By Shawn Downs
From the moment her mother caught her wearing headphones and belting out the lyrics to "My Sharona," Mary Lou Magee was destined to become a star. Her career began at a Maryland night club, singing with the radio while working as a short-order cook. But soon after, she traded in her apron for musical fame as lead singer of Mary Lou and The Untouchables.
Born in Baltimore, Mary Lou grew up listening to the favorite records of her four brothers, an array which covered everything from The Beatles to ACDC. Her father performed in barbershop quartets, and Magee followed his interest by starring in high school musicals and community theater. After acting in the likes of "Hello Dolly" and "Oklahoma,â" she found herself turning more and more toward the heat of rhythm and blues.
"I started getting into the soul thing as I got older," she says. "I like Motown·and I love James Brown." Her passion for music led her to a job at a local club, performing double duty both as a chef and booking talent. At times, she would even fill in with the bands, giving her a first, delicious taste of live performing.
Primarily a drummer, Magee admits that her first crack at singing before a crowd was a trial by fire. She was asked to fill in with a band called Flashback, led by Demetri Callas, a former member of Frankie Valli and the Four Seasons. "His throat was hurting him that night," she recalls. "So he baptized me!"
Mary Lou was reluctant to take the spotlight, but Callas refused to back down. "He said, ÎI heard you singing back in the kitchen, so I know you can do it." The band played the intro to "Old Time Rock and Roll," over and over until Magee finally took the old records off the shelf. When the song ended, Callas gave her the advice that would change her life: "You belong out front, girl."
Several years and a number of bands later, Mary Lou founded The Untouchables, a nine-piece band that played their first gig on Halloween night 1993. The group is a vision that Magee always wanted to try, a rhythm and blues horn section with a big band feel. Complete with gangster motif and pinstripe suits, Mary Lou and The Untouchables have headlined clubs across Maryland.
"The band has never been out of work," says Magee, who recently led her boys to victory in Ocean Cityâs "Best Band on the Beach" competition. After playing against seventeen other bands over a three-day period, The Untouchables accepted their award side by side with the members of War. Mary Lou also went on to be named "Best Female Front" in the Music Monthly readers poll.
This year, the group released their debut CD, which has sold nearly 3,000 copies. The album features both covers and original music, and highlights the powerful and raspy voice of Magee. Her style has been compared to both Melissa Etheridge and Bonnie Tyler, although she is most often paired with Janis Joplin. The band covers several Joplin tunes, but the artist was never an idol to Mary Lou, who does not own a single Joplin album. "I guess sheâs a legend," says Magee. "To be compared to her is quite a compliment."
The Untouchables have enjoyed a steady stream of success, including television appearances in Baltimore and a number of gigs with well-known celebrities. They played Ballyâs Ocean Downs with Ray Charles, and doubled as the "Saturday Night Live" band at a benefit hosted by Dana Carvey and David Spade. Although she attests that meeting Charles was her biggest thrill, "Dana Carvey is hysterical÷he must drive his wife nuts!"
The band received the highest compliment on their music from a member of Bruce Springsteenâs E Street Band. While playing as the opening act for Clarence Clemmons, The Untouchables were shocked and delighted when the star made an early appearance on stage. Still in his street clothes, Clemmons had heard their act from backstage and was so impressed that he decided to join them. In her excitement, Magee nearly strangled one of her band members. "I grabbed the saxophone from my saxophone playerâs hands and forgot he had it on a neck strap," she laughs.
From night club kitchens to center stage, Mary Lou Magee has traveled far in the world of music. Beginning with a simple idea to start a band with a horn section, Mary Lou and The Untouchables have become one of the most popular acts on the East Coast. Magee is content with her musical success, and knows that performing is a job that she will always love. "I enjoy making other people happy," she says. "You gotta let it rip sometimes, and if I can be a part of that, I think thatâs cool."