The Two of Hearts

Mary Lou Richardson

Musician, Singer-Songwriter, Artist, Naturalist

Mary Lou Richardson has been singing since the tender age of five, captivating her friends and family with enchanting performances. From singalongs filled with show tunes, campfire melodies, and joyful hymns like "Let the Sun Shine In" and "This Little Light of Mine" which she learned at the Methodist Church, Mary Lou's passion for music knows no bounds.

In her family's basement, Mary Lou transformed it into her own personal stage, spending countless hours singing along to the enchanting melodies of "Annie Get Your Gun" and gracefully twirling to the mesmerizing waltzes of Strauss. Her imaginative grandmother graciously provided her with an array of fabrics and adornments, allowing her to bring her plays and performances to life with vibrant and colorful costumes.

Among the many treasured gifts of her childhood, two stand out as particularly exhilarating: a magnetic puppet theatre and an early device that allowed her to create her very own records at home.

Inspired by the legendary Jerry Lewis telethons, Mary Lou organized vibrant carnivals adorned with mesmerizing magic shows, intriguing fortune telling booths, refreshing Kool-Aid stands, and captivating entertainment. These events served as fundraisers for the MDA, an organization close to her heart. Additionally, Mary Lou always took immense pride in actively participating in the frequent bicycle parades that joyously paraded through the town.

Mary Lou has a diverse range of musical interests, spanning from musical theatre to classical and folk to popular. She particularly enjoys the popular music of the 1960s, including iconic artists such as the Beatles, Beach Boys, Simon & Garfunkel, Joni Mitchell, Judy Collins, and many others.

During her time at Annandale High School, Mary Lou sang in the choir and had the opportunity to perform a Bach cantata at the esteemed Washington National Cathedral. She also showcased her talents in musicals like Finian's Rainbow and Kiss Me Kate. Additionally, she enjoyed playing the guitar and singing at St. Michael's and St. Alban's coffeehouses alongside her friends, Maggie and Betsy.

Inspired by John Denver's anthem, "Rocky Mountain High," and her fascination with vast open spaces, Mary Lou decided to move westward. She eventually settled in Colorado with her husband, where she pursued her passion for nature. She attended forestry school and worked for the park service, as well as at tree farms and garden centers. Immersed in the beauty of nature, she frequently visited National Parks, familiarizing herself with the flora and fauna of the Rockies. Furthermore, she developed a deep appreciation for the dark night sky through the use of their home telescope.

After relocating to Chicago and starting a family, she found immense joy in creating music together. Whether it was at parties or family gatherings, she cherished these moments, especially when playing the piano alongside her talented daughter.

She embraced the festive spirit by immersing herself in holiday songbooks, from Christmas melodies to Valentine's Day tunes, and even patriotic anthems for the 4th of July and Halloween classics. Additionally, she made sure to learn every single Disney princess song imaginable. Singing timeless classics like "Old Mill Stream" and "Tell Me Why" with her parents was a cherished tradition, and she also assisted her mother with music therapy when she developed aphasia.

Not limited to just the ukulele, she pursued her love for music by studying guitar, Native American flute, and the recorder. Her passion for baroque music led her to play beautiful duets with her talented guitarist husband. Throughout her life, she has always found solace and enchantment in attending symphonies and indulging in classical music recordings.

During the 1990s, Mary Lou made the decision to move closer to her roots in Virginia, along with her two children, in order to be near their grandparents. In her new community, she actively participated in various events such as the Community School's Strawberry Festival, where she took charge of organizing talent acts. Additionally, Mary Lou showcased her vocal abilities as a member of the Salem Choral Society, even performing an original oratorio called "Job" at the esteemed Jefferson Center.

Her dedication to both talent and community was evident as she contributed her time and skills to numerous local events. Mary Lou also sought private vocal instruction, honing her skills and showcasing them at recitals. Not only did she prioritize her own personal growth, but she also generously volunteered at organizations such as RAM House and the Roanoke Valley Time Bank, exemplifying her commitment to making a positive impact in her community.