Mary Thornton

Tallahassee, FL, native Mary Thornton entertained her first audience when she was only three years old. The audience was captivated family members and little Thornton entertained them with her own energetic rendition of "the Star Spangled Banner." As time went by, she expanded her act to the local church, her school, and even her own garage. Throughout her childhood, she was exposed to a healthy mix of different styles of music by artists like Albert King, Ray Charles, Aretha Franklin, and Etta James. When Thornton landed her first real gig, she spent her time on stage hoping the bar owner wouldn't figure out that she was under age. Later gigs proved just as interesting, including one where she was playing to a filled room at Orlando's House of Blues and was stopped in the middle of her act because a body had been found in a storage room in the club. After nearly two decades of performing with groups, as well as solo, at clubs, festivals, and benefits, Thornton has learned a lot about the hardships and joys of her chosen musical career. In 1998, she recorded her first album, Rottweiler Blues, released under her independent record label, Redbird Records. The blues-rock debut showcases eight original songs like the title track, "Rottweiler Blues," and "One of the People," and "Say Goodbye." In 2000, Thornton went to work on a sophomore album, Things Get Clearer to Me. Mary Thornton's live shows feature some accomplished artists backing her up. Band members are guitarist Jon Bailey, bassist Jim Bass, and drummer Albert Burroughs. ~ Charlotte Dillon, All Music Guide