The Mary O’Hara story has been told many times. The story of a young singer who fell in love, lost the man she loved through a tragic illness, withdrew to a benedictine monastary, and emerged twelve years later to resume her career with even greater success. It is a story that has been widely chronicled by the media, and yet it still holds a great fascination. Since her first reappearance before the public in 1977 with a memorable interview on the Russell Harty Show, Mary has won many hearts the world over with her music and concerts. She gave her ‘comeback’ concert at London’s Royal Festival Hall and demonstrated to the capacity crowd that she had successfully renewed her career. She sang for the first time with a five-piece backing group and her repertoire included contemporary songs as well as some of her own compositions. It was an extraordinary personal triumph and at the end the audience of 3,000 people stood up and applauded her back for several encores. From then on Mary’s success has been like an avalanche. The Royal Festival Hall Concert was recorded and the L.P. rush released in December. The album, her first new recording for many years, earning her a Silver Disc. The following February, Mary undertook a nationwide tour and filled London’s Royal Albert Hall, as well as two nights at the Gaiety Theatre in Dublin her home town. During March she had her own televisionspecials on BBC and ITV. In April Mary toured America and Canada and duplicated her concert successes. In the summer of that year Mary took part in the “Golden Gala” at the London Palladium to celebrate 50 years of votes for women. This was attended by Princess Margaret and the Prime Minister. Then in November, before starring in her own season at the London Palladium, she was invited to perform for the Queen Mother in the Royal Variety Show. During the autumn of 1978, Mary undertook another British tour as well as appearing on numerous television shows.

Since that memorable interview on the Russell Harty Show, Mary has recorded many songs and filled concert halls the world over with her clear soprano voice. It is hard to believe that for 12 years she put away her harp and refused to sing. Her story has brought inspiration and pleasure to many who have also suffered the loss of a loved one. The 24 tracks on this CD contain a number of songs that are particularly meaningful to Mary O’Hara - a collection of songs to inspire optimism and the celebration of life and love. Hear for yourself the delightful songs, all digitally remastered to bring you Mary O’Hara in person.