Maria Muldaur facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Maria Muldaur
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Muldaur in 1969
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| Background information | |
| Birth name | Maria Grazia Rosa Domenica D'Amato |
| Also known as | Maria D'Amato |
| Born | September 12, 1942 New York City, U.S. |
| Genres | Folk, blues, country |
| Occupation(s) | Singer |
| Instruments | Vocals |
| Years active | 1963–present |
| Labels | Reprise |
| Associated acts | Even Dozen Jug Band, Jerry Garcia Band |
Maria Muldaur (born Maria Grazia Rosa Domenica D'Amato on September 12, 1942) is an American singer. She is famous for her folk and blues songs. Maria was an important part of the American folk music revival in the early 1960s. She had a big hit song in 1973 called "Midnight at the Oasis". Maria has recorded many albums, exploring different music styles like folk, blues, early jazz, gospel, country, and R&B.
She was married to musician Geoff Muldaur. Their daughter, Jenni Muldaur, is also a singer-songwriter.
Contents
Maria Muldaur's Early Life and Music Journey
Maria Muldaur was born in Greenwich Village, New York City. She went to Hunter College High School.
When she was young, Maria loved listening to many kinds of music. She enjoyed classic country artists like Kitty Wells and Hank Williams. She also liked early rhythm and blues singers such as Chuck Willis and Ruth Brown. Maria was also a fan of Alan Freed's "rock 'n' roll" shows and doo-wop groups like The Platters.
Starting Her Music Career
Maria began her music career in the early 1960s. Back then, she was known as Maria D'Amato. She performed with a group called the Even Dozen Jug Band. In this band, she played with musicians like John Sebastian.
Later, she joined another group called Jim Kweskin & the Jug Band. She was a main singer and sometimes played the fiddle. During this time, Maria was part of the lively music scene in Greenwich Village. Famous musicians like Bob Dylan were also there. Maria shared some of her memories of this time in a film about Bob Dylan called No Direction Home.
Maria married Geoff Muldaur, who was also in the Jug Band. After the Kweskin group broke up, Maria and Geoff made two albums together. Their marriage ended in 1972, and Maria started her solo career. She decided to keep her married name, Muldaur.
Her Big Hits
Maria's first solo album, Maria Muldaur, came out in 1973. This album featured her most famous song, "Midnight at the Oasis". This song became a huge hit in 1974, reaching number 6 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart.
Later that same year, she released her second album, Waitress in a Donut Shop. This album included a new version of the song "I'm a Woman". This song was first made popular by Peggy Lee. Maria's version of "I'm a Woman" reached number 12 on the Billboard Hot 100.
Later Career and Awards
Maria continued to perform and record music after her early success. She even joined the Jerry Garcia Band as a backing vocalist in the late 1970s. She also worked with bluegrass musician Peter Rowan.
Around 1980, Maria became a Christian. She released two gospel albums. In 1983, she went back to making other kinds of music, focusing on old jazz and blues styles.
Maria has kept performing, touring, and recording for many years. Her album Sweet Lovin' Ol' Soul (2005) was nominated for both a Blues Music Award and a Grammy Award. In 2013, she was nominated for another Blues Music Award.
In 2019, Maria Muldaur received the Trailblazer award at the Americana Music Honors & Awards. This award celebrates artists who have made a big impact. In 2021, she released a new album called Let's Get Happy Together with a band called Tuba Skinny.
Images for kids
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Maria Muldaur (left) with her band on stage at the 1983 Cambridge Folk Festival, England.
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Maria Muldaur at the Riverwalk Blues Festival in Fort Lauderdale, 1996.
See also
In Spanish: Maria Muldaur para niños
