Although mostly known for the country music genre, the sisters wrote and performed Australia's first original rock 'n' roll single.
Her family where all musical, with her brother Alan being a jazz guitarist, whilst her sister Rita, whom she performed alongside early in her career, was a singer, writer, record producer and song compiler and publisher, who also worked briefly as a dramatic actress and was a noted presence on radio and television, most especially appearing alongside Mary.
[2] Although a little-known fact, the Schneider Sisters were actually the first Australian act to write and perform Australia's first original rock 'n' roll song, although this distinction is normally attributed to Johnny O'Keefe with his 1958 hit "Wild One".
During the final year of the Second World War they entertained troops in Brisbane at a concert party, after which Schneider auditioned for Dick Fairs Australian Amateur Hour radio show.
They were signed to EMI's Regal Zonophone label in 1950 and toured with Mack's Revue Company.
[2] She has appeared on numerous radio and TV programs locally and internationally including the Don and Mike Show, The Howard Stern Show and National Public Radio[4] in the US, Spicks and Specks and Enough Rope[5] on ABC TV and Eurotrash in the UK.
Schneider was recognised in the Queen's Birthday Honours in 2012, with the Order of Australia (AM) The Australian Roll of Renown honours Australian and New Zealand musicians who have shaped the music industry by making a significant and lasting contribution to country music.