Mary Ramsey
Encyclopedia
Mary Ramsey currently a resident of Buffalo, NY is a member of folk
duo John & Mary
and lead singer for alternative rock
band 10,000 Maniacs
.
since age 5. She has worked with the Erie Philharmonic
and was a founder of the Lexington String Trio. She has also performed with the Fresno Philharmonic, the Santa Cruz Symphony and the Monterey Symphony in California and is currently a member of the Western New York Chamber Orchestra.
With John Lombardo
, former member of 10,000 Maniacs
, Ramsey formed the folk-rock duo John & Mary
in 1989. The pair made two recordings under the name John & Mary
, Victory Gardens
in 1991 and The Weedkiller's Daughter
in 1993. Both albums were released on Rykodisc
and are out of print. Mary Ramsey played violin and viola for 10,000 Maniacs
and sang backing vocals on the 1993 album MTV Unplugged
.
Ramsey returned to the Maniacs as lead singer and songwriter in 1995 after Natalie Merchant
's departure, along with Lombardo. The duo released two albums with the Maniacs, 1997's Love Among the Ruins
, which contained a cover of the Brian Ferry song More Than This
that became a top 40 hit on the U.S. charts, and The Earth Pressed Flat
in 1999. While with 10,000 Maniacs, Ramsey toured throughout the U.S. and in Brazil, Puerto Rico, Panama, England, Portugal, Germany, Holland and Austria. The band also played USO shows in Kuwait and Bahrain. One of the highlights of her career was a performance at the inaugural ball for Bill Clinton's second term as president. In 2002, after leaving the Maniacs following the death of guitarist Rob Buck, John & Mary
released The Pinwheel Galaxy
(2003). With their current band, the Valkyries, they released Peace Bridge
(2007).
Ramsey was rehired by 10,000 Maniacs
as a viola
player and backing vocalist for the 2006 shows with Oskar Saville
and returned to the lead vocalist spot after the departure of Saville
in 2007. She continued as lead vocalist through 2011 during which she performed on a 30-city 30th anniversary tour as well as a new EP Triangles
which was released in 2011.
Folk rock
Folk rock is a musical genre combining elements of folk music and rock music. In its earliest and narrowest sense, the term referred to a genre that arose in the United States and the UK around the mid-1960s...
duo John & Mary
John & Mary
John & Mary is a U.S. based folk music duo featuring John Lombardo and Mary Ramsey who have had a long-time close association with alternative rock band 10,000 Maniacs.-1989-1993:...
and lead singer for alternative rock
Alternative rock
Alternative rock is a genre of rock music and a term used to describe a diverse musical movement that emerged from the independent music underground of the 1980s and became widely popular by the 1990s...
band 10,000 Maniacs
10,000 Maniacs
10,000 Maniacs is a United States-based alternative rock band, which formed in 1981 and continues to be active with various line-ups.-1981–1993:...
.
Biography
Ramsey is a classically trained violinist who has been playing the violinViolin
The violin is a string instrument, usually with four strings tuned in perfect fifths. It is the smallest, highest-pitched member of the violin family of string instruments, which includes the viola and cello....
since age 5. She has worked with the Erie Philharmonic
Erie Philharmonic
The Erie Philharmonic is a professional orchestra located in Erie, Pennsylvania. The Philharmonic has held their performances at the Warner Theatre on State Street in downtown Erie since 1974.-History:...
and was a founder of the Lexington String Trio. She has also performed with the Fresno Philharmonic, the Santa Cruz Symphony and the Monterey Symphony in California and is currently a member of the Western New York Chamber Orchestra.
With John Lombardo
John Lombardo
John Lombardo was one of the founding members of the alternative rock band 10,000 Maniacs and one of the band's most influential members, writing much of its early material.- Biography :...
, former member of 10,000 Maniacs
10,000 Maniacs
10,000 Maniacs is a United States-based alternative rock band, which formed in 1981 and continues to be active with various line-ups.-1981–1993:...
, Ramsey formed the folk-rock duo John & Mary
John & Mary
John & Mary is a U.S. based folk music duo featuring John Lombardo and Mary Ramsey who have had a long-time close association with alternative rock band 10,000 Maniacs.-1989-1993:...
in 1989. The pair made two recordings under the name John & Mary
John & Mary
John & Mary is a U.S. based folk music duo featuring John Lombardo and Mary Ramsey who have had a long-time close association with alternative rock band 10,000 Maniacs.-1989-1993:...
