Anna Marie - Anna Marie (1990)

Thanks to my dear and fabulous friend Bunny (aka Bomitoni on Blogger, the creator and my cohort on the Milk Carton Pop Stars blog), I am now able to share with you the work of one of my crown jewels of failed and unknown popstars, Anna Marie! A search for her profile on the internet reveals that Anna Marie (no last name) was born in New Jersey and began an acting career in 1947. Then after performing in concerts and recitals she recorded this, her first album, in 1955. During the 1960s she performed on stage and in 1972 performed in the Ballet Adiago. Then in 1991, she worked on Gerardo's album Mo' Ritmo, which included his hit "Rico Suave". In 1998 she released her second album, Spain Never Sleeps. The only problem is that this info seems like three or four "Anna Marie"'s combined. Looking at the cover of her 1990 debut album (though the description says it was released in 1955), either this info is wrong or she has a GREAT plastic surgeon if she began her career in 1947!!!! And the woman on the cover of 'Spain Never Sleeps' looks nothing like her. Perhaps this is all true with incorrect dates and bad photos, but it just adds to the 'mystery' of Anna Marie. Whatever the case, the album is a pure Michael Jay production (of Martika, Alisha and Eighth Wonder fame), with a few tracks by the Sembello brothers (known mostly for the Flashdance hit "Maniac"). Thus, it's innocuous dance-pop, easily digested and easily forgotten, like your last bon bon. Eat up!

UPDATE: An anonymous tipper let me know that her last name is Tumminia according to the writing credits, and indeed this name shows up in an internet search for several of the songs on this album, but I can still find nothing further on her as there are several women with that name. The search continues!

UPDATE #2:  FINALLY info on Anna Marie!  Thanks to an anonymous tipper I was given a link to her webpage, which includes her bio!  Here it is:

"Mrs. Matteo has been the Choral director at ETR for the past fourteen years.  She has been a professional vocalist for over 30 years, beginning her performance career in her childhood, as a member of her family band, "The Family Tree", on piano and vocals. 

Originally from New Jersey, Mrs. Matteo moved to Los Angeles California in her early twenties to pursue a recording career.  She is a former MCA recording artist having recorded her self-titled album: Anna Marie.  She has traveled all over the country and her single, "This Could Take All Night" reached 52 on the Billboard Top 100 in adult contemporary.  Television appearances included: Under 18, Not Admitted, Dancin' on Air, and the American Music Awards as background singer for  Wynona Judd.   Mrs. Matteo has also recorded jingles in the Philadelphia area: "Think" for Strawbridge and Clothier, Gertrude Hawk Chocolates, and others.  Mrs. Matteo currently is lead vocalist with her band, Evening Sun.

Mrs. Matteo holds a B.A. is Music Education from Rowan University, graduating Magna Cum Laude, and a Masters Equivalency certificate.  She is an accomplished oboist, having performed with the Bay Atlantic Symphony and Bel Canto Orchestra.

Mrs. Matteo currently resides in Springfield with her husband, Tim, and her daughter, Gianna."

Video for Recipe Of Love

Download Anna Marie

1		Tears Won't Put Out The Fire
2		Recipe Of Love
3		Back
4		This Could Take All Night
5		Heaven's Not Far Away
6		Take The Time For Love
7		Take It From Me
8		The Language Of Love
9		He Loves Me Not
10		True Intentions