This installment of Trick Bag presents a special showcase of New Orleans soulstress Mary Jane Hooper. After releasing only a handful of singles between 1968 and 1970, this brilliantly talented vocalist (whose real name is Sena Fletcher) faded into obscurity. Her music has since garnered a dedicated following among R&B/soul collectors and much speculation has arisen about her recent whereabouts. A CD containing the material from her 45-RPMs and seven previously unreleased recordings -- all cut for New Orleans crawfish king Al Scramuzza's various record labels -- hit the market in 1997, helping to quench the lust for rare gems in the hearts of soul music devotees worldwide. This episode features a very rare 2016 interview I conducted with Mary Jane, which originally aired on my radio program on WWOZ in New Orleans. Also featured here are samples of never-before-heard recordings from Sena's personal collection! And, of course, we'll hear her classic sides as well.
Trick Bag is presented by Osiris Media. Hosted and Produced by Neil Pellegrin. Produced by Kirsten Cluthe. Edited by Matt Dwyer and Justin Thomas (Revoice Media). Executive produced by Patrick Mitchell (EAC Productions). Artwork by Liz Bee.
Johnny Adams - Release Me
Mary Jane Hooper - Harper Valley PTA
Mary Jane Hooper - Teach Me
Mary Jane Hooper - Psychedelphia
Mary Jane Hooper - That's How Strong Love Is
Sena & Raymond Fletcher - Bill Bailey
Sena & Raymond Fletcher - More
Sena & Raymond Fletcher - Blueberry Hill/Great Balls of Fire
unreleased recording produced by Willie Tee
Mary Jane Hooper - Remember When
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