, Victory Gardens
Victory Gardens
Victory Gardens is the debut album from John & Mary, recorded in 1990 just six months after the two met in December 1989 and immediately following their signing with Rykodisc. John Lombardo, former member of 10,000 Maniacs and responsible for much of their early music, brought elements of the...
in 1991 and The Weedkiller's Daughter
The Weedkiller's Daughter
The Weedkiller's Daughter is the second album from John & Mary.The Weedkiller's Daughter was produced by John Lombardo and Armand John Petrie and, like their first album Victory Gardens, features 10,000 Maniacs members Rob Buck and Jerry Augustyniak...
in 1993. Both albums were released on Rykodisc
Rykodisc
Rykodisc Records is an American record label. It is owned by Warner Music Group, operates as a unit of WMG's Independent Label Group and is distributed through Alternative Distribution Alliance.-Company history:...
and are out of print. Mary Ramsey played violin and viola for 10,000 Maniacs
10,000 Maniacs
10,000 Maniacs is a United States-based alternative rock band, which formed in 1981 and continues to be active with various line-ups.-1981–1993:...
and sang backing vocals on the 1993 album MTV Unplugged
MTV Unplugged (10,000 Maniacs album)
MTV Unplugged is a 1993 live album by 10,000 Maniacs. The music was recorded for the MTV Unplugged series and it was also the last album by the band featuring Natalie Merchant as vocalist...
.
Ramsey returned to the Maniacs as lead singer and songwriter in 1995 after Natalie Merchant
Natalie Merchant
Natalie Anne Merchant is an American singer-songwriter and musician. She joined the alternative rock band 10,000 Maniacs in 1981 and left it to begin her solo career in 1993.-Early life:...
's departure, along with Lombardo. The duo released two albums with the Maniacs, 1997's Love Among the Ruins
Love Among the Ruins (album)
Love Among the Ruins was the first album released by 10,000 Maniacs with their new lead singer, Mary Ramsey after the 1993 departure of Natalie Merchant. The two singles from the album, "More Than This" and "Rainy Day", were not originally slated to be included on the album at all...
, which contained a cover of the Brian Ferry song More Than This
More Than This (song)
-Track listing:CD single#"More Than This " – 3:17#"Clear" - 3:59#"More Than This " - 7:18-Charts:...
that became a top 40 hit on the U.S. charts, and The Earth Pressed Flat
The Earth Pressed Flat
The Earth Pressed Flat is a 1999 album by 10,000 Maniacs featuring vocalist Mary Ramsey who replaced Natalie Merchant after she left the band in 1993...
in 1999. While with 10,000 Maniacs, Ramsey toured throughout the U.S. and in Brazil, Puerto Rico, Panama, England, Portugal, Germany, Holland and Austria. The band also played USO shows in Kuwait and Bahrain. One of the highlights of her career was a performance at the inaugural ball for Bill Clinton's second term as president. In 2002, after leaving the Maniacs following the death of guitarist Rob Buck, John & Mary
John & Mary
John & Mary is a U.S. based folk music duo featuring John Lombardo and Mary Ramsey who have had a long-time close association with alternative rock band 10,000 Maniacs.-1989-1993:...
released The Pinwheel Galaxy
The Pinwheel Galaxy
-Track listing:All tracks composed by John Lombardo and Mary Ramsey except where indicated#"A Brighter Day" – 3:41#"Beyond Love" – 2:49#"Lilies of the Valley" – 3:32#"Summer Street" – 4:19#"The Drone" – 3:33...
(2003). With their current band, the Valkyries, they released Peace Bridge
Peace Bridge (album)
Peace Bridge is the fourth album from John & Mary, their first with the Valkyries.-Track listing:All tracks composed by John Lombardo and Mary Ramsey except where indicated#"Poppy" – 3:45#"Easter" – 3:42#"Shudder Girl" – 4:05...
(2007).
Ramsey was rehired by 10,000 Maniacs
10,000 Maniacs
10,000 Maniacs is a United States-based alternative rock band, which formed in 1981 and continues to be active with various line-ups.-1981–1993:...
as a viola
Viola
The viola is a bowed string instrument. It is the middle voice of the violin family, between the violin and the cello.- Form :The viola is similar in material and construction to the violin. A full-size viola's body is between and longer than the body of a full-size violin , with an average...
player and backing vocalist for the 2006 shows with Oskar Saville
Oskar Saville
Oskar Saville is the former lead singer of Chicago-based Rubygrass, and is also a solo artist. She served as lead vocalist for 10,000 Maniacs from 2002 to 2007.-Discography:Rubygrass*Fireflies Solo*A Girl Named Oskar 10,000 Maniacs;...
