Anna Marie Genovese, a talented singer born in Syracuse, New York, in 1931, captivated audiences under the name "Anna Marie." Singing from a young age in her hometown, she released her only LP, "Interludes with Anna Marie," a 10-inch record on the Syracuse-based Vesta label in January 1955, under the guidance of Maurey Goldberg, who also acted as her agent.

Nat Hentoff praised the album in Down Beat, awarding it four stars and noting, “She has felt sympathy with a number of modern jazz artists, like Sarah Vaughan. She has a good full voice, with a serviceable ear and a musician’s way of phrasing. The album is pleasant listening as is and certainly quite superior to most female vocalizing these days. ‘Interludes with Anna Marie’ includes some of the ballad type songs she likes to do best.”

The liner notes celebrate her unique talent: "Many vocalists can put 'life' in a song, but it is a rare treat to hear a vocalist combine this talent with a melodic voice. Her perfect control and delicate phrasing result in a rendition pleasing to everyone, and a definite thrill to critical admirers of vocal art."

Despite being paralyzed by polio since age one, Anna Marie never let it hinder her artistic vision or determination. Starting in 1948, she used her talent to support others affected by the illness, performing in benefit shows for the March of Dimes.

Anna Marie was entirely self-taught and never learned to read music or play the piano formally. She arranged her songs intuitively, saying, “mostly as I go along.”

At 18, she won the Ted Mack Original Amateur Hour in 1949 as Syracuse’s representative with her rendition of “Come Back to Sorrento.” This success propelled her career, leading to performances with Tony Pastor’s band at New York City’s Hotel Edison and guest spots with renowned bands like Tommy Dorsey and Tex Beneke. In 1954, she gained further acclaim as a contestant on the nationally televised show "Chance of a Lifetime," and in 1956, she appeared as a guest on Steve Allen’s “Tonight Show” upon the release of her album.

Anna Marie cherished the creative freedom of working with a small group. In "Interludes with Anna Marie," she collaborated with the talented Syracusan pianist Bill Rubenstein, an outstanding accompanist known for his work with Ray Anthony, Pee Wee Hunt, and Buddy Rich. Rubenstein's trio provided a tasteful and functional accompaniment to Anna Marie, and their collaboration resulted in an intimate and memorable album.

Not much else is known about Anna Marie Genovese's life and activities as a singer. In 1970, Anna Marie moved to Florida and retired from the music scene. She became active in the antiques business for 30 years and volunteered at Woodside Hospice and Tandem Rehabilitation Center. Anna Marie passed away at 71, on April 1, 2001, at Largo Medical Center in Seminole, Florida.

—Jordi Pujol (Taken from the inside liner-notes of FSRV 139)