Maury Finney spoke with Phil McKenzie about our Good Vibrations exhibit and his musical background. Originally from rural Kittson County Minnesota, Maury Finney grew up with music dominating his family’s focus. Dorothy, his mom, was a talented piano player and had been raised in a family of musicians herself. His dad George was a saxophone player and Maury followed in his footsteps at a young age. In his teens, he was hired by a local band leader to fill in for the regular sax player who was forced to take time off to have his teeth fixed. When the sax player returned, Maury remained in the band, gaining invaluable experience by playing alongside seasoned musicians. Those early gigs proved life changing as he developed his talent in ways that otherwise wouldn’t have been possible. 

With his brother Allen, Maury formed a rock and roll band called The Charms. The band recorded a record and developed a large following, playing venues throughout the local area from Winnipeg to Fargo. In addition to his music career, Maury enjoyed working in electronics with music. He and his wife Faith owned Maury's Tv and appliance business in East Grand Forks and later opened a recording studio.

n 1976 Maury recorded the song “Maidens Prayer” for Soundwaves Record Co. of Nashville, which began his country music career with nationwide success. Between 1976 and 1977, he charted the most instrumental songs of any country music artist. In 1977 and 1978, Maury was named “Top New Instrumentalist” by the three leading music reporting magazines -- Billboard Music Week, Record World, and Cashbox magazine. He charted twelve times on the Billboard country singles charts. Later, he organized a 7 piece band called Reedsong Music Company, which included family members. Maury was inducted into Minnesota’s Rock Country Hall of Fame in 2007. 

Maury is featured in the Good Vibrations along with the late Little Bobby Houle and other area musicians. He and Little Bobby Houle performed together at numerous venues. Maury shared, “it was a magical time when I became Little Bobby’s saxman at several of Bobby’s shows at casinos, Bluesfests, and many city celebrations. It was a blast playing with such a professional and talented songwriter, guitarist, and great Blues singer. Little Bobby’s passing has left a hole in my music life.”

 Maury continues to perform in the northwest Minnesota area and sometimes in Florida, with blues bands, on his own, and when other opportunities arise and he still thoroughly enjoys it. Listen to the conversation to learn more and stop by the exhibit!