilation - Volume 4, set for release during the Blues Foundation’s International Blues Challenge in January 2022. The Mary Jo Curry Band’s songs will also be available on your favorite music streaming platform, at HearNow.com, at maryjocurry.com, and at CDBaby.com.