A singer-songwriter and violinist known for her eclectic folk-rock sound and work with the band 10,000 Maniacs. She's a talented musician with a unique voice and style.
Mary Ramsey is renowned as the lead singer and violist of the American alternative rock band 10,000 Maniacs, as well as a member of the folk rock duo John & Mary. With a career spanning over three decades, Ramsey has left an indelible mark on the music industry, collaborating with esteemed artists such as Jackson Browne, Goo Goo Dolls, and Ani DiFranco.
Born on December 24, 1963, Ramsey's musical journey commenced at the tender age of five, when she began learning the violin. She pursued her passion at the State University of New York at Fredonia, where she studied music and later played the viola with the Erie Philharmonic for four years. During this period, she co-founded the Lexington String Trio, a testament to her versatility and dedication to music.
In 1989, Ramsey teamed up with John Lombardo of 10,000 Maniacs to form the folk rock duo John & Mary. The pair released two albums, Victory Gardens (1991) and The Weedkiller's Daughter (1993), both of which were released on Rykodisc. Although these albums are no longer in print, they laid the foundation for Ramsey's subsequent successes.
In 1993, Ramsey joined 10,000 Maniacs as a violinist and backing vocalist, contributing to their iconic MTV Unplugged album. Following Natalie Merchant's departure in 1995, Ramsey took on the role of lead singer and songwriter, alongside Lombardo. This new era saw the release of two albums, Love Among the Ruins (1997) and The Earth Pressed Flat (1999), the former of which spawned a top 40 hit with their cover of Roxy Music's "More Than This."
During her time with 10,000 Maniacs, Ramsey toured extensively across the United States, Brazil, Puerto Rico, Panama, England, Portugal, Germany, the Netherlands, and Austria. One of the highlights of her career was performing at the inaugural ball for Bill Clinton's second term as president. Additionally, the band played USO shows in Kuwait and Bahrain.
In 2002, following the death of guitarist Rob Buck, Ramsey and Lombardo left 10,000 Maniacs and reformed John & Mary. They released The Pinwheel Galaxy in 2003, followed by Peace Bridge in 2007 with their new band, the Valkyries. In 2006, Ramsey rejoined 10,000 Maniacs as a viola player and backing vocalist for select shows.
Mary Ramsey's contributions to the music world are undeniable. Her unique blend of folk, rock, and classical elements has inspired a generation of musicians. As a pioneering female musician, she has paved the way for others to follow in her footsteps. Ramsey's dedication to her craft has earned her a loyal fan base, and her music continues to be celebrated and enjoyed by audiences worldwide.
62 Years Old
A 10,000 Maniacs lead vocalist and solo artist known for poetic lyrics and soothing melodies that explore themes of social justice and personal relationships.
68 Years Old
American keyboard player and founding member of the rock band 10,000 Maniacs, known for their distinctive sound and hit songs like "More Than This" and "Because the Night".
69 Years Old
A Spanish-American bass player known for his work with the rock band Heart, contributing to their iconic sound and hits like "Barracuda" and "Crazy on You".
73 Years Old
A founding member of 10,000 Maniacs, he wrote and performed folk-rock music with poignant lyrics, often focusing on social and environmental issues.
