Jackson Free Press

Mary Anne Henry, known on stage as Emma Wynters, has good music pulsing through her veins. Born and raised in Greenville, Wynters is steeped in southern tradition. In 2009, she released her second album, "Mississippi Madness," which displays her wistful lyrics, laid-back, bluesy-walkin' instrumentation and a simple yet versatile vocal style. The title track has blues at its core, but deviates from standard, more predictable 12-bar blues form by expanding it to 16 bars.

"From my daddy loving old country music to my mother loving Broadway, (I've been exposed) to all sorts of music," she says. Her family is a large influence on her work.

Wynters' brothers (one is now minister of music at Wells United Methodist Church in Jackson) introduced her to The Carpenters, Burt Bacharach and Creedence Clearwater Revival, all of whom influence her sound.

She is currently considering regional touring, hoping to gain exposure for her original songs. A DJ from France recently contacted her, asking to play her album on his station after hearing it on reverbnation.com. She is also a hit on the British online station newusb.co.uk. The song "Mississippi Madness" was No. 1 for two consecutive weeks (she is currently No. 4), and "For Right Now" took the No. 5 spot.

Originally a solo performer, Wynters now prefers to play alongside guitarist Peary Forrest in the Forrest and Wynters Duo or in her five-piece band, Beggars No Mo'.

Solo, duo or quintet, Wynters offers a different twist on Southern music while still keeping true to her roots.