Mary Love Interview

Interview by Rob Jones in 2008

Mary Love (b. July 27, 1943 – d. June 21, 2013)

Mary Love entered the record industry in 1968 with her Kent-Modern Records release of her first single 'You Turned My Bitter into Sweet', produced by Marc Gordon. Mary has many secular recordings to her credit and has a lifetime of success in the music industry. Since, Mary has continued recording and later writing songs both secular and gospel. Mary has performed with such greats as the Temptations, the Four Tops, Gladys Knight & the Pips, O V Wright, Johnny Taylor, the Dramatics, the Chi-Lites, Charles Wright and the Watts 103rd Street Rhythm Band just to name a few.

In 1986 Mary began writing and recording gospel and is now an ordained minister Evangelist. There is a powerful insight in this woman that opens others to see new realities thus changing their thinking and ultimately their lives. Mary’s melodious style and inner conviction of faith reaches deep into the hearts of the listeners, moving them to think about the inner struggles of life and then gives solutions of truth and exhorts them to view their lives a blessing and not a curse. Through experience of overcoming great obstacles in her own life she shares without shame eternal truths that are freeing and comforting to the soul. Currently, Mary is in the process of completing her new CD entitled to date Love Stories, a collection of inspirational prophetic lyrics and the music of the great composer and music director Jymmi Briggjanos.

Could you tell us about your childhood, where you were born and when you first began to sing?

I was born Mary Ann Allen in Sacramento California on July 27, 1943 at 12:03 am. I was abandoned at three months old. I believe that God Himself brought me out for His purpose which has been fulfilled in me as a minister. I began to sing at four years old. I sang in the children's choir as a soloist.

Did you have any formal voice training?

I never had formal training but only the desire inside to sing.

What were your first experiences of the music industry like?

At 15 I started sitting in at clubs and this was my start in music.

How old were you at the time of the Modern label recordings and how did the contract come about?

I was 17 when I went to Modern Records. I was introduced by Marc Gordon, the famous producer who was with Motown Records at the time.

Do you have any particular recollections about those recording sessions? 

I was excited with the many stars I worked with such as Vernon Garrett, B B King, Lowell Folsom, the Ikettes and many more.

Did you ever record other takes of singles such as 'Lay This Burden Down' and 'You Turned My Bitter into Sweet'?

Yes, and many more like 'Baby I'll Come' and 'Dance, Children Dance' just to name a few.

In 2002 you did a remake of 'Lay This Burden Down' - how did it feel to be recording the song again after so many years?

It was a natural gas.

'I'm in Your Hands' is now recognised as a classic recording in its own right and often accounts for the huge price tag of the original 45 - do you think it should have been a separate release rather than the B-side of 'You Turned My Bitter into Sweet'?

I always wanted it to be the hit but the company had their own ideas. I still love that song.

Do you have any personal favourites among your own recordings?

Oh yes, 'Lord of My Life' and 'He Uses Me', but they all are favourites to me; they glorify my God and express my heart for God and the things He means to me and what He has done for my life.

Many readers may be surprised to learn that you are now a minister - how did this come about?

I woke up and found a void in my life, and the void was filled with God's love and purpose to use my gifts to spread love and truth to all who would listen.

What are you doing these days?

Receiving and sharing love to everyone I can.

Having listened to your more recent recordings, I would say your voice is better than ever - do you train your voice regularly?

Just continuing to sing will strengthen anyone's voice and a strong belief in the giver of all gifts; God.

Would you like to pass on a message to your many fans over here in the UK?

There is a simple truth that God loves us all no matter who or where we are in our lives. We only need to recognise that He is God and continues to be the Creator of all things and the author of our lives, even when we've decided to do what we want with them, He still loves us. When we realise this, He will continue to bless us above and beyond what any man can see or think for us, for He is God, the best thing that can ever happen for us.

Do you have any plans to return to the UK in the future?

I'd love to live in the UK, but I will return any time I am blessed to be asked.

Musical influences: Otis Redding

First record ever bought: Otis Redding - 'I've Been Loving You Too Long (To Stop Now)'

Favourite singers today: Vanessa Bell Armstrong

Hobbies and interests: writing and the beach

Favourite part of the world: England

Would most like to meet: The man for me

Most precious memory: When I was blessed to become a minister of Jesus Christ.

© Rob Jones 2008

Footnote (2016):

It came as a great shock to learn of Mary's passing on June 21, 2013 and she is sadly missed by friends and fans around the world. Mary was a remarkable lady, who'd been through many trials and tribulations in her life, yet she always remained kind to everyone and very enthusiastic about music.

The above interview was conducted over the telephone a few years ago. Although the interview is relatively short, certain parts were omitted due to Mary not wanting to be too negative about the music industry and the way it had treated her virtually from day one. She made little or no money from most of her work and she was in quite dire financial straits at the time of the interview.  Surprisingly, none of this affected her desire to continue as a singer.

Mary and I kept in touch and she was always a great supporter of my projects in soul music. One of the things I'll never forget about Mary was her speaking voice, which was musical and so sweet.