and returned to the lead vocalist spot after the departure of Saville
Oskar Saville
Oskar Saville is the former lead singer of Chicago-based Rubygrass, and is also a solo artist. She served as lead vocalist for 10,000 Maniacs from 2002 to 2007.-Discography:Rubygrass*Fireflies Solo*A Girl Named Oskar 10,000 Maniacs;...
in 2007. She continued as lead vocalist through 2011 during which she performed on a 30-city 30th anniversary tour as well as a new EP Triangles
Triangles (album)
Triangles is a 2011 EP by 10,000 Maniacs released on Ruby Wristwatch Records. It is the band's first release of new material since the 2000 death of lead guitarist Robert Buck, as well as the first 10,000 Maniacs album to feature singer Mary Ramsey without her songwriting partner John Lombardo, who...
which was released in 2011.
Other projects
Recently, Ramsey has been performing with a group of friends under the name Mary Ramsey and the Healers (formerly Mary Ramsey and Friends). In yet another recent project, she is joined by fellow Buffalonians Theresa Quinn, Susan Rozler, and Alison Pipitone in a group called Girls Gone Mild. Ramsey has also worked as a performer and music director for the Irish Classical Theater in Buffalo, New York. She teaches private lessons in violin, viola, voice and piano.With John & Mary
- Victory GardensVictory GardensVictory Gardens is the debut album from John & Mary, recorded in 1990 just six months after the two met in December 1989 and immediately following their signing with Rykodisc. John Lombardo, former member of 10,000 Maniacs and responsible for much of their early music, brought elements of the...
(1991) - The Weedkiller's DaughterThe Weedkiller's DaughterThe Weedkiller's Daughter is the second album from John & Mary.The Weedkiller's Daughter was produced by John Lombardo and Armand John Petrie and, like their first album Victory Gardens, features 10,000 Maniacs members Rob Buck and Jerry Augustyniak...
(1993) - The Pinwheel GalaxyThe Pinwheel Galaxy-Track listing:All tracks composed by John Lombardo and Mary Ramsey except where indicated#"A Brighter Day" – 3:41#"Beyond Love" – 2:49#"Lilies of the Valley" – 3:32#"Summer Street" – 4:19#"The Drone" – 3:33...
(2002)
With 10,000 Maniacs
- Love Among the RuinsLove Among the Ruins (album)Love Among the Ruins was the first album released by 10,000 Maniacs with their new lead singer, Mary Ramsey after the 1993 departure of Natalie Merchant. The two singles from the album, "More Than This" and "Rainy Day", were not originally slated to be included on the album at all...
(1997) - The Earth Pressed FlatThe Earth Pressed FlatThe Earth Pressed Flat is a 1999 album by 10,000 Maniacs featuring vocalist Mary Ramsey who replaced Natalie Merchant after she left the band in 1993...
(1999) - TrianglesTriangles (album)Triangles is a 2011 EP by 10,000 Maniacs released on Ruby Wristwatch Records. It is the band's first release of new material since the 2000 death of lead guitarist Robert Buck, as well as the first 10,000 Maniacs album to feature singer Mary Ramsey without her songwriting partner John Lombardo, who...
(EP) (2011)
Other credits
- Don't Try This at Home (1991) – with Billy BraggBilly BraggStephen William Bragg , better known as Billy Bragg, is an English alternative rock musician and left-wing activist. His music blends elements of folk music, punk rock and protest songs, and his lyrics mostly deal with political or romantic themes...
(violinViolinThe violin is a string instrument, usually with four strings tuned in perfect fifths. It is the smallest, highest-pitched member of the violin family of string instruments, which includes the viola and cello....
, violaViolaThe viola is a bowed string instrument. It is the middle voice of the violin family, between the violin and the cello.- Form :The viola is similar in material and construction to the violin. A full-size viola's body is between and longer than the body of a full-size violin , with an average...
) - Our Time in EdenOur Time in EdenOur Time in Eden is a 1992 album by 10,000 Maniacs, the last studio album featuring original lead singer Natalie Merchant. The album featured her future replacement Mary Ramsey on viola on such tracks as "Stockton Gala Days," "Jezebel," and "How You've Grown." Singles from the album were "These Are...
(1992) – with 10,000 Maniacs10,000 Maniacs10,000 Maniacs is a United States-based alternative rock band, which formed in 1981 and continues to be active with various line-ups.-1981–1993:...
(violinViolinThe violin is a string instrument, usually with four strings tuned in perfect fifths. It is the smallest, highest-pitched member of the violin family of string instruments, which includes the viola and cello....
, violaViolaThe viola is a bowed string instrument. It is the middle voice of the violin family, between the violin and the cello.- Form :The viola is similar in material and construction to the violin. A full-size viola's body is between and longer than the body of a full-size violin , with an average...
