Lone justice biography
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Led by charismatic singer Maria McKee, Lone Justice emerged from the L.A. cowpunk scene and found success with their blend of country rock and rockabilly revival revisited by the punk wave. Formed in with Maria McKee and guitarist Ryan Hedgecock, the band underwent a few changes in its rhythm section before recording, with Marvin Etzioni (bass) and Don Heffington (drums), an explosive first album produced by Jimmy Iovine for Geffen Records. Released in , it met with great acclaim on both sides of the Atlantic, and included the iconic hit "Ways to Be Wicked", which reached number 71 in the US charts. A second guitarist, Shane Fontayne, was hired, as was keyboardist Bruce Brody, while Gregg Sutton took over from Marvin Etzioni and Rudy Richman from Don Heffington for the following album Shelter (), featuring the homonymous hit at No. In , Maria McKee disbanded the band to embark on a solo career. The musicians returned to their own projects with the release of the compilation This World Is Not My Home. After Don Heffington died of leukemia on March 24, , previously unreleased tapes were found and restored in the studio for a new album, Viva Lone Justice, released in
Lone Justice
American country rock band
For the song of the same name by Anthrax, see Spreading the Disease.
Lone Justice is an American country rock band formed in by guitarist Ryan Hedgecock and singer Maria McKee in Los Angeles. The band released two albums, Lone Justice in and Shelter the following year, before disbanding in
History
Early era
Lone Justice began as part of the L.A. cowpunk scene of the s, inspired by Hedgecock and McKee's shared affection for rockabilly and country music. The group started out as a strict cover band, but after the additions of bassist David Harrington and drummer Don Willens, they began to compose their own material.Marvin Etzioni was initially brought in as producer, arranger and songwriter for the band, but ended up replacing Harrington as bassist in By , Don Heffington had replaced Willens as drummer. Their early sound was a fusion of country music and punk rock with rockabilly elements, but by the time of their first album, the band had begun to incorporate elements of roots rock and singer-songwriter styles. Benmont Tench of Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers was a frequent guest musician at their live shows. The band earned early support from Dolly Parton, who attended one of their club shows and later recalled McKee as "The greatest girl singer any band could ever have."
Lone Justice developed their initial following within the Los Angeles music scene. Local rock journalist Stann Findelle reported in Performance magazine that the band "stole the show" at the Whisky a Go Go from headliner Arthur Lee, who was attempting a comeback that night, but left after two songs.Linda Ronstadt was introduced to the band by wardrobe stylist Genny Schorr. Linda Ronstadt made a call to David Geffen and they were signed to Geffen Records amid a flurry of publicity.[8 Lone Justice, the electric roots rock band that took the Los Angeles music scene by storm in the '80s, is perhaps best defined by the powerhouse vocals of their frontwoman, Maria McKee. Armed with a unique blend of country rock, cowpunk, and heartland rock, Lone Justice carved a distinctive niche in the music industry, captivating audiences with their energetic performances and heartfelt songwriting. With a sound that fuses the sincerity of country with the rebellious spirit of rock & roll, they've undeniably made their mark, ushering countless fans into the world of vinyl culture. From their self-titled debut album in to their recent compilation, Viva Lone Justice in , they've continuously shared their music with a passionate following. Their journey is characterized by groundbreaking achievements, including collaborations with music icons like Dolly Parton and Linda Ronstadt, both of whom recognized the authenticity of Lone Justice's sound. Their discography features notable vinyl releases that not only showcase their evolution as musicians but also reflect the growing renaissance of vinyl collecting among enthusiasts. Founded in by guitarist Ryan Hedgecock and the charismatic singer Maria McKee, Lone Justice's roots are steeped in a rich cultural tradition and musical upbringing. Maria, the half-sister of Bryan MacLean of the legendary band Love, was practically immersed in the music scene from an early age. Often seen at iconic venues like the Whisky a Go Go, she was surrounded by luminaries such as Frank Zappa and members of the Doors, who helped shape her artistic sensibilities. Growing up in a family with a musical legacy, McKee took to the stage at age three and never looked back. Her early ventures into music, including performances in duos and studying musical theater, laid the groundwork for he studio album by Lone Justice Lone Justice is the debut studio album by American roots rock band Lone Justice, released in April The album received some critical acclaim, but it failed commercially. Trouser Press described the problem as over-promotion: "It isn't that Lone Justice's first album is bad (it's not), but the ballyhoo that preceded the LA quartet's debut raised expectations that these frisky countryfied rock tunes (Linda Ronstadt on speed, perhaps, or Dolly Parton backed by the Blasters) couldn't possibly satisfy. Maria McKee is an impressive young singer — an energetic, throaty powerhouse with a Southern twang and a slight Patsy Cline catch — and the band is solid enough, but [the album] doesn't come anywhere near extraordinary." Lone Justice was ranked the 24th best album of in The Village Voice year-end Pazz & Jop critics poll. Writing credits adapted from the album's liner notes. Adapted from the album's liner notes. Lone Justice Additional personnel ProductionLone Justice Vinyl Records & Discography
Who is Lone Justice? A Brief Career Overview
Lone Justice's Early Life and Background
Lone Justice (album)
Reception
Track listing
Charts
Chart () Peak
position US Billboard 56 US Top Country Albums (Billboard) 62 Personnel