Today Americana singer/songwriter Mary McGuinness debuted the video for her interpretation of the classic Bread song, “If“. Her soulful yet powerful version of this iconic song harkens back to classic country roots and soul-stirring Americana. The track was produced by Joel Shearer and the video directed by Owen Korb who shot it at The Hidden Gem in Eagle Rock, CA in February before the COVID-19 pandemic.
Of the track, McGuinness says, “I’ve always been a huge fan of Bread and especially this song. I can remember hearing it when I was young and thought it was one of the most beautiful songs I’d ever heard. David Gates said he penned it at the dinner table one night and thought it was the most perfect song he’d ever written. I would agree.”
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x2GKs_YkuQM
Last month McGuinness released a video for another classic song “Washing Of The Water” by Peter Gabriel, a song of painful self-reflection inspired by Gabriel’s fascination with the natural elements. She said of the song, “This song moved me at a very profound level the first time I heard it. I saw Peter Gabriel perform this at the Hollywood Bowl. Tears streamed down my face as he sang this from the stage. Years later, I listened to it again, and it had the same exact effect.”
Her soulful yet increasingly powerful vocals which Americana Highways describes as “deliciously sensitive” thread together a patchwork of eloquent folk, dusty country, and heartfelt Americana which became her independent album, Prodigal released on May 8th of this year. Piano, pedal steel, guitar, and banjo entwine with her honey-smooth delivery as she details the ups and downs (and everything in between) on her journey thus far. In May, McGuinness released the title song “Prodigal”. It has beautiful piano and slide guitar, creating the perfect palate for McGuiness’s voice and immediately draws you into her tale of coming home. PRESS HERE to listen. Of the song, she says, “I hope these words shine a light for people during these troubled times. This song came to me after a long period of darkness and despair, and it is a song about not losing hope when all seems lost.”
In April, McGuinness released “Silver Edge”, the first song off Prodigal. Pulling from happenings and heart-to-hearts along her journey, McGuinness advocates bravery and an unyielding sense of self. “Silver Edge” resonated with folk music lovers across the country.
Earlier this year McGuinness released her cover of “The Gambler” by Kenny Rogers and it was released coincidentally on the same day as his passing. Her personal connection to the song and that she shares Rogers’ Texas roots adds a sentimental touch to the cover.
McGuinness was born in Killeen, Texas and grew up in several parts of the world including Ft. Hood, Texas, Korea, and, with her grandparents, in Long Island, NY. Presently, she makes her home in Los Angeles. She began singing opera and graduated from the Manhattan School of Music to later perform on Broadway. McGuinness started writing her own songs and has recorded four albums under another project. She has toured throughout the US and supported acts as diverse as TRAIN, Kenny Wayne Shepherd, Shawn Colvin, and Kenny Loggins.