) - ImperfectlyImperfectlyImperfectly is the third studio album by singer-songwriter Ani DiFranco, released in 1992 .-Track listing:All songs by Ani DiFranco.#"What If No One's Watching" – 3:13#"Fixing Her Hair" – 4:45#"In or Out" – 3:06...
(1992) – with Ani DifrancoAni DiFrancoAni DiFranco is an American Grammy Award-winning singer, guitarist, poet, and songwriter. She has released more than 20 albums, and is widely considered a feminist icon.-Biography:...
(violaViolaThe viola is a bowed string instrument. It is the middle voice of the violin family, between the violin and the cello.- Form :The viola is similar in material and construction to the violin. A full-size viola's body is between and longer than the body of a full-size violin , with an average...
) - Candy Everybody Wants (EP) (1992) - with 10,000 Maniacs10,000 Maniacs10,000 Maniacs is a United States-based alternative rock band, which formed in 1981 and continues to be active with various line-ups.-1981–1993:...
(violin, viola) - MTV UnpluggedMTV Unplugged (10,000 Maniacs album)MTV Unplugged is a 1993 live album by 10,000 Maniacs. The music was recorded for the MTV Unplugged series and it was also the last album by the band featuring Natalie Merchant as vocalist...
(1993) – with 10,000 Maniacs10,000 Maniacs10,000 Maniacs is a United States-based alternative rock band, which formed in 1981 and continues to be active with various line-ups.-1981–1993:...
(violaViolaThe viola is a bowed string instrument. It is the middle voice of the violin family, between the violin and the cello.- Form :The viola is similar in material and construction to the violin. A full-size viola's body is between and longer than the body of a full-size violin , with an average...
, background vocals) - Puddle DivePuddle DivePuddle Dive is the fourth studio album by singer-songwriter Ani DiFranco, released in 1993. .-Track listing:All songs by Ani DiFranco.#"Names and Dates and Times" – 2:39#"Anyday" – 3:00#"4th of July" – 3:03...
(1993) – with Ani DifrancoAni DiFrancoAni DiFranco is an American Grammy Award-winning singer, guitarist, poet, and songwriter. She has released more than 20 albums, and is widely considered a feminist icon.-Biography:...
(violinViolinThe violin is a string instrument, usually with four strings tuned in perfect fifths. It is the smallest, highest-pitched member of the violin family of string instruments, which includes the viola and cello....
) - Superstar Car WashSuperstar Car WashSuperstar Car Wash is the fourth studio album by the Goo Goo Dolls, released in February, 1993 on Warner Bros.. John Rzeznik wrote the song "We Are the Normal" with his idol, The Replacements' singer Paul Westerberg. The two corresponded by mail but never sat in a studio together. The song "Fallin'...
(1993) – with Goo Goo DollsGoo Goo DollsThe Goo Goo Dolls are a Grammy-nominated American rock band formed in 1986 in Buffalo, New York, by vocalist and guitarist John Rzeznik and vocalist and bass guitarist Robby Takac. Since the end of 1994, Mike Malinin has been the band's drummer, a position previously held by George Tutuska... - Between Us (1998) – with Jules ShearJules ShearJules Mark Shear is a US singer, songwriter, and guitarist born in Pittsburgh in 1952. Although he has had only one minor hit as a performer , he has recorded almost 20 albums to date...
(vocals, viola, fiddle) - Coming of AgeComing of Age (Jude Johnstone album)-Track listing:#"Cry Wolf" – 4:16#"Coming of Age" – 5:05#"Wounded Heart" – 5:00#"Not Long for This World" – 3:17#"Hearts in Armor" – 5:07#"Doesn't Anybody Know But Me" – 2:59#"Unchained" – 4:10#"The Nightingale" – 4:17...
(2002) – with Jude JohnstoneJude JohnstoneJude Johnstone is an American singer-songwriter. Her songs have been covered by Laura Branigan, Trisha Yearwood, Emmylou Harris, Bonnie Raitt, Bette Midler, Johnny Cash, Stevie Nicks and others. Johnstone wrote the #1 song "The Woman Before Me" on Yearwood's debut CD, which also won an award from...
(violaViolaThe viola is a bowed string instrument. It is the middle voice of the violin family, between the violin and the cello.- Form :The viola is similar in material and construction to the violin. A full-size viola's body is between and longer than the body of a full-size violin , with an average...
