Biography
From a young age Mary Dukes has devoted herself to singing and has contributed backing vocals to an array of major artists that includes Marvin Gaye, Natalie Cole, MC Hammer, Stevie Wonder, Lou Rawls, Archie Bell, Peggy Adams, and Earth Wind & Fire. Although years of work in gospel and R&B have shaped her career, blues has always been her deepest passion, a connection reflected in a vocal approach repeatedly likened to that of blues great Magic Sam and ultimately leading her to form Mary Dukes & the 32-20 Band. The group issued its first recording, Introducing the Divine Ms. Mary, in September 2001, with guest appearances by South Side Slim and organist Deacon Jones, whose earlier work included performances alongside John Lee Hooker and Freddie King.