Wendy Rene

Wendy Rene is the stage name of soul singer and songwriter Mary Frierson, later Mary Cross. She recorded for Stax Records in the mid 1960s.
Wendy Rene: A Forgotten Soul Legend
Wendy Rene is an artist that deserves more recognition for her impact on soul music. She was barely in her 20s when she made an indelible mark on the music world and left a lasting legacy that still resonates with audiences to this day. In this article, we’ll explore Wendy Rene’s musical biography, best songs, music genre, and her critically acclaimed concerts. So let’s dive into the life and music of this phenomenal artist.
Wendy Rene was born Mary Frierson in Memphis, Tennessee, in 1947. She started singing in church as a child, and at the age of 16, Rene and her siblings started their own music group, The Drapels. The group caught the attention of Stax Records, and they signed a recording contract in 1963. Rene released her first single, After Laughter (Comes Tears), at the age of 18. It became a hit and established her as a new force in soul music. Her style was unique and her voice had a soft, yet edgy quality, that set her apart from other singers at the time. Rene was known for her lyrics, often rooting for the underdog and expressing the pain and emotional hardship that came with love and life.
Rene's music was a blend of soul, gospel, and R&B. She recorded dozens of tracks during her career, but the most notable were After Laughter (Comes Tears), Bar-B-Q, I Wish I Were That Girl, and Gone For Good. These songs encapsulated Rene's style and sound, and are still celebrated by fans and musicologists to this day.
In terms of critical receptions, Rene gave some memorable concerts in her career. One notable show was at the Municipal Auditorium in Memphis, in 1964. She blew the crowd away, with her powerful voice and electric energy. She also performed at some major music festivals, including the 1962 Soul Holiday concert in New York and the legendary Wattstax festival in Los Angeles, in 1972. Her performance at Wattstax was unforgettable as she took the stage and sang After Laughter (Comes Tears) while wearing a glamorous red gown, which cemented her legacy.
Despite her success, Wendy Rene left the music industry in the early 70s, to focus on her family and eventually became a full-time nurse. It wasn't until the 90s that she was rediscovered by a new generation of music enthusiasts and celebrated for her contribution to soul music. Today, Wendy Rene's record sales continue to soar, and her impact on the music industry shows no sign of fading.
Wendy Rene was a powerful voice and an unforgettable artist. She charmed audiences with her unique sound, a blend of gospel, soul, and R&B that touched hearts and souls. Although her career was short-lived, Rene's impact on the music industry is still felt to this day. Her music encapsulated the mood and spirit of the 60s and continues to inspire new generations of musicians. If you're a fan of soul music, it's time to give Wendy Rene a listen, and discover a hidden gem of the genre.