DECATUR, Ill. – When the 2025 GRAMMY Awards are announced on Sunday, February 2, Millikin University alumna Mary Lemanski ’97 will be in contention for an award.
Lemanski, a Class of 1997 graduate with a Music degree, contributed to Antonio Vergara’s acclaimed album “The Fury” which has been recognized with a GRAMMY nomination in the Best Contemporary Blues Album category.
Released on August 29, 2024, “The Fury” features 13 tracks that explore the richness of contemporary blues while incorporating innovative artists from around the world. With contributions from several international collaborators, the album stands out for its musical diversity and the impressive quality of its compositions.
Lemanski was a part of this groundbreaking project, adding a unique layer of emotion and authenticity. This nomination marks a significant milestone in Lemanski's career, who played a key role in the creation of a project that celebrates the roots of blues and takes them to new heights with its fusion of traditional and modern sounds.
She joined a talented group of musicians and artists to create an album that goes beyond traditional blues, blending influences from various cultures and sounds. Their contributions highlight the project's depth and underscore the collaboration's impact on contemporary music.
Lemanski, a vocalist/songwriter-composer/multi-instrumentalist, played her first gig at age 11 when she filled in for the organist at the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception, her Catholic school’s church in Springfield, for a funeral. She was pulled out of class, aced the service, was paid $40, and was set on the path to becoming the musician she is today.
A graduate of Cathedral Grade School and Sacred Heart-Griffin High School, these days, Mary is a fully-developed pop/rock/alternative artist in her own right, excelling at keyboards, vocals, drum programming, guitar, and bass. Her songwriting has been compared to Blondie, Tori Amos, and Carly Simon, and she has been releasing original music online since 1999.
In addition to being an artist, Mary has taught music business, piano, voice, songwriting & composing and has worked extensively in the music industry, including stints at Epitaph Records, BMG Entertainment, Clear Channel Radio/iHeart Radio, Razormaid Productions, and Rhino Staging. She owns Cyberpunk Web Marketing & Virtual Assistant Services, which provides innovative internet and social media marketing, web design, and virtual assistant services for small businesses, solo professionals & entrepreneurs.
About the GRAMMYS
The GRAMMY Awards are presented by the Recording Academy of the United States to recognize outstanding achievements in the music industry. They are regarded by many as the most prestigious and significant awards in the music industry worldwide.
The mission of the Recording Academy is to recognize excellence in the recording arts and sciences, cultivate the well-being of the music community, and ensure that music remains an indelible part of our culture.
