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• Jazz Kitchen

Mary Moss displays a promotional photo of herself and her husband, King, with whom she started her career decades ago in Louisville. (Frank Espich for The Star)

"You never know what's in a person's mind. That's why I like to do a variety of songs. I don't like to be in a square box. Music is just so therapeutic. It heals the soul, girl. It really does." (Frank Espich for The Star)

Moss shows off a wall of career keepsakes, including awards and photo mementos, in the hallway of her Northside home. (Frank Espich for The Star)

Vocalist Mary Moss knows her way around a tune. The Louisville native -- known as "The Lady With a Song" -- began her illustrious singing career in the Bluegrass state, first in church choirs, later appearing in nightclubs and eventually teaming with singing partner and husband, King.

Moss relocated to Indianapolis in 1958, appearing in local clubs such as the Embers, B&B Lounge and LaRue's Supper Club. Nationally, she was a regular on the Playboy Club circuit, where she performed with a number of other singing stars.

Especially known for her jazz vocalism and sophisticated stage presence, Moss continues to win over audiences. In 2002, she was inducted into the Indianapolis Jazz Foundation Hall of Fame. A regular at the Jazz Kitchen, the Chatterbox Jazz Club and Indy Jazz Fest, she also is in demand at private events (from parties to wedding receptions).

While Moss doesn't mind reflecting on her long and varied career, she is just as fond of being firmly in the moment. On a recent sunny afternoon, she relaxed in her Northside home, grooving to jazz tunes on the stereo and reflecting on her rise in music, a face-to-face with a U.S. president, the pressures faced by today's singers and her love of performing.

Did you know from a young age that music and singing would be part of your life?

When I was going to elementary school, my teacher said, "You're going to be a singer." And it didn't take long for me to realize that that was the truth. So, yes, I knew God put me here for that purpose. By the time I grew of age to go to the nightclubs and listen to other (singers) and listen to musicians, then I made a decision as to what I wanted to do. I heard a lot of others sing, and then I started singing some of their songs. And then I went to the clubs to sing them. And people would say, "Hey, you're better than she is." And I said, "OK, give me some money. Where's the money, honey?"

What was the Louisville music scene like when you were starting out?

Oh, music just all over the place. I loved the fact that the folks who preceded me were there around me to offer their support and tell me what to do and how to go about doing it. And I was so grateful. It was a time when everybody stuck together.

What brought you to Indianapolis?

A job. I think it was (at) the Pink Poodle. I had an aunt here, so I came to stay at her house. And I just moved here, because Indianapolis (was) just loaded with musicians. So a lot of these musicians discovered that I could talk and sing. And I just started opening the doors and said, "Well, I'm stepping in."

Early on, you performed with your husband, as King and Mary. When did you decide to strike out on your own?

We were beautiful together. (But) we split. I outgrew him mentally (laughs). I was much younger than he, so I had to just be me, you know, do my own thing. I said, "Man, I've got to cut loose and ..... fly on my own here." And he said, "Well, OK, Mary." And you know, he had no problem. And to the day he died, we were still friends.

What was it like working the Playboy Club circuit?

Out of sight. After the show was over, we'd go down to (Hugh Hefner's) house, and there was a bar area, and he had a swimming-pool area. And we'd sit at the bar and watch the people jump and swim. I never saw so many drunk people swimming in all my born life. We'd sit down and have a little drink and talk and stay around until the wee hours of the morning. Those were some good ol' fun days. Yes, indeed.

You performed for Bill Clinton during his presidency, when he was a guest at the Simon residence here in town. Was it intimidating singing for the leader of the free world?

No, see, because I look at him as a musician. He can blow a horn, and he loves music. So that's why I said, "You got your horn?" And he said, "No, but you can sing." So then he wrapped his arm around me (for a photo), and I was blown away.

Do you have an all-time favorite song that you like to perform?

Yes, it's "God Bless the Child" (by Billie Holiday). That song is so powerful. That song is old, but it's great. It just tells a good story about life and living and interacting with people.

Was Billie Holiday a favorite of yours when you were building your career?

Yes. Billie Holiday, Nancy Wilson, Sarah Vaughan. They saw my potential. And they said, "Mary, always be a lady, and dress very elegantly when you go on that stage." (The Hampton Sisters) used to compliment me when I was doing my shows. (They'd) say "Oh, you're so elegant." And I said, "Well, I have to do that. This is how I am." I mean, you've got Nancy Wilson, you've got Sarah Vaughan, you've got Ella Fitzgerald, Lena Horne, all these elegant ladies. So I'm an elegant lady. And I like to be dressed for entertainment. And the guys in the band behind me, they're the same way, because we've been through the younger days.

So what's your opinion of the latest crop of female singers?

Oh, these young girls are so beautiful. But they're damn near naked. You don't have to be naked to be an entertainer and to get people to like you. Everything is talking about sex, sex, sex. I love sex. It's here to stay forever. But there's a time and a place for that. (Instead), look at the talent. Let that be exposed. It's your voice and the talent to sing that's cool.

Maybe Britney Spears needs a sit-down with you.

Oh, I feel so sorry for this child. They follow her everywhere she goes -- it's just so sad. It really is. Give the girl a chance to breathe. She's not perfect, so she gets messed up in the drugs and things. I'm sorry that she does it, but give her some space. I cried the other day, because I feel so sorry for her.

You feel strongly about girl power. You founded and produced "Women Kickin' It" to bring female vocalists and musicians together for some group performances. How did that come about?

It's been about five years (ago). Most of us had individual careers. So I got the idea to say, "Let's just all come together and kick it like women." So everybody said "OK, Mary," and they just came right here to this house and we put it together. And we had a hell of a time. We really did.

You're known not just for your voice, but for your great onstage rapport with the audience.

It makes all the difference in the world. (At a performance), it's just like you're here in the living room now. And we're just talking. I welcome you to come to my house and relax and be you, and I'll be me. It's the same thing on the stage. I get the audience to be a part of what I'm doing. I'll ask, "Do we have anybody celebrating a birthday, anniversary, separation, divorce? Anybody expecting? Anybody not too sure?" The next thing you know, we're off and running. You know, we're going to Kansas City, we're going to Chicago, everywhere, singing. There's a song for every emotion. And consequently, you can hit somebody over here, over there, wherever. You never know what's in a person's mind. That's why I like to do a variety of songs. I don't like to be in a square box. Music is just so therapeutic. It heals the soul, girl. It really does.

Mary Moss

Age: "Over 50, of course." Hometown: Louisville, Ky. Education: Kentucky State College. Recording: "A Lady With a Song," recorded live at the Jazz Kitchen on Oct. 25, 2003. Web site: Listen to recordings by Mary Moss at www.marymoss.com. Upcoming performances: 10:30 p.m. Feb. 16 at the Chatterbox Jazz Club, 435 Massachusetts Ave. $5.

- Interview by Julie Cope Saetre