Maree says she first heard Elvis sing when her parents played a record of his when she was four years old.
"I loved his voice straight away, and from then on have enjoyed his music. He's just brilliant, he can do anything, from rock through to country. He sang it all and sounded so good."
Her love of singing also dates back to her childhood says Maree.
"I've been singing since I was a child, but only really got into joining country music clubs about 18 months ago."
Before, when singing at karaoke nights, Maree says she often chose country music songs to sing to. At home, she sings with her daughter, Shamika Hoeta, 12, and says Shamika also enjoys country music.
"That's the great thing about the style of music. It suits everyone, there's a real focus on the words and they have real meaning, which helps you put emotion into it when you sing. It tells a story and the music doesn't overpower the words or the feelings in the song."
Maree is a member of several country music clubs around Taranaki and says she recommends joining a club to anyone interested in singing or playing country music.
"You meet great people and can enjoy good music, good singing and good company all in one place."