) - Songs for the Uninvited (2002) – with Zoomer (electric violin, viola)
- Heads or Tales (2003) - with Jamie Notarthomas (violin)
- Campfire Songs: The Popular, Obscure and Unknown RecordingsCampfire Songs: The Popular, Obscure and Unknown RecordingsCampfire Songs: The Popular, Obscure and Unknown Recordings is a 2004 compilation album by 10,000 Maniacs featuring their biggest hits, b-sides and unknown recordings from the Natalie Merchant era.-Track listing:Disc One - The Most Popular Recordings...
(2004) - with 10,000 Maniacs10,000 Maniacs10,000 Maniacs is a United States-based alternative rock band, which formed in 1981 and continues to be active with various line-ups.-1981–1993:...
(background vocals, violin, viola) - On a Good DayOn a Good Day (album)-Track listing:#"On a Good Day" – 4:07#"20 Years" – 3:59#"Hard Lessons" – 4:24#"Hold On" – 4:32#"In This House" – 3:36#"Old and Gray" – 3:39#"Evelyn" – 5:41#"Pen and Paper" – 3:38#"Deep Water" – 3:57...
(2005) – with Jude JohnstoneJude JohnstoneJude Johnstone is an American singer-songwriter. Her songs have been covered by Laura Branigan, Trisha Yearwood, Emmylou Harris, Bonnie Raitt, Bette Midler, Johnny Cash, Stevie Nicks and others. Johnstone wrote the #1 song "The Woman Before Me" on Yearwood's debut CD, which also won an award from...
(violaViolaThe viola is a bowed string instrument. It is the middle voice of the violin family, between the violin and the cello.- Form :The viola is similar in material and construction to the violin. A full-size viola's body is between and longer than the body of a full-size violin , with an average...
) - Take My Life (2005) - with Scott Underwood (violaViolaThe viola is a bowed string instrument. It is the middle voice of the violin family, between the violin and the cello.- Form :The viola is similar in material and construction to the violin. A full-size viola's body is between and longer than the body of a full-size violin , with an average...
) - Live Twenty-FiveLive Twenty-FiveLive Twenty-Five is a 2006 live album by 10,000 Maniacs recorded to commemorate the band's twenty-fifth anniversary and was only sold on tour...
(2006) – with 10,000 Maniacs10,000 Maniacs10,000 Maniacs is a United States-based alternative rock band, which formed in 1981 and continues to be active with various line-ups.-1981–1993:...
(electric violinViolinThe violin is a string instrument, usually with four strings tuned in perfect fifths. It is the smallest, highest-pitched member of the violin family of string instruments, which includes the viola and cello....
) - Billy Bragg, Vol. 2 (2006) - with Billy BraggBilly BraggStephen William Bragg , better known as Billy Bragg, is an English alternative rock musician and left-wing activist. His music blends elements of folk music, punk rock and protest songs, and his lyrics mostly deal with political or romantic themes...
(violin) - Innocent Bystanders (2007) – with Innocent Bystanders (strings)
- Extended VersionsExtended Versions (10,000 Maniacs album)Extended Versions is a live album from 10,000 Maniacs released in 2009 as a part of the Extended Versions collection of discounted albums. The album was recorded during the band's 2006 tour with Oskar Saville as lead vocalist...
(2009) – with 10,000 Maniacs10,000 Maniacs10,000 Maniacs is a United States-based alternative rock band, which formed in 1981 and continues to be active with various line-ups.-1981–1993:...
(lead vocals, violaViolaThe viola is a bowed string instrument. It is the middle voice of the violin family, between the violin and the cello.- Form :The viola is similar in material and construction to the violin. A full-size viola's body is between and longer than the body of a full-size violin , with an average...
) - Machines of Love and War (2009) - with The Dreaming (violin, viola)
- Quiet GirlQuiet GirlQuiet Girl is the fifth album from Jude Johnstone with contributions from guest artists including Emmylou Harris, John David Souther, Susan & David Cowsill, Rodney Crowell, Maxayn Lewis, Mary Ramsey, Jimmy LaFave, David Mansfield and Clarence Clemons....
(2011) – with Jude JohnstoneJude JohnstoneJude Johnstone is an American singer-songwriter. Her songs have been covered by Laura Branigan, Trisha Yearwood, Emmylou Harris, Bonnie Raitt, Bette Midler, Johnny Cash, Stevie Nicks and others. Johnstone wrote the #1 song "The Woman Before Me" on Yearwood's debut CD, which also won an award from...
(viola)
Trivia
- "Yes, Mary Ramsey" is a palindromePalindromeA palindrome is a word, phrase, number, or other sequence of units that can be read the same way in either direction, with general allowances for adjustments to punctuation and word dividers....
, a word or phrase that can be read the same way in either direction.