A pianist with whom I used to play (Dick Hughes) had a few lessons with Mary Lou. It certainly showed in his playing: Swinging, broken rhythms, etc., but she was superb, even when so young.
I agree-definitive. Recorded in 1930 in Chicago I think; she was still only 20 ish but really
accomplished. You can hear the overriding Earl Hines influence but with her own touches.
Because she was a private and religious person and spent many years of her life in Church I think. She was also a wonderful human being. She used to invite starving musicians into her house and gave them free meals. She loved Jazz music and loved God.