McKee, Maria (1964–)

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McKee, Maria (1964–)

American rock singer. Born Aug 17, 1964, in Los Angeles, California; half-sister of Brian Maclean (member of 60s band, Love).

Known for powerful soprano voice and authoritative delivery, joined with Ryan Hedgecock to form Lone Justice (1982), performing initially as acoustic duo; added rhythm section and electric guitar and signed with Geffen Records; released 1st album Lone Justice to critical acclaim (1985) though limited commercial success; shuffled band's membership, keeping only Hedgecock and releasing Shelter (1986), again to limited success; released solo debut album, Maria McKee (1989); scored critical breakthrough with 2nd solo album, You Gotta Sin to Get Saved (1993), then broke from country-rock tradition, playing guitar as well as singing on Life Is Sweet (1996); contributed song "If Love Is A Red Dress (Hang Me in Rags)" to Pulp Fiction soundtrack (1996); released Lone Justice retrospective The World Is Not My Home (1999) and performed country folk on Songcatcher soundtrack (2001); other albums include High Dive (2003) Maria McKee: Live in Hamburg (2004) and Peddlin Dreams (2005